High-level US delegation visits Dubai Silicon Oasis

Organized by the US Department of Energy Trade Mission in collaboration with the Commercial Services at the US Consulate in Dubai, the delegation included representatives from AE Bio fuels, headquartered in Cupertino, California; Applied Materials based in Santa Clara, providers of energy and environment solutions; and Callera Corporation, which offers Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) technologies.

Other companies that were part of the delegation included Innovalight, which offers low-cost solar modules, and Petra Solar - manufacturers of innovative grid interactive solar systems (AC modules).

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Senior Chief Corporate Services Officer at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said:

"As the region's vital destination for global semiconductor and high technology brands, Dubai Silicon Oasis is delighted to welcome the high profile US delegation. The critical know-how these companies can offer through joint ventures and collaborations will significantly benefit the UAE and the region."

"We believe DSO can drive technical collaboration in key sectors, such as renewable energy. In addition, the right environment and a strategic location will continue to attract innovative companies from high growth industries to Dubai Silicon Oasis," Al Matrooshi added.

The delegation met members of DSOA management and exchanged ideas as well as possibilities of collaborating to set up projects which would produce solutions catering to the region.

Robert W. Dunn, Principal Commercial Officer at the US Commercial Services, said: "The delegation members held talks with DSOA officials as well as representatives of participating companies in the high-technology and renewable energy sector. While technology transfer will benefit the region in the long run, companies from developed countries have a lot to gain in establishing operations in Dubai to leverage the region's huge business potential."

Several major multi-international corporations have already based their regional operations at the DSOA. In addition, the Rochester Institute of Technology New York recently established its Dubai campus, offering six Master's programmes and three advanced graduate certificates to students. The institution is also catering to full-time employees looking to enhance their knowledge of the industry.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a freezone technology park for semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region.