Sheikh Mohammed visits Dubai Silicon Oasis Team at GITEX 2003

He was welcomed to the stand by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority and CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis and other senior DAFZA and DSO management.

During the launch of DSO a year ago, HH Sheikh Mohammed stated: "Our vision is to make Dubai Silicon Oasis one of the world's leading centres of advanced electronics innovation, design, and development."

A highlight of the Dubai Silicon Oasis stand is a model of the 600-hectare project, which shows clearly the proposed facility being developed 17km from Dubai's city centre.

Also featured on the stand is a three-dimensional tour of the Dubai Silicon Oasis site, a project which will be the world's most integrated technology park for microelectronic and optoelectronic enterprises.

"Dubai Silicon Oasis supports the government of Dubai's economic diversification strategy and its plan to transform the emirate into a knowledge-based economy," said Al Zarouni. "We are delighted that so many high-level government officials from Dubai, and beyond, have taken time to stop by our stand. They have come to meet with our executives and learn more about how they can both participate in and support this exciting initiative."

Vision of Dubai Silicon Oasis Becoming Reality at One-Year Mark
Major developments have taken place in the past year since General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, officially announced plans for Dubai Silicon Oasis - the world's first and only purpose-built industrial park for the semiconductor industry.

During the past year, the foundations have been laid to ensure that the Dubai Silicon Oasis boosts Dubai's economy in the future. Since the official announcement of Dubai Silicon Oasis, a master plan, business and marketing plan, and overview of the engineering and technical components have been conducted.

After the project was announced, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority entered an agreement with American firm, CH2M Hill International Ltd.'s subsidiary Industrial Design & Construction (IDC) to prepare the master plan.

"The team from IDC has a wealth of experience in working with technology companies, and together we have been able to design a park that is well-equipped to meet the demands of high-tech businesses," said Adel Ghafan, Technical Director, DAFZA."The master plan has given us direction on how we can put our land to best use, what designs we should use and our future infrastructure requirements."

Ghafan, added: "With these plans to assist us, our team at Dubai Silicon Oasis will be able to move forward with confidence to provide developed land for customized buildings and ready- built space with the widest range of support services. Thanks to a thorough strategy the technology park will be the definitive environment for the global semiconductor industry and will provide every facility required for success."

The business and marketing plan, which has also been developed in the year since the project was announced, puts into focus Dubai's central location, connectivity, financial wealth, ability to attract highly talented professionals and access to more than 1.5 billion consumers.

"Part of our business and marketing plan is to highlight the excellent value propositions that are offered to high-tech companies from Dubai Silicon Oasis," said Dr. Salem Abuzeid, Chief Marketing Officer, Dubai Silicon Oasis.

"We have set ourselves apart from other technology parks based on our focus on wireless electronics innovation. The plan we have in place includes attracting companies involved in the semiconductor supply chain including chip manufacturers, IC design companies, engineering, incubation, education and training and, assembly test packaging."

Progress throughout the first year also includes the construction of a scale model for the entire 600-hectare development. The model, which is currently on display at GITEX 2003, has drawn strong interest from business-leaders and government officials. It shows clearly the proposed facilities which are to be spread over six million square meters, 17km from Dubai's city centre.

Reaching the First Milestone
Positioned to be the world's most integrated technology park for microelectronics and optoelectronics enterprises, Dubai Silicon Oasis will be home to a vibrant community of companies. The community atmosphere will encourage ideas to flourish among a group of like-minded industry players.

"The announcement of the Dubai Silicon Oasis one year ago sent yet another message to the international community that Dubai is ready to take the next step into the electronics value chain. The initiative also signals Dubai's drive to follow an economic diversification strategy that will transform the emirate into a knowledge-based economy."