DIC, DMC, Dubai Outsource Zone, DuBiotech and Dubai Studio City seek to strengthen ties with Italian businesses

The five entities are showcasing the wide range of opportunities available for Italian businesses in the fast-growing knowledge-based industries in Dubai. The event, being held for the first time, is the biggest UAE economic forum to be held outside the country. The Forum is part of a larger campaign by the UAE to attract international investors to the country.

"We can provide a strategic platform and support for Italian companies seeking to tap the tremendous opportunities emerging in knowledge-based sector in a vast region surrounding Dubai," said Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone. "The UAE-Italy Economic Partnership Forum 2005 offers us a gateway to the Italian market and helps us considerably boost our interaction and relationship with Italy's business community," he added.

Mohammed Al Mulla, Sales Director of Dubai Media City gave a presentation entitled "Building Blocks of Dubai's Knowledge Economy - The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority" at the Forum.

The presentation told the story of Dubai's transformation from a small trading town to the dynamic business hub it is today and its progress towards realising its vision to become a knowledge-based economy.

The Forum, jointly organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Federation of UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industries, is broadly focused on generating interest among Italian companies to invest in the Emirates.

The event offers a valuable opportunity for businesses from UAE and Italy to exchange ideas and research on successful business and economic growth. Dubai-based free zones and investment parks as well as organisations from the real estate, infrastructure, construction, tourism and financial sectors are taking part in the event.