His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) today announced, that Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority is currently implementing investment projects with a cost of AED1.423 billion. The hi-tech free zone has also attracted foreign investments worth AED1.865 billion; thus making the total investments in Dubai Silicon Oasis AED3.288 Billion
Commenting on DSO’s investments, HH Sheikh Ahmed, said: “The investment projects that DSO is currently working on include the AED1.2 billion smart city project “Silicon Park”, as well as Technohub, the AED97 million office building dedicated for technology entrepreneurs, the AED56 million dorms building for the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, the fifth phase of the light industrial units costing AED42 million, and the AED28 million roads improvement project.”
The AED1.865 billion foreign investment capital include the AED1 billion Fakeeh Academic Medical Centre; the AED500 million shopping centre; the AED200 million Axiom building; the AED110 million manufacturing facility for Chang Zhou Almaden, one of the world’s largest producers of photovoltaic anti-reflective coated glass; and the AED55 million regional headquarters for SIG Combibloc Obeikan, a leading system supplier of aseptic carton packaging and filling lines.
On another note, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed revealed DSOA’s positive results that were recorded across all areas of operations in the first half of 2015; registering AED245.4 million in revenue by mid-2015, representing a 16 percent increase compared with the same period last year. DSOA also earned AED93.8 million in net profit while achieving a 14.6 percent growth in recurring revenues compared to H1 2014.
DSO’s outstanding record in attracting foreign investment is testament to the exceptional services and state-of-the-art facilities it offers to hi-tech companies, investors and entrepreneurs. The increase in the number of companies operating out of DSO – from 1,064 in 2014 to 1,187 in the first half of 2015 marking an increase of 12 percent – is further evidence of the park’s success.
Nearly 71 percent of the companies operating at DSO specialize in IT, while the remaining 29 percent operate across a range of sectors including commerce and services. The current breakdown of organizations by country represented at DSO is as follows: 37 percent of the companies are from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; 30 percent are European; 21 percent are Asian; 11 percent are from the Americas; and just under one percent are from Australia and New Zealand.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed added: “DSO has developed its 2021 growth that lays out a blueprint for expansion that will help shape DSO’s future trajectory. The strategy is in line with the emirate’s vision of becoming a smart and innovative city that encourages innovation and creativity, and supports young technological talent to convert their ideas into successful tech-businesses.”
For his part, Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, highlighted the success stories achieved during the first half of 2015 through the support of start-ups at the park, as well as the prominent agreements signed with local and international companies.
Silicon Park
In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world, DSOA launched Silicon Park, the first integrated smart city project to be built in DSO at a cost of AED1.2 billion and spanning an area of 150,000 square metres. The project, scheduled for completion by Q2 2018, will integrate best international standards to offer a modern lifestyle for residents, workers and visitors.
Additionally, technical trends that reflect the progress of the emirate of Dubai in becoming a smart city include the provision of free round-the-clock Wi-Fi access over the entire expanse of DSO, which extends over an area of 7.2 kilometres. This will mark a significant achievement and, more importantly, provide a facility that will help connect all smart solutions and smart devices across the park.
Fakeeh Academic Medical Centre
In line with Dubai’s plan to attract as many as 500,000 medical tourists a year, a target which if successfully attained should boost the emirate’s economy by up to AED2.6 billion over the next five years, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DSOA, unveiled the commemorative plaque of the Fakeeh Academic Medical Centre (FAMC). The Centre is a state-of-the-art smart hospital and medical university project being developed by Saudi Arabia’s premier healthcare provider, Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH).
Estimated to cost of AED1 billion and planned to cover 150,000 square meters of space at the integrated free zone park, the Fakeeh Academic Medical Centre will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 of the project is set for completion in 2017 and will include the delivery of a 150-bed state-of-the-art smart hospital. Phase 2 of the project, which will be completed in 2019, will increase the capacity of the hospital by an additional 150 beds. This second phase will also incorporate an academic component within the project through the opening of the research-focused medical university. The hospital will also include five centres of excellence specializing in diabetes and endocrinology, muscles, bones and joints, emergency medicine, pulmonary medicine and cardiology.
Photovoltaic Panels Manufacturing Facility
DSOA has signed an agreement with Chang Zhou Almaden Ltd., one of the world’s largest producers of photovoltaic anti-reflective coated glass, to host its new manufacturing and training facility at the integrated free zone technology park.
The 15,000 square meter factory will be set up at a total capital cost of AED110 million, marking Almaden’s foray into the Middle East and North Africa region. The plant has been designed to produce up to 400,000 PV panels every year. The facility will also host a state-of-the-art training centre that will seek to raise awareness about green energy and sustainable solutions for the MENA region.
Axiom Telecom
In 2016, DSO will host Axiom telecom’s new AED200 million hi-tech headquarters. Currently under construction, the building equipped with the latest technology will offer an innovative campus-style facility that serves as a base for all major company operations.
Located over an area of 420,000 square feet, the new Axiom telecom facility – designed by the acclaimed Italian architects Marco Mangili Associati – will recreate the creative ambience of leading tech companies such as Google and Facebook.
Inspired by the concept of a ‘town within a town’, the new headquarters will be equipped with office desks, storage rooms, recreational facilities, multi-function rooms, a fitness suite with a pool, restaurants and a games room. To further enhance employee comfort, the building will feature extensive green spaces, walkways and natural light.
Additionally, the new Axiom telecom headquarters will aim to attain silver Leadership in the Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating. In keeping with this objective, eco-friendly materials and sustainable finishes, as well as a multitude of energy conservation measures will be integrated into the overall construction process.
Shopping Centre
An agreement with one of the largest retail groups in the UAE demonstrates DSO’s continuous efforts to consolidate its position as a fully integrated technology park providing an ideal environment to live and work. The agreement stipulates the building of a one million square feet shopping centre at a cost of AED500 million. The project is anticipated be delivered in 2018.
SIG Combibloc Obeikan
SIG Combibloc Obeikan, a leading system supplier of aseptic carton packaging and filling lines, has opened its new regional headquarters at DSO. SIG hosted an official grand opening in February 2015 at its office premises to welcome key F&B manufacturers, industry partners and local authorities.
Building on the seamless partnership between SIG Combibloc Obeikan and DSO, the new headquarters was built in record time of 10 months at a total cost of AED55 million. Covering a space of 4,700 square feet, the regional headquarters includes three dedicated office stories for regional support functions, a state-of-the-art training centre, an advanced Knowledge Academy with five well-equipped classrooms, and seven multi-functional visitor and staff meeting rooms with audio-visual facilities. The new building can accommodate up to 180 staff and is designed to meet the company’s regional future growth needs.
Yaming International
Aiming to provide advanced technology in support of innovation and sustainability, Shanghai Yaming Lighting Co, a trusted China-based brand and pioneer in lighting technology development, officially opened its regional headquarters at DSO.
The creation of a new regional headquarters marks the start of the organization’s expansion plans in the region. Focusing on innovation and sustainability through developing renewable technology and globally-approved, customized solutions that complement the region’s existing infrastructure, Yaming’s regional headquarters aim to drive the company’s operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and the former CIS countries.

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