Dubai Silicon Oasis Signs MoU With Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) to assess the respective results of performance indicators aimed at improving operations and customer satisfaction at both organisations.

The MoU is in line with the efforts of Dubai government’s policy to streamline its departments under one umbrella to achieve performance excellence. Benchmarking results of performance indicators and sharing practical experiences of institutions to maximize the learning curve are some of the measures taken by the government to support the emirate’s economy.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive Vice-President – Corporate Excellence and Support at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, and Yousuf Behzad, Director of HR and Strategy at DAFZA, signed the MOU during a ceremony at the Dubai Airport Free Zone attended by senior officials from both organisations.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi said: “Through this MoU, we aim to strengthen our ties with every government department in Dubai. This will help increase institutional performance as the standards will be based on the comparative competitiveness. By doing so, we contribute to Dubai’s vision of being one of the leading cities in the world in applying good governance standards and achieving full transparency and credibility in government and semi-government transactions.”

Yousuf Behzad said: “There is a real need for various economic institutions in Dubai, especially those which seek to attract foreign investment, to align their standards in order to develop the quality of services offered. A joint effort will ensure high customer service standards, one of the most important elements that appeals to international investors.

“Given its experience of 15 years in performance results indicators, Dubai Airport Free Zone will contribute and enrich the development of the best practices.”

The MoU defines the areas of cooperation to include a series of activities such as benchmarking the results of pre-set indicators for key performance areas and operational performance. Preserving the intellectual property rights of both parties, it also mandates sharing practical experiences, information, and best practices. This move is a joint effort to achieve Dubai’s vision by comparing results of both organizations, within a framework of set principles.

A wholly-owned entity of Dubai Government, Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for the semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.

The Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the most developed free zones in the world and has been designed to provide the best and most important investment opportunities. Over the years, DAFZA has offered important incentives deals in addition to unique support services to multinational corporations from all continents helping them set up their regional headquarters in Dubai, seizing thus many unique business opportunities in all the neighbouring markets.
 

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Honors Developers For Exceptional Contribution

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced it awarded property developers for exceptional cooperation in facilitating the unit recording process of their projects in DSO.
A number of DSO officials attended the event, where they briefed the developers on the latest services the technology park has to offer. The event recognized Tameer Holding Investment (Palace Towers), Ali BuJasim (Silicon Arch), and Credo Investments (Le Solarium). It also brought together leading real estate developers including Sevanam Holdings Ltd, Bonyan Emirates Properties, Sun and Sand Developers, Gulf General Investments Co., S.P. Oasis, and Khalid and Mohamed Al Shirawi.

Salem Khalifa, Vice President Commercial and Government Affairs, DSOA said: “All the developers who have been invited to this esteemed gathering have worked alongside DSO as partners in realizing our ambitious endeavor. It is through such collaborative efforts, exchange of ideas and co-operation at every level that the community has successfully shaped an enabling environment at the development.

“We are delighted to acknowledge their immense efforts and great commitment to the projects at DSO. We are confident our upcoming projects will continue to receive their valuable support in the future as well.”

Tameer Holding Investment LLC commented that despite having a large volume of units to record, the company was highly efficient in handling the recording procedure and completing almost 90 per cent of the units in record time.

DSO, wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, operates as a free zone for companies producing semiconductors, microelectronics, and other high-tech products seeking to establish regional headquarters, and centers of research and development in the Middle East, and Africa.
 

Oasis Centre Launches Second Season Of Oasis Womens Day Out

The second season of ‘Women’s Day Out’, an exclusive initiative for women customers, has been launched at Oasis Centre, Dubai’s friendliest mall and a part of the Landmark Group.

The six-week promotion commenced on 20 April and will run until 9 June, offering exciting mall-wide deals to women every Wednesday. Brands spanning various categories including fashion, footwear, beauty, wellness, fitness, home, jewellery, kids’ entertainment, food and beverageare participating in the Wednesday-special shopping spree for women as part of their continued endeavour tooffer the holistic shopping experience that Oasis Centre is reputed for.

Splash, Max, Lifestyle, New Look, Koton, Carter’s Damas, Rivoli, Beauty Bay, Fitness First, Spaces, and Lilliput World are back in the second season with even more exciting offers and deals.

Babyshop is participating with an AED50 gift voucher for every purchase of AED200, while Aeropostle is offering a discount of AED50 on every AED250. Style Studio and Q Home Décor are awardinga flat 25 per cent markdown on all products as part of the promotion. Meanwhile, top sports-wear brands Sun and Sand and Nike have extended a 65 per cent off on select women’s merchandise throughout the six-week initiative.

Neelesh Bhatnagar, Director of Oasis Centre, said: “The ‘Women’s Day Out’ promotion was launched last November and we are back again with it in April due to the overwhelming response we received. Women shoppers form an integral part of Oasis Centre’s customer segment. This initiative is our way of expressing a sincere appreciation for their strong loyalty in making the Oasis Centre their regular and most frequented shopping destination.”

Oasis Centre’s friendly ambience and family-centric offerings have continually appealed to women customers. The mall is among the most favoureddestinations for women looking for a relaxed family outing.

A mid-sized shopping mall managed by Landmark Group, Oasis Centre located on Sheikh Zayed Road houses a range of brands across categories, enticing customers with its key strengths such as convenience of shopping and excellent value-for-money and choice.
 

Dubai Silicon Oasis Explores Areas Of Collaboration With Malaysian Investment Development Authority

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced a top-level delegation from Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) conducted a five-day visit to Malaysia where they held discussions with officials of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in Kuala Lumpur on potential areas of collaboration.

Led by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the delegation briefed MIDA executives about Dubai Silicon Oasis, its latest achievements and the investment opportunities offered to foreign companies in the UAE in general and Dubai in specific. Discussions also covered the global economic crisis and the measures undertaken by the Malaysian Government to successfully tackle its impact.
A recent report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed that Malaysia exported US$57 billion of information and communication technology (ICT) products in 2009, taking the eighth spot among global economies. The UNCTAD data also showed that Asian economies in 2009 accounted for 66.3 per cent of global exports of ICT goods, up from 63.8 per cent in 2008.

Dr. Al Zarooni said: “Investments in various fields of technology has become imperative for most of the industries. Hence, it is equally essential to understand the markets around us and establish long-term relationships with the relevant authorities.

“The meetings with MIDA and the technology companies in Malaysia generated promising prospects for future co-operation. The Malaysian officials were also keen to learn more about the array of world-class facilities Dubai Silicon Oasis offers to businesses and investors.”

During the visit, the DSOA delegation visited several Malaysian companies that specialize in technology and R&D such as MSC – the National ICT Initiative in Malaysia, KULIM Hi-Tech Park (KTPC), Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Invest Penang amongst others.

Concluding the visit, Dr. Al Zarooni extended MIDA officials a formal invitation to visit Dubai Silicon Oasis to have a closer look at the project and take the discussion on collaborations to the next stage.

MIDA is the principal agency for the promotion of manufacturing and Investment sectors in Malaysia. In addition to facilitating implementation of projects in the two sectors, MIDA also assists interested companies with new business ventures in overseas markets.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai and operates as a free zone for semiconductor, microelectronic and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and research and development (R&D) facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.
 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Announces 296% Increase In Dubai Silicon Oasis Operating Profit

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), today announced DSO achieved exceptional performance across all areas of operations during 2010, registering AED 195.4 million operating profit, 296 per cent higher compared to 2009.

The integrated technology park also recorded AED685 million in revenue for 2010, up 130 per cent; while recording AED56 million net profit for the same period, 30 per cent higher than 2009. These achievements are the result of the technology park’s outstanding performance as well as a new freehold initiative offered at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

DSO’s current assets are estimated at AED7.5 billion, whereas the accrued liabilities amount to only AED900 million. The free zone also witnessed a 35 per cent rise in company registrations, taking the total number of entities operating at the technology park to 370.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “DSO successfully achieved its targets for 2010 through utilizing its potential and developing an effective marketing plan. Coinciding with the recovery of the UAE economy, DSO has proved its resilience in dealing with the economic downturn through an efficient and flexible well-planned strategy. The strategic marketing plan proved fruitful in gaining the trust of investors, which is reflected in the record growth rates that DSO has achieved in profits, revenues and company registrations. The strong foundations upon which DSO’s investments are based along with the existing opportunities will help achieve further growth in the coming years.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed expressed his confidence that DSO will register a similar economic performance for the year 2011, through strategic planning based on indications of a quicker than expected economic recovery. The trend denotes that more global companies are likely to select the technology park as their preferred location for regional operations.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed added that DSO will soon establish a new technology incubator and an investment fund to support future projects in diverse technology sectors. The initiatives are expected to stimulate entrepreneurial development which will provide an environment of innovation and growth for the sector.

The technology incubator and the investment fund will play an important role in creating new investment trends in the Arab region, and are the key concepts of DSO’s plan for a technologically-integrated Hi Tech Eco-System. The primary objective of the plan is to create a high-tech community capable of supporting rapid technological advancement.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said that DSO has placed Emiratisation as one of its key priorities, giving talented nationals an opportunity to manage and lead the organisation. DSO’s Emiratisation level reached 65 per cent of the total 270 employees last year. UAE nationals at present hold 92 per cent of senior management positions.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed added: “Given that it is the most important element in the production process, DSO remains committed to empowering individual employees through the selection of competent and experienced personnel. It has succeeded in developing human resources and motivating employees by providing best-practice training programmes.

“European companies make up 40 per cent of the total number of companies operating at DSO, whereas American organisations comprise around seven per cent. Asian and MENA companies total 19 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.”

The companies that base their regional headquarters in DSO operate in various industries, including software research and development, and chip design and development aimed at consumer goods, educational and service sectors. In addition, there are companies that work in chemical products, semiconductors, solar energy, communications, as well as security solutions for sectors such as oil and gas, power, utilities, telecom operators, transport and fiber optics.

Furthermore, the DSO-based Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai offered several academic streams in September 2010, including bachelor’s programmes in engineering and business administration. Moreover; RIT recently moved to its new headquarters in DSO, enabling it to accommodate the increasing growth in the number of students, which has tripled between 2008 and 2010. RIT expects to welcome up to 1,500 students over the next 10 years, which is one of the university’s primary objectives. RIT is considered to be one of the world’s leading teaching institutions, and was inaugurated at DSO in 2008.
 

Dubai Silicon Oasis Showcases Cedre Villas At Moscow International Property Show

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, announced it is showcasing today its AED1.55-billion Cedre Villas project at the Moscow International Property Show, an exclusive real estate show that includes a personally invited audience of high net worth individuals.

A leading foreign property show organized by aigroup, the Moscow International Property Show is presented bi-annually in April and November and currently in its seventh year. Running from 8-9 April in Moscow, it provides a platform for worldwide developers and real estate agencies to network with distinguished representatives from the government and private sectors as well as real estate portfolio managers.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is leveraging the boutique format of the show to spotlight the 1,047-Cedre Villas development comprising luxury, executive, town house and twin villas ranging between three to five bedrooms. Located within the 7.2-square km state-of-the-art integrated tech park, the villas are available in three architectural models – modern, traditional, and Arabic – and are offered at very competitive rates.

Waleed Bin Shafie, Vice President – Real Estate Sales at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: “Dubai is gaining popularity as a holiday destination among Russians who are keen to invest in a second home here. The Moscow International Property Show has stringent criteria of participation and welcomes exhibitors that enjoy high credibility among investors and buyers.

“Our participation at this show offers valuable exposure for Cedre Villas to elite buyers. As a professional platform to exchange information, complete transactions and conclude partnership agreements, we are confident the property show is an ideal forum to highlight the unmatched experience that Cedre Villas offers.”

DSO has completed selling and leasing 64 per cent of the first phase of the Cedre Villas development. Construction work on the second phase was completed in May 2010 with nearly 40 per cent of the units sold prior completion.

Cedre Villas offers residents a community centre encompassing an exclusive clubhouse, a shopping complex, health and leisure facilities, as well as swimming pools, schools and academies, clinic, play areas and other features.

The Cedre Villas project is part of a comprehensive metropolitan community at DSO that combines office towers, research and development (R&D) and industrial zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels, healthcare facilities and a wide range of lifestyle options to create a dynamic commercial and social environment.

Wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone for companies producing semiconductors, microelectronics, and other high-tech products seeking to establish regional headquarters and centers of research and development in the Middle East and Africa.

 

Shoppers Win Thousands On Debut Weekend Of Oasis Centres Money Mania During DSF 2011

Oasis Centre, Dubai’s friendliest mall, which launched its line-up of activities for Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2011 on 21 January, has rewarded participants of its ‘Money Mania’ game with over AED25,000 in gift vouchers on its debut weekend.

Customers participating in the ‘Oasis Money Mania’ enter a crystal cube in the mall atrium. Inside the enclosure, they compete to grab currency and stand to win gift vouchers equivalent to the total value of currency collected. Vouchers inside the crystal add up to a maximum value of AED300,000 through the duration of the promotion.

Oasis Centre has roped in six of the UAE’s most popular radio stations that appeal to Asian, Arab and Western listeners. Through their broadcasts, listeners are invited to participate in the Oasis Money Mania by sending an SMS to the stations.

Shortlisted listeners are then invited to a radio-roadshow at the mall on Fridays and Saturdays from 2.00pm – 10.00pm. Shoppers who are present at the mall are also selected on the spot to be part of the contest.
For participation, shoppers need to spend AED200 in any of the stores at Oasis Centre and register through the radio stations or be present at the mall on Fridays or Saturdays.

Oasis Centre has also lined up an exciting array of discounts and deals with many retailers offering exclusive promotions. Shoppers who spend over AED200 during the DSF period can also enter a draw to win one of 41 Nissan cars, as part of DSF’s ‘Nissan Grand Raffle’.
 

Dubai Silicon Oasis To Highlight Offerings At International ICT Expo In Hong Kong

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced it will showcase its cutting edge facilities and unprecedented growth as the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries at the International ICT Expo 2011 in Hong Kong.

The expo is considered a powerhouse for information and communications technology and links product and service providers with buyers. The event will be hosted from 13-16 April at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong S.A.R.).

In 2010, the event featured more than 570 exhibitors from 14 countries. It included group pavilions from Australia, Canada, China, India and Taiwan. The trade fair attracted over 28,000 buyers from 136 countries, including professionals in the field of internet, intranet, computers, telecommunications, computer networks, multimedia technologies, wireless, wire line, entertainment and broadband.

Adnan Juma Al Bahar, Vice-President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: “ICT Expo is considered as one of Asia’s unique platforms that we are confident will help us showcase our competitive advantage to potential investors looking to set up their headquarters in this region. The expo will also help create and drive strategic alliances with international technology companies that will support the integrated tech-park’s growth.

“Besides helping attract new organisations to set up regional headquarters at DSO, the event will open doors for international ICT companies to realize the solid value proposition and the benefits of operating in this region from within the premier technology park.”

Amongst other advantages, DSO extends investment incentives for hi-tech companies including preferential leasing rates, subsidized EDA tools and staff accommodation.

Wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone for companies producing semiconductors, microelectronics, and other high-tech products seeking to establish regional headquarters and R&D centers in the Middle East and Africa.
 

Dubai Silicon Oasis To Host Second Open House For Cedre Villas Development

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced it will host its second open house at its prestigious Cedre Villas project.

To be held on 12 March, visitors to the AED1.55-billion villa development that comprises luxury, executive, twin villas, as well as town houses in three distinct architectural models – modern, traditional, and arabic, will benefit from an array of attractive offers.

Walid bin Shafee, Vice President – Sales Real Estate, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: “The upcoming open house event for our Cedre Villas development comes on the back of the success of the previous session we held last December. The positive response we received then has encouraged us to extend these special offers to those looking to invest in quality villas that reflect excellent value for money.”

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority will leverage the open house initiative to roll out its three payment plan options for future home owners. No interest will be charged for buyers committing to a three-year instalment plan whereas only AED70,000 and AED140,000 will be added to the original price of the unit for those wishing to commit to a four or five-year instalment plan respectively.

In addition, potential customers will receive a five percent discount if opting for bank financing whereas a 10 percent discount will be granted to cash buyers. All buyers will also benefit from a waiver of the community fee for the first year, free land registration and free basic landscaping.

Strategically located to provide easy access to all points of Dubai, the gated Cedre Villas development offers modern comfort and safe community living. A 65,000-sq-ft community centre, clubhouses, nursery and k-12 grade schools, play areas, swimming pools, pedestrian networks, interconnected courtyards and parks are all part of the holistic offering at Cedre Villas.
 

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Receives ISO Award For Quality Management Systems

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), recently received the ISO 9001:2008 certification for Quality Management Systems (QMS), an internationally recognized standard for quality in products and services, on behalf of DSOA for its renewed commitment towards enhancing services, products and operations through a structured and efficient system.

The ISO certification was presented by R. S. Mani, Area Technical Manager – Middle East & Africa of Lloyds Registered Quality Assurance (LRQA) Ltd to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman and CEO of DSOA, and Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Excellence & Support at DSOA.

DSOA’s latest recognition quickly follows the ISO 9001:2000 for Quality Management Systems that was awarded to DSOA in 2007 for providing customers with industry-leading products and services.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “Since we first received the ISO 9001:2000 certification in 2007, Dubai Silicon Oasis has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the culture of performance excellence in its, while developing the right structure and policies to achieve this. The latest ISO certification that we have received is proof of our consistent efforts to achieve the highest standards as an organisation. Through this certification, the concept of quality becomes an incentive for continuous development.”

Dr. Al Zarooni said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) continues to remain focused on developing a Quality Management System to enhance all services, products and operations through a focused and streamlined system. Receiving the new ISO 9001:2008 certification proves that, in relation to global standards, DSOA has consistently excelled.

“As an organisation, we are proud to have excelled in such a rigorous evaluation and believe that such regular assessments can be of great benefit to us. Our achievement is the outcome of a thorough internal evaluation of all the necessary processes to meet the regulatory, mandatory and customer requirements. At DSOA, we are committed to raise the bar of excellence even further.”

The ISO 9000:2008 standards give organisations an opportunity to add value to their activities and continually improve performance by focusing on their major processes. The standards place great emphasis on developing quality management systems that are close linked to the organisation’s processes and their continual improvement. As a result, they direct users to the achievement of business results, such as customer satisfaction.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a wholly-owned entity of the government of Dubai and operates as a free zone technology park for semiconductor, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.