MENA Newswire News Desk: Dubai Internet City, a key player in the Middle East’s digital economy, today celebrates its 25th anniversary as a pioneering hub connecting global tech industry leaders and talent. Launched on October 29, 1999, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Internet City was established to harness the potential of emerging technologies and bolster the UAE’s knowledge economy. In 2023, Sheikh Mohammed announced that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) would recognize October 29 as World Coding Day.
Over the past year, Dubai Internet City’s ecosystem has expanded, empowering global technologists to drive socioeconomic transformation. The community now comprises over 4,000 businesses – a 17.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023 – and employs more than 31,000 tech professionals, highlighting Dubai’s appeal to global talent.
“Driven by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Internet City has been the launchpad for generations of tech pioneers and the epicenter of the regional digital economy since 1999,” said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City. He added, “Dubai Internet City has been instrumental in enabling globally impactful innovation for 25 years, contributing significantly to digital transformation efforts and encouraging the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.”
“Our community has helped consolidate Dubai’s position as a preferred global destination for technology, innovation, and AI companies. We will continue to strengthen our legacy by nurturing a cohesive ecosystem for global technology companies and talent to drive comprehensive growth and enhance our contribution to the digital economy, in line with visionary roadmaps such as the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.”
Home to Fortune 500 companies and leaders in software, cloud computing, social networks, gaming, and electronics, Dubai Internet City serves as the regional address for innovation in areas ranging from fintech and blockchain to AI and Web3. This vibrant ecosystem is further bolstered by 19 innovation and research and development (R&D) centers operated by global leaders.
Dubai Internet City’s commitment to expanding the digital economy and fostering innovation is reflected in the successes of its customers. The district continues to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of cutting-edge advancements by co-locating global industry giants to ensure the sustained growth of the digital economy.
Investments over the past two years totaling more than AED1.9 billion reaffirm the district’s role in addressing the evolving needs of global tech companies. This includes the acquisition of premium office spaces such as Office Park and the ongoing expansion of the Innovation Hub. Launched in 2018, Phase 1 of the Innovation Hub is at full occupancy, housing industry leaders such as Gartner and China Telecom. Phases 2 and 3, representing an investment of over AED780 million, will add more than 530,000 square feet of premium space to the district, with Phase 2 fully leased ahead of its 2025 completion.
Dubai Internet City is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of ten sector-specific business districts, which also includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Design District (d3).