Since it opened in 2000, Dubai Internet City (DIC) has become the Middle East and North Africa’s largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Business Park. Its establishment and growth now means it acts a UAE base for both global and regional companies.
DIC helps IT and telecom businesses to develop and grow in the favourable environment of a UAE free zone. The benefits of such an environment include 100% business ownership and a tax free income, as well as rich networking opportunities, industry building programmes and government services.
DIC also hosts the Majid Bin Mohammed Innovation Centre, in5, which is a technology start-up incubator that aims to foster entrepreneurship and encourage innovation. Some of the world famous ICT companies serving the Middle East and beyond from DIC include Facebook, LinkedIn, Yahoo, HP, Dell, Intel, Booking.com and Cisco.
Free Zone Benefits
Companies located at DIC enjoy complete ownership, no corporate and personal income taxes for 50 years, no customs duties, and free repatriation of capital and profit in any currency. Additionally there are advantages for business networking and communications infrastructure, many of which are based on next generation technologies.
DIC is located in the heart of “New Dubai”, next to Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village. New clients can enjoy commercial offices, land, and first steps business centre and conference facilities.
Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) is responsible for the set up and registration of companies in Dubai Internet City and regulates all companies and activity.
The following sectors can apply to become part of the Dubai Internet City business community:
Software
Companies involved in any activities related to developing, installing, modifying software products will benefit from the advantages DIC provides.
Internet and Multimedia
This is specifically for companies involved in the development and/or distribution of internet or multimedia content. Other businesses distributing goods or services via the internet are also included, for example companies providing an online platform and acting as an intermediary between multiple companies or multiple individuals.
Telecommunication and Network
Companies involved in activities related to developing, installing, modifying and operating networks, or providing relevant services designed for operating network based applications or services. The manufacture of physical components within the zone and direct trading of physical components and products into UAE market is not allowed.
IT Services
This is specifically to do with the development of provision of standardised IT-based services and companies that work in this field globally.
Dubai is a world class business environment and a logical place to do business in the Middle East. It’s beneficial location, tax-free living and great economic outlook, makes it a great base for companies wanting to do business in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Asian Subcontinent and Eastern Mediterranean. The DIC in particular draws a number of internet and IT companies who thrive in the technology and research based environment, fully supported by the advanced business networking and communications infrastructure.
