INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Dubai, with it’s innovation-focused attitude and pro-business regulatory environment, is an ideal hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies of all kinds. Located between East and West, Dubai is an ICT hub that connects technology companies from around the world together, with new-age entrepreneurs being attracted to Dubai for its technological growth, futuristic outlook and ease of doing business.
The ICT sector is a significant contributor to the Dubai economy and accounted for 4.1 percent of the Emirate’s real GDP in 2018 with an annual real GDP growth of about 2.7 percent. During the period of 2011 - 2018, the sector registered a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 6 percent. The Dubai Government knows that an embrace of technology and a future-forward mindset is essential to a thriving economy in today’s world, and has made the ICT sector a central part of the development of the city, investing heavily in infrastructure and fostering an environment that is conducive to growth.
Dubai is home to the regional headquarters of some of the biggest companies in the space such as Dell, Intel, Huawei, Samsung, SAP, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Tata Consultancy, 3M, Sun Microsystems, Cisco, HP, Nokia, Cognizant and Accenture, as well as some of the biggest companies in digital and social media including Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok. The cluster environment encompasses all elements of the value chain for an ICT business and gives companies of all kinds and sizes the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and like-minded community of knowledge and innovation driven tech businesses.
Dubai Internet City
Opened in 1999, Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a Free Zone that provides a knowledge economy ecosystem designed to facilitate the development of ICT companies. As the Middle East's biggest ICT hub, DIC offers a complete ecosystem to both large and small Information and Communication Technology companies fueling innovation and promoting Dubai’s economic diversification plans. Today, over 25,000 professionals and entrepreneurs working at more than 1,600 tech companies are based in DIC.
Incubators and Accelerators
Dubai knows that to be prepared for the future, you need to embrace the present, and that is why the city has become so accommodating to the next wave of companies that can affect change in this space. When it comes to incubators and accelerators to help launch exciting start-ups with ambitious growth potential, Dubai is spoilt for choice. There are a wide variety of options such as In5 (TECOM), AstroLabs (DMCC) and DIFC’s FinTech Hive, as well as government initiatives such as Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Co-working options in Free Zones across the city cater to a wide range of businesses with flexible packages.
in5 - Dubai Internet City
in5 offers incubation to entrepreneurs and startups geared towards accelerating the growth and success of early stage companies. in5 Membership gives professionals in the Tech, Media and Design industries, of all career levels, exclusive access to a comprehensive suite of benefits and facilities that will help bring their ideas to life. in5 membership also provides pre-incubation support to all entrepreneurs and professionals who have ideas and want to start their business however they are not in MVP stage.
AstroLabs - DMCC (Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre)
AstroLabs is a capability-building company, developing the digital ecosystem of the MENA region. For 7 years, the Academy has provided generations of alumni with exceptional skills and partnered with the top corporations in the area to aid their digital evolution. From broad-scale enterprise training to managed incubators and accelerators, AstroLabs designs and deploys custom programs for corporates, universities, and government entities. AstroLabs is increasing the modernization economy by assisting a significant number of international entrepreneurs and businessmen with business licensing and working together at our network of collective spaces in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Dtec (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) - Dubai Silicon Oasis
An initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), Dtec is designed to help entrepreneurs conveniently set up a new business in Dubai. From 100% business ownership, visa processing, 24/7 access, high speed Wi-Fi, a range of creative meeting and events spaces, Dtec has it all. Setting up a business has never been easier. For emerging businesses in technology and businessmen looking for flexible shared spaces in Dubai for rent, Dtec provides a cultivating and helpful community to set up their innovative projects. Being the prime technology invention center in the Middle East and North Africa region, the large-sized artistically planned workplace hosts a unified environment that is home to a large number of new businesses and technology businessmen on a global scale.
Do you have an innovative vision that you want to witness come true? Everything you need can be found in Dtec. Their co-working space encourages collaboration, their accelerator programs and funding arm give a young business set-up in the UAE a head start, and their networking events ensure you get your name out there and stay on top of industry trends.
DIFC FinTech Hive - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The DIFC FinTech Hive is the primary and leading commercial technology accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, aiding the acceleration of any category of growing businesses to new heights through dedicated accelerator programmes that provide them with opportunities to connect with the region's largest stakeholders and institutions. Moreover, it provides a devoted collective workspace, and a community of people who have the same thoughts, and access to the biggest financial community in the territory.