His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), has announced that the integrated free zone technology park achieved remarkable results during 2018 with a total revenue of AED576.9 million, as well as overall net profit of AED292.4 million in comparison with AED205.7 million in 2017, marking a surge of 42.1 percent.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that Dubai has achieved sustainable economic success under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He noted that such achievements reflect the confidence of regional and global companies in Dubai as a hub for startups.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum added that the Fifty-Year Charter announced in January 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum helps diversify the economy, keep pace with innovation, encourage investment and support entrepreneurs, which, in turn, contributes to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and business growth.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum further highlighted the importance of Dubai’s free zones in supporting the economic development of the emirate and in achieving the UAE’s vision across different sectors. Notably, he stressed the role DSOA plays in contributing to Dubai’s economic development through attracting companies operating in the knowledge, innovation, and technology domains.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum added that Dubai offers several unique factors that attract investment, such as security and stability, world-class infrastructure, currency stability and new laws facilitating residency visas for investors.
Integrated Environment for Investment and Innovation
For his part, Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, emphasized the significant role played by the integrated environment of DSOA in providing opportunities for investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the contribution of startups to the country’s economy and to attracting experts from all over the world.
Dr Al Zarooni announced the addition of several new companies operating in the technology sector to the DSO community. The total number of companies based in DSO increased by 161 – from 2,459 in 2017 to 2,620 in 2018, marking a rise of six percent.
Among the companies based in DSO, 37 percent are from the Middle East and Africa, 23 percent from Europe, 33 percent from Asia, and seven percent from the Americas. Eighty-one percent of these companies specialize in technology, while 19 percent focus on commercial services and other service sectors.
Silicon Park is 87% complete
Dr Al Zarooni pointed out that Silicon Park, Dubai’s first integrated smart city project in DSO, achieved 87 percent completion, and is scheduled for handover in Q2 2019. Silicon Park comprises 71,000 square meters of office space, 25,000 square meters of commercial space, 46,000 square meters of residential area, as well as a host of value-added contemporary lifestyle facilities, such as restaurants, cafés, fitness centers, running tracks and cycling trails, a shopping center and an underground parking garage that can accommodate more than 2,500 cars.
Dr Al Zarooni added: “This integrated project combines information and communications technology and IoT to ensure the delivery of best-in-class smart services to employees, residents and visitors. This project reinforces our commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions in line with the highest international standards and to achieving optimal return on investment.”
Silicon Park is the first project in the UAE to offer a comprehensive range of smart city services, including 60 services within a unified and secure platform that effectively integrates the operational requirements of enterprises with the needs of occupants and visitors of residential and commercial projects.
Driverless Cab
In partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and DGWorld, DSO launched the test run of its first driverless cab. The vehicle ensures customer safety through cameras serving as the 'eyes' of the taxi, recording traffic and road conditions, while sensors scan the surroundings to control the vehicle and avoid collision. The cab is equipped to high security and safety standards, based on reliable artificial intelligence applications and navigation software.
Light Industrial Units
DSOA completed the construction of Phase 6 of the Light Industrial Units project, one of its strategic investments that contribute to enhancing DSO’s position as a preferred destination for industrial companies. The development is in line with DSOA's strategy to create an integrated business environment and technology infrastructure that provides ready solutions to existing and potential customers looking to build their headquarters or expand their business in the region. The total investment in Light Industrial Units since DSOA’s establishment reached approximately AED324 million.
Technology Education
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone of the new campus of Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai) at DSO. The ceremony marked the commencement of construction works on the AED500 million project.
Phase one of the project, set to span 30,000 square meters, is scheduled for completion by Q1 2020 at an estimated cost of AED200 million. Meanwhile, phase two is slated for handover in 2023 at a projected cost of AED300 million, adding 116,000 square meters to the campus.
With the capacity to accommodate 4,000 students and house five colleges – Electrical Engineering and Computing, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Sciences, and Humanities – the new campus will comply with the latest sustainability, smart city and connectivity standards, factoring in modern educational requirements.
Agreements and Partnerships
Jaguar Land Rover’s New Regional Headquarters
DSOA signed a partnership agreement with Jaguar Land Rover Limited Middle East and North Africa to establish its new regional headquarters at the hi-tech park. To be developed by DSOA, the facility will span a total area of 14,000 square meters and include a training academy, an engineering testing center and a customer relations center. The headquarters is scheduled for completion in Q1 2020.
Orange Business Services Regional HQ
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurated Orange Business Services’ new Middle East innovation hub and regional headquarters at DSO. Orange Business Services brings its global capabilities, experience and R&D resources with a distinct startup approach to DSO.
Orange is already one of the six partners and co-sponsors of the Dubai Smart City Accelerator (DSCA), launched by DSOA in 2017 and operated by Startupbootcamp – the global network of industry-focused startup accelerators – that supports startups with mentorship, product modelling and preparation to enter the market.
Business Center by French Business Council
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni inaugurated Business Center by the French Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates (FBC). Seeking to attract French companies to the UAE, the business center offers hands-on support to French companies setting up operations in Dubai through providing office space and administrative assistance. In addition, its members benefit from networking opportunities with other partners, as well as privileged access to over 100 annual events, FBC’s mentoring program and the SYNERGY Club – an entrepreneurial club aspiring to build partnerships among peers and help them accelerate their growth.
Community and Recreational Facilities
North Park
In a bid to enhance the overall resident experience and foster a community spirit, DSOA opened the North Park, a new public park situated near Cedre Villas.
The North Park is a new addition to the existing facilities in DSO, including the Lake Park that boasts a 2.2 km jogging path and the Central Park that spans 9,129 square meters. The 35,000-square-meter North Park, set amid a lush landscape, offers a diverse mix of amenities, including water fountains, a kids’ play area with a separate section for toddlers, sports facilities, food and beverage outlets, and a parking lot for more than 90 cars. The park is also designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.
Phase 2 of Souq Extra
Phase 2 of the Souq Extra retail hub in DSO is set to be completed by H1 2019. Complementing the 36,000 square feet of gross leasable area of Phase 1 that includes 42 fully let retail units, Phase 2 will comprise a 77,000-square-foot expansion featuring a floating glass roof to create a natural light environment, enabling a seamless transition between day and night atmospheres.
AED94 Million Commercial Center
DSOA signed a 30-year renewable investment contract with Union Coop, the country’s largest consumer cooperative, to establish a commercial center worth an estimated AED94.442 million. Spanning an area of 141,589 square feet, the commercial center will offer premium products at competitive prices to the residents of DSO and the neighboring areas.
New Mosque
The construction of a new mosque at DSO is progressing rapidly on a land plot allocated by DSOA as part of its ongoing efforts to give back to the community. The total plot area of the project spans 4,896 square meters with a built-up area of 1,172 square meters. Set for completion in Q2 2019, the new mosque will accommodate more than 600 worshippers.
Smart Services
Dubai Blockchain Commercial Registry Project
In line with the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, DSOA in partnership with the Department of Economic Development (DED) unveiled the Dubai Blockchain Business Registry Project.
The initiative seeks to enable the Unified Commercial Registry (UCR), the first blockchain-powered trade license repository launched by Dubai's DED , to store and update company registration information issued by DED as well as the free zone authorities in Dubai.
Aimed at streamlining the process of setting up and operating a business, the collaboration is a result of DSOA’s relentless efforts to build synergies that leverage the strengths of its partners in the public and private sector to fast-track Dubai’s goal of becoming one of the smartest cities in the world.
‘Hala’ Initiative
Following the success of ‘Day without Service Centers’ initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and launched by the Department of Finance in October 2017, DSOA organized the ‘Hala’ initiative to achieve a comprehensive digital transformation of its services to customers. Hala is designed to serve as a key contributor to DSOA’s 2021 Strategy that is based on the UAE Vision 2021, which seeks to strengthen Dubai’s position as the smartest and happiest city in the world.
Enterprise IT Service Management Solution
To achieve higher levels of operational efficiency and productivity through automating policies and processes, DSOA implemented advanced customer management systems and launched an e-portal for all customer and employee services.
Smart Police Station
DSOA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Police General Headquarters to establish the first smart police station in DSO that will provide 27 police services and 33 sub-services to employees, residents and visitors around the clock without human interaction.
Partnership with GDRFA
DSOA signed a MoU with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) to facilitate the delivery of smart services to investors, entrepreneurs and startups, particularly homegrown entities, and help them develop their businesses in areas such as technology, AI and smart city applications.
The partnership is part of DSOA’s efforts to adopt smart government solutions in collaboration with leading institutions, such as GDRFA that is known for its effective and efficient smart government services and achieving high levels of customer happiness.
Smart Contact Management System
To enhance its unified contact management system, DSOA replaced hardware-based appliances with virtual capabilities, reducing its carbon footprint. The smart system also facilitates the management of other systems, reducing security risks and boosting productivity.
To streamline customer communication, DSOA opened a new customer relations center using a state-of-the-art robotic solution that has reduced the dependency on agents by 67 percent, improved customer experience, and enhanced customer satisfaction. The new smart system completed 1,180 requests without referring to agents, in addition to 785 agentless assistance calls to provide updates on the status of service requests.
E-signature
In line with the Dubai Paperless Strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DSOA underwent a transition to digital contracts that leverage QR codes and e-signatures for accreditation.
In addition, DSOA automated the freehold registration process for developers to speed up their transactions, digitizing licenses, letters, and legal documents. In cooperation with the Dubai Heath Authority (DHA), the organization also automated medical checkups to boost employee satisfaction.
Robotic Process Automation System
As part of its continued efforts to adopt state-of-the-art technologies, DSOA implemented a new internal robotic process automation (RPA) system, reducing the processing time for transactions to only seven minutes, compared to 30 minutes previously.
Online Services
DSOA increased the number of its online services to 351 across four departments: Company and Establishment Affairs, Engineering, Operations and Marketing. In 2018, the Authority received 32,754 e-service requests, completed 64,264 e-transactions, and recorded 21,541 e-wallet transactions.
Environment-friendly Practices
In terms of smart environment – one of DSOA’s main pillars – DSOA obtained LEED v4.1 Platinum certification for its High Bay Building in DSO, listed on the arcskoru.com website as the first in the region and one of the top five buildings in terms of sustainability performance at a global level. As the first LEED v4.1 Platinum-certified building in the UAE, the U.S. Green Building Council recognized the High Bay Building under its LEED Earth program. This achievement raises the total number of LEED Platinum certified buildings in DSO to three, following the certifications for the Techno Point Building and DSOA Headquarters in previous years. These achievements encourage other companies and free zones in the UAE and the wider region to follow suit and adopt sustainable solutions.
In 2018, DSOA implemented several environmental initiatives, including the replacement of 2,000 traditional light bulbs in the streets, roads and public buildings with energy-saving LED lights that resulted in reducing its total energy consumption by over 50 percent. The smart lighting system ensures continuous, seamless, and autonomous street lighting operations and remote control of lighting output. This contributes to the rationalization of energy consumption, enables the monitoring and reporting of the lamp performance and error detection, and facilitates predictive maintenance.
Furthermore, DSOA launched several water reuse and efficient irrigation initiatives. Its sewage treatment plant has treated 2.5 billion imperial gallons of water since its installation, while its smart subsurface irrigation system reduces irrigation demand through preventing water evaporation and spillage. The newly introduced system currently waters more than 3,000 palm trees across 70,000 square meters, with plans underway to expand this to 200,000 square meters by 2020, which represents around 20 percent of the public green area in the free zone.
Energy Efficiency
DSOA registered significant achievements in energy efficiency through implementing a host of smart environmental initiatives. The Authority succeeded in reducing its cumulative energy consumption by 33.67 percent, surpassing the 30 percent target set out in the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.
DSOA is currently working on several key initiatives under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. These efforts seek to contribute to achieving Dubai’s and the wider UAE’s ambitions of reducing carbon emissions.
Development Projects
Fakeeh Academic Medical Hospital
Sixty-five percent of the construction work on Fakeeh Academic Medical Hospital in DSO, dubbed ‘Hospital of the Future’, has been completed. The new branch of Fakeeh Academic Medical Hospital, one of the leading healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia with more than three decades of experience in healthcare and hospital management, aims to contribute to academic advancement in the field of medicine and offer quality medical services to support the local healthcare sector. Spanning an area of 150,000 square meters, the AED1 billion project, executed in two phases, is scheduled for completion in 2019.
With a capacity to treat 700,000 patients annually, the 300-bed teaching hospital will create 4,000 jobs while providing world-class medical treatment with a focus on family health care and patient services. Comprehensive diagnostic centers will support secondary and specialized medical services.
Silicon Mall
Construction work is 30 percent completed on Silicon Mall – the 2.3-million-square-foot shopping mall developed by LuLu Group International with an estimated total investment of AED1 billion.
Leveraging the highest international standards and green building concepts, Silicon Mall at DSO will feature covered parking for up to 3,000 vehicles. In addition to more than 300 local and international retail outlets and 12 anchor stores, the new shopping mall will house a Hypermarket and Department Store across two levels. Expected to draw visitors in large numbers, other key attractions will include a family entertainment center spanning 70,000 square feet, a diverse mix of leisure and entertainment offerings, and more than 50 F&B outlets.
Local and International Awards
In 2018, DSOA won 12 prestigious awards from local and international organizations in the areas of quality, excellence, Islamic economy, entrepreneurship, smart city initiatives, happiness, environment, innovation and others.
Among the accolades was the Islamic Economy Award in the SME Development category for Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Campus (Dtec), a wholly owned technology hub by DSOA and the largest of its kind in the Middle East that is home to hundreds of startups and SMEs from 72 countries. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the award to Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni for DSOA’s contribution to the efforts to establish Dubai as the capital of the Islamic economy through providing a conducive environment for incubating startups.
DSOA also received the Dubai Quality Award – Free Zones Sector from His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, during the 23rd edition of the Business Excellence Awards.
Moreover, DSOA was honored at the third edition of the Emirates Energy Award. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum presented the award to Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni in recognition of the organization’s contribution to greenery development and energy efficiency.
In addition, Dtec was named Tech Hub of the Year at Entrepreneur Middle East’s Enterprise Agility Awards 2018. Meanwhile, startup companies that operate in Dtec received four other awards, consolidating its position as the leading entrepreneur center in the region. The awards included Startup of the Year for The Concept, Mobile App of the Year for 360VUZ, Ecosystem Influencer for Fintech Galaxy and Logistics Innovation for DUBZ.
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec)
Expansion Plans
Dtec is committed to providing advanced facilities to startups and entrepreneurs that develop innovative solutions in smart cities, overcoming congestion, waste management, and energy efficiency. The hub is currently home to more than 800 startups, with 100 working on blockchain and AI technologies.
Since its inception in 2015, Dtec has hosted more than 1,300 companies from 72 countries, including 26 Emirati startups, helped create more than 3,000 jobs and supported the inflow of AED1 billion into the UAE economy. The hub plans to expand its premises by 5,600 square meters to provide additional space for around 800 startups in the next three years.
Dtec has built strong synergies with several leading companies in the country, such as Intel that has a large lab with a blockchain testing facility in Dtec, and du that has a lab in Dtec and was among its early sponsors. Smart Dubai Office has also joined forces with Dtec in various initiatives.
In 2018, DSOA signed a strategic partnership agreement with Noor Bank to provide financial advice and value-added services to the technology entrepreneurs and startups operating at Dtec.
In addition, Dtec signed an agreement with Sage Middle East to sponsor its events, including the quarterly Dtec Forum as well as monthly entrepreneur workshops and mixers.
Dtec AI Report
A Dtec AI report revealed that the UAE ranks first in the region in terms of enterprise adoption of AI applications with an annual growth rate of 33.5 percent. The findings highlight the pivotal role of free zones as pilot platforms for economic and investment initiatives that predict the future of business sectors.
Unveiled at the December 2018 edition of Dtec Forum, a quarterly series of events for emerging technology companies, the report compares the levels of AI adoption among companies in the region and the rest of the world. The document also outlines strategies and mechanisms for implementing AI solutions at the institutional level, in addition to exploring internal and external incentives that encourage adoption.
The report quotes PwC’s forecast that AI will contribute US$96 billion (13.6 percent) to the UAE GDP by 2030.
Technology Workshops for Emirati Entrepreneurs
To empower innovators and entrepreneurs in the UAE, DSOA launched an ongoing series of technology workshops for UAE nationals, aimed at honing their abilities to present their creative ideas to experts and investors.
Organized in cooperation with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as Emirates Foundation, the workshops targeted Emirati students, professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals interested in technology. The training program included a variety of sessions hosted by industry leaders, certified trainers and technology entrepreneurs.
Dubai Smart City Accelerator
Dtec hosts the Dubai Smart City Accelerator (DSCA), a product of DSOA’s collaboration with six strategic partners – Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), Smart Dubai Office, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rochester Institute of Technology New York, Orange Business Services and Visa. Having helped establish 20 successful startups focused on artificial intelligence, blockchain, logistics and smart documents, DSCA is now incubating its third batch that includes 10 startups from around the world.
Intelak
Dtec is home to Intelak, the UAE's aviation, travel and tourism-focused accelerator that announced the winners of Cohort 5, the fifth edition of its incubation program, in February 2019. Intelak’s principal partners are Dtec, Emirates Group, GE, Etisalat, and Dubai Tourism.
AngelHack Dubai Hackathon 2018
In line with its mission to support technology entrepreneurs and startups, Dtec hosted the Dubai edition of AngelHack’s Global Hackathon Series 2018.
Open to innovators of all ages and proficiency levels, who can enroll as individuals or in teams of up to five members, the competition is geared towards web developers and designers as well as students and entrepreneurs seeking to improve their skills and expand their horizons.
Guinness World Records Title
DSO obtained its first-ever Guinness World Records title for the largest wooden block mosaic in the world. The piece, featuring the Year of Zayed logo, was crafted as part of DSOA’s 47th UAE National Day celebrations.
Measuring 224.12 square meters (27.56 meters x 8.132 meters) and comprising 22,275 recyclable wooden blocks, the mosaic is displayed across from the DSOA headquarters. A total of 80 people, including DSOA management and staff members, took approximately 260 working hours to complete the masterpiece.
