Dubai Silicon Oasis to showcase its Microelectronics Innovation Center (MIC) at GITEX Dubai 2004

DSO will be participating along with its technology partner companies to highlight the progress it has made so far and to forge new partnerships with technology companies and universities. GITEX, the largest IT exhibition in the Middle East will run from October 3 to 7, 2004 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis stated: 'DSO is one the most strategic projects taking place in the world of Microelectronics today and is expected to position Dubai as a leading international player at the very forefront of the technology spectrum. The project supports Dubai Government's plan to diversify and transform the Emirate into a knowledge-based economy.'

'DSO has been envisioned as an innovation-driven technology community of 50,000 people housing microelectronics- and optoelectronics-related enterprises, a state-of-the-art Microelectronics Innovation Center (MIC), fabrication plants, research and development centers and specialized academic institutions and residential areas. The 7.2 million square metre technology park is the first and only one of its kind in the region. Our full-scale participation at GITEX with key technology partners signals that the project is well on its way to meeting its objectives. We are looking forward to signing on new partners for our projects at the show,' he continued.

The DSO stand at GITEX will showcase the Microelectronics Innovation Center, which is the first phase of its 20 year roadmap. The MIC focuses on providing a complete platform of products and services essential to companies creating the next generation integration circuits (IC) in areas like wireless communications, network security and multimedia. The MIC has already attracted several Silicon Valley companies that are setting up their IC Design Centres by capitalising on the unique combination of inexpensive regional engineering talent, cost-effective design tools and high-end turnkey design infrastructure.

Since the announcement of the DSO Project by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, the project has made remarkable progress. DSO's long term plan calls for initial focus on attracting IC Design companies, thereby building the infrastructure for future IC manufacturing and assembly. Investments in the high-tech design and manufacturing industry at DSO are estimated to exceed US$ 10 billion to US$ 15 billion, over a period of 20 years.