UAE Free Zones

SME’S - STARTUPS & MEDIUM-SIZE BUSINESSES

At DSO we see startups as the engine of innovation and that is why we provide startups and medium-size businesses the launch pad to propel them to their full potential. Startup accelerator program has helped many technology entrepreneurs build successful companies. Some of graduating companies include DCD, Ketab and Celoxica. At DSO we offer SME’s:

• Mentorship programs
• Cluster of startups allows peer-to-peer mentorship enhancing collaboration and innovation
• Access to MENA markets
• Advice on market strategy & business planning
• Introduction to large DSO network facilitating business development and relationships
• Support and protection for IP development

Dubai Circuit Design Centre

Dubai Circuit Design Centre (DCDC) is the region’s first advanced integrated circuit (IC) design centre. It was established by DSOA with the vision of launching the semiconductor industry in the region and leading the way in the new knowledge-based economy. The DCDC team offers reliable design services using the latest Synopsys design tools and flows. DCDC’s client base spans throughout the world including clients in the US, Europe and Asia.

VENTURE CAPITAL

DSO is committed to fuelling hi-tech innovation and that’s why we’re looking to invest in extraordinary entrepreneurs with the ability to develop powerful ideas into powerful companies. By providing DSO investment fund as well as a strong network of technology-focused venture capitalists offering additional funds, we give idea-strong tech businesses an exceptional launch pad.

DSO offers two types of tech focused funds for strategic purposes: an early stage fund and growth stage fund.

VC offering:

• Early Stage Funds (for MENA based companies)
• Growth Stage Funds (MENA & Non-MENA based companies)
• Experienced Market Advice
• Large network of tech-focused investors
• Large network of industry contracts
• UNIVERSITIES & INCUBATORS
• Universities

DSO is proud to have the internationally renowned Rochester Institute of Technology located onsite. With its 100 year track record it provides world class technology graduates to many of the world’s leading technology companies. We also have longstanding partnerships with the American University of Sharjah as well as the neighbouring Dubai Academic City which offers over 30 universities within a 1 km radius of DSO. Strategic alliances with these institutions give you:

• Access to a local & regional pool of technical & engineering talent
• Business plan sponsorship
• Project / R&D assistance
• Mentorship programs • Internship schemes

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai

In partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology based in Rochester, New York, an internationally recognized leader in professional and technology-oriented education, DSOA has established RIT Dubai. Created to ensure the DSO community has a skilled pool of talented hi-tech professionals, RIT offers DSO partner research programs which include sponsor benefits such as full ownership / IP patent.

Incubators

Research shows that businesses that have been through an incubator program are far more likely to succeed in the long term. DSO’s incubator program is designed to accelerate the successful development of young entrepreneurs and their businesses through an array of support resources and services. We’ll help you get your idea from the concept stage into development and out into the market. The incubator program offers:

• Business Set-up Support
• Workspace Facilities
• Networking opportunities with other IT professionals
• Financial, technical and marketing mentorship
• Special trade licence (Entrepreneurs Business License)

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

The region’s technology sector is growing rapidly with IT spending in the Gulf expected to hit 180 billion in just 3 years. The Dubai Government strongly endorses technology enterprise providing a favourable business climate supported by a superior infrastructure, zero tax, business friendly laws and regulations, and access to a region of 1.8 billion people.

Dubai offers strong protection of intellectual property. In 1992, the UAE introduced three federal laws (numbers 37, 40 and 44) for the protection of industrial and intellectual property which provide protection against commercial piracy and fraud. These are currently regarded as some of strongest IP laws in the world and are comparable with US law in their ability to protect intellectual
property development.

One-Stop-Shop Business Support Services

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) also offers a comprehensive range of business and government services such as company registration and licensing, tailor-made leasing facilities, customs clearance, visa processing, and immigration services all provided under one roof to make the task of setting up your business as easy as possible.

By joining DSO your business will receive the following government support:

• 100% ownership
• Zero personal income tax
• Zero corporate tax
• 100% repatriation of capital
• No import or export tax
• Strong IP protection
• Entrepreneurs Business Licence
• Business support services

INFRASTRUCTURE

Dubai Silicon Oasis’ urban master-planned community spans 7.2 square kilometres with state of the art office towers, R&D and industrial zones, educational institutions, villas and apartments, healthcare and a full range of lifestyle facilities that translate into a dynamic commercial and social environment. The technology park is supported by advanced telecommunications and a hi-tech utility infrastructure plus other features such as a state-of-the-art data centre, 7 power stations, and an advanced fibre optic network.

Operate at DSO

Dubai Silicon Oasis offers an array of business facilities ready for immediate occupation and development.

These include:

• ‘Plug & Play’ offices
• Light Industrial Units (LIU) & Warehousing
• Land for development

LIVE AT DSO

DSO is an ‘integrated’ city within a city offering a plethora of residential and lifestyle facilities. The technology park has been specifically planned and designed to create an authentic community of comfort and convenience.
DSO includes:

• Residential Villas and Apartments - High-quality villas and apartments for lease or purchase
• Education - Renowned educational institutions such as RIT Dubai, GEMS School and International Indian High School
• Shops & Services - Supermarkets, retail outlets, banks, post office, health clinic, restaurants, cafes, etc.
• Leisure & Lifestyle - Community centres, play areas, swimming pools, pedestrian networks, interconnected courtyards and parks

JOIN US, INNOVATE WITH US, GROW WITH US.

Become a member of the hi-tech community and have everything your business needs right at your doorstep including:

• Direct access to MENA markets with Europe and Asia just a short flight away
• World-class facilities & infrastructure
• Full free zone benefits and 100% ownership
• Fast and easy business set up & licensing
• Dedicated business support
• Incubational environment
• A wealth of collaboration and innovation opportunities