ICT
Leading the way in driving Dubai as an innovation-led economy, Dubai Holding supports the continuous growth and development of the ICT sector through our global ICT business hubs and investments in leading telecommunications providers.
Dubai Holding plays a critical role in the ICT sector with its leading business districts managed by Dubai Holding Asset Management. Dubai Holding also actively manages stakes in telecommunications companies across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, including du, Axiom Telecom and Tunisie Telecom.
Dubai Internet City
The launch of global business district Dubai Internet City in 1999 heralded a new era of economic diversification and transformation across the region. It was the initial spark in what is now one of the most successful and extensive business sectors.
Dubai Internet City was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to pioneer the growth of the ICT and technology sectors in Dubai and support its development into a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy.
Dubai Internet City has been the backbone of Dubai growing into a global ICT hub, fostering entrepreneurship, empowering SMEs and attracting global tech leaders. As the largest business district for talent and technology in the region, with 24,000 people and 1,600 companies, it serves as an ecosystem where innovators and entrepreneurs can work, connect and share their vision for a bold new tomorrow.
It also plays an instrumental role in driving the development of the startup landscape in Dubai. It has empowered entrepreneurs and spearheaded the development of new technologies through in5, an innovation centre that has incubated more than 400 startups managing to attract millions in direct financing and investments.
It is currently home to leading technology companies Microsoft, Google, Facebook, IBM and Uber. It is also home to multiple innovation centers and labs led by MasterCard, Microsoft, 3M, Visa, Accenture, Huawei, Samsung, SAP, Canon, Cisco and Oracle.
As part of the business district’s innovation-led strategy, The Innovation Hub was launched in 2019. The 1.8 million ft2 creative and retail space houses state-of-the-art technology and communications facilities to cater to the growing demand from companies within Dubai Internet City.
Dubai Outsource City
Based on the success of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource City was established in 2007, a dedicated community to drive the growth and development of the outsourcing industry in the region.
Dubai Outsource City was launched to cater to the market demand for outsourcing companies and supports business process outsourcing, HR outsourcing, IT outsourcing, and back office and call centre operations.
Dubai Outsource City provides a comprehensive, purpose-built infrastructure and offers state-of-the-art office space and facilities management services.
Both Dubai Outsource City and Dubai Internet City have grown to become thriving business communities and home to over 1,600 business partners, including Fortune 500 companies as well as startups and freelancers.
SmartCity
SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi were launched in 2007, exporting the successful business community model of Dubai Internet City overseas and creating knowledge-based clusters in Europe and India. SmartCity aims to create a global network of purpose-built free zone communities, promoting both economical and personal growth.
SmartCity communities promote innovation through their environmentally friendly infrastructure and lifestyle, and by nurturing new companies in the technology, science and innovation industries.
