Dubai Silicon Oasis is a UAE Free Zone dedicated to technology industries. It was established in 2004 and is regulated by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). This is turn is owned by the Dubai government. As the Free Zone is aimed at technology, there are various benefits and incentives to encourage companies incorporating in the Zone.
The location of Dubai Silicon Oasis and its transport links make it advantageous for international companies trading worldwide. Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone is 7.2 km² and has an extensive road transport network connecting to the major highways in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. In addition, the Free Zone is just fifteen minutes from the Business District, fifteen minutes to Dubai International Airport, and half an hour from both Jebel Ali Port and Port Rashid. This results in access to a huge consumer market throughout the Middle East as well as North African countries and India, with a population of five billion.
To support the major global technological companies and advanced technology systems being developed and implemented in the Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis has a strong infrastructure. This includes leading telecommunications, eight power stations with 1600 MW capacity, utilities, and a fibre optic network.
Companies already established in Dubai Silicon Oasis include technology giants such as Fujitsu, Philips, and AMD. There is a range of benefits for companies to take advantage of in the Free Zone, including complete foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital, no Corporate or Income Tax, streamlined licenses procedures, and reduced operation expenses. There is also an online E-Business system providing integrated business support services and a workforce made up of technical and engineering professionals.
Dubai Silicon Oasis provides offices suitable for all types of business, with 97,740 sq. m of commercial space ready for company lease. This includes a range from 15 sq. m up to 5000 sq. m and development land. This will be particularly useful for companies involved in manufacturing who require warehouse space.
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) provides both business and government services to legally regulate all business operations in the Free Zone. The authority is also incredibly customer-orientated however, and companies incorporated there can benefit from the streamlined procedures and support structures. There are a number of direct help lines as well as a client management service specifically aimed at helping foreign investment companies with all aspects of Dubai business.
One of the major services provided by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority is the issuance of licenses in the Silicone Oasis. This is part of their role as the municipal body of the Free Zone, under the Government of Dubai. Additional services provided by the authority include the issuance of work permits, employee visas, company licences including renewals, family residence visas, and customs clearance.
