TECOM launches Phase-1 of SmartCity Malta

The on-site ceremony for the joint venture between SmartCity and the Government of Malta was attended by Dr. Austin Gatt, Malta's Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, and Fareed Abdulrahman, CEO of SmartCity and acting CEO of SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi. The event also drew a significant number of local and international ICT and media industry leaders.

Since the signing of the final agreement between SmartCity and the Government of Malta in April 2007, the $300m project has evoked the interest of the international ICT community, specifically from the Mediterranean region, and attracted key global business partners.

Phase-1 of SmartCity Malta will provide a unique business and lifestyle experience, entailing a mix of components catering to the knowledge-based township's demand for office space, shopping boulevards and residential units.

An impressive 20,034 sq meters allocated for the ICT and media sector will provide an enabling environment, intelligent infrastructure and premium support services. SmartCity Malta's offering of an exceptional blend of business and premium lifestyle will set it apart as the most preferred destination for local, regional and international companies aiming to set up operations and service European and North African markets.

SmartCity Malta reflects the complementary vision of both parties - SmartCity's vision to create a global network of self-sustained townships to foster knowledge-economy, and the Government's strong ICT vision for Malta to become a 'Smart island'.

In his speech, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, the Prime Minister of Malta said: 'My government and I are delighted to participate in this launch, which confirms the SmartCity project is progressing according to its ambitious time frames. The energy of this development matches our enthusiasm. All stakeholders in Malta have quickly appreciated the importance of this project. We have all pulled on the same rope because of our shared belief and commitment to SmartCity Malta. I urge everyone involved to do everything in their power to see this effort through.'

His Excellency Ahmad Bin Byat said: 'It is an honour to be part of the SmartCity Malta Phase-1 launch. We envisage all SmartCity entities to evolve as thriving centres of excellence for knowledge-based industries in their respective regions. The SmartCity concept is based on the successful business models of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village under the TECOM umbrella.

'Within the nine clusters of TECOM Investment Parks in Dubai, over 5,000 companies have set up their regional operations. Complementing our offices in China, US (California), UAE (Dubai), India, we aim to set up new locations soon. SmartCity has the ability to tap into the international markets and further extend its partnership with existing associates for mutual expansion.'

Minister Dr. Austin Gatt said: 'Malta and its new global clients rely on our educational institutions to complete our effort to truly become an ICT centre of excellence. I call upon all leaders in the educational and business communities here to renew the national effort to prepare as many of our young people as possible for the opportunity being built in Rikazli.'

Fareed Abdulrahman said: 'We have established a local management team at SmartCity Malta that will collaborate with the team based at the SmartCity headquarters in Dubai to attract leading IT and media firms that are keen to operate out of Europe from SmartCity Malta.

'The synergy of this partnership will reflect the Dubai-based team's proven track record in attracting renowned international brands in the creation of knowledge clusters comprising Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village. This will be a key ingredient for the triumph of the township in Malta.'

In 2010, SmartCity Malta will release ready-to-operate state-of-the-art office space with intelligent infrastructure and landscaped surroundings. This will be followed by the supporting release of residential and retail spaces. The prominent emphasis on work-life balance will be evident in view of the wide-ranging value added services and amenities that SmartCity Malta will offer.

From its breathtaking views of the 1km Mediterranean Sea-front stretch to its outstanding open spaces, lagoon and amphitheatre, SmartCity Malta is poised to grow as a unique destination in the Mediterranean.

In the coming years, Ricasoli town and the south-eastern coast of the island will be transformed into the prime business township, making it one of the biggest economic concentrations in Malta. The project will transform the location into a new attraction featuring smart architecture and environmental-friendly landscaping features.

SmartCity Malta is not only the largest foreign investment in the island country, but is also the single largest job creation initiative in Malta's history. Over an eight-year period, SmartCity Malta is committed to creating 5,600 jobs - spanning from jobs created in Malta's knowledge-industry, to new employment opportunities in management, hospitality, retail, security and logistics.