Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis with investments of AED12.8 billion.
The launch took place at the zone for knowledge and innovation, which is a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).
Sheikh Mohammed said the launch comes as part of Dubai’s vision to anticipate and shape the future through the adoption of technologies and their deployment to serve people, the economy, and society.
The Dubai ruler also highlighted that Dubai continues to build a sustainable knowledge economy rooted in innovation, transforming ideas into opportunities, challenges into achievements, and ambitions into tangible realities.
He added that Dubai will remain an open environment for talent, creative minds, and high value investments from around the world, and a platform for future technologies that enhance quality of life and reinforce Dubai’s position among the world’s most future-ready cities.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ); Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; and several ministers and senior officials.
Dubai Silicon Oasis expansion to strengthen knowledge economy
“We continue implementing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, technology, and the economy of the future through transformative projects that embody leadership and enhance the emirate’s ability to anticipate and embrace change,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) said in a statement.
“The launch of Dubai Silicon Oasis’ expansion projects mark a pivotal advancement in our strategy to amplify the knowledge economy’s impact on inclusive and sustainable growth, establishing an enabling ecosystem that empowers global enterprises, regional investors, and next-generation innovators in advanced technology, AI, and future industries,” he added.
Sheikh Ahmed said the projects are embedded within a vision aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He said they reflect a belief that progress is inseparable from quality of life and sustainability.
“We view these projects as an integrated platform to strengthen public private partnerships, develop new business models that anticipate the future, and provide distinctive investment, professional, and educational opportunities for young talent and innovators worldwide. This reaffirms our commitment to advancing infrastructure, flexible regulations, and competitive incentives that reinforce Dubai’s position as the premier global destination for investment, talent, and quality living, while strengthening its stature as a bold, sustainable, and future-ready development model,” he further explained.
“This step reflects DIEZ’s commitment to continuing its pivotal role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by providing integrated residential, commercial, and investment environments within its free zones, supporting the private sector as a key partner to Dubai in the next 50 years particularly in new economic sectors, and contributing to the creation of quality jobs and enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness,” Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ said.
Dubai Silicon Oasis gets AED12.8 billion boost with District IO and Block 14 projects
Al Zarooni confirmed that the expansion phase aligns with efforts to identify solutions that support the success of Dubai’s business ecosystem. He said the expansion will enhance Dubai Silicon Oasis’s position as a platform that embraces creators and innovators, offering infrastructure, resources, and support.
“We are confident that this new strategic expansion will represent a qualitative leap in attracting more investments, particularly in future sectors, and in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a smart and sustainable urban economy,” he added.
The expansion plan includes two projects: District IO and Block 14.
The District IO project has investments of AED11 billion and aims to provide infrastructure that supports the development of technologies, enhances the research, development, and innovation ecosystem in Dubai, contributes to knowledge and innovation objectives, and reinforces Dubai’s position as an engine for research, development, and innovation.
The project comprises 25 LEED compliant buildings, divided into 18 commercial buildings and four residential buildings, in addition to hospitality facilities including a conference centre and an innovation and experience centre.
It will create more than 70,000 jobs over ten years, contribute up to AED103 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2036, and attract up to AED30 billion in foreign direct investment by 2036.
Project to host 6,500 companies in future sectors
The project is equipped to host more than 6,500 companies, SMEs, and startups in sectors. It focuses on six sectors: smart mobility, 3D printing, robotics, X-Tech, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and Web3 technologies along with other sectors enhancing Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
District IO will be developed through two phases. The first phase begins in 2026 and will include office spaces, R&D laboratories, and retail areas. The second phase development will commence in 2027, including hospitality facilities such as a conference centre and innovation and experience centre.
District IO features a development identity based on five pillars that strengthen its competitiveness and position within Dubai’s landscape.
The first pillar is innovation and knowledge, through the project’s focus on supporting activities and initiatives. The second pillar is providing a business environment that offers companies and investors a service ecosystem that stimulates growth.
The project’s third pillar forms a platform for research and development through its laboratories and facilities that help accelerate innovation, while the fourth pillar supports its role as a community that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and residents within an urban environment.
The fifth pillar reflects the project’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance practices, in line with Dubai’s approach to building cities that prioritise quality of life and anticipate the needs of generations.
Block 14 project aligned with Dubai Metro Blue Line
District IO reflects DIEZ’s commitment to supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, through programmes such as Sandbox Dubai, the Startup Development Programme, the Unicorn Programme, and other initiatives.
The project is supported by infrastructure including laboratories, data centres, facilities, smart mobility solutions, and an urban design.
District IO will also offer incentives, including business setup solutions, services, laboratories, funding support through investments, flexible leasing and payment solutions, access to academic and research networks, and product testing laboratories without the need for licenses in the UAE under RegLab.
The first phase of the Block 14 project supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the transit oriented development model, with investments of AED1.8 billion.
Located near the Dubai Metro Blue Line station in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the project will be completed in 2029, aligning with the completion of the Blue Line.
The residential and lifestyle district is designed to deliver a living experience that elevates quality of life for residents and visitors. Through amenities and services, the district advances Dubai’s vision for communities that foster health, connectivity, and design.
Sheikh Mohammed tours Dubai Silicon Oasis facilities
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured projects within Dubai Silicon Oasis, which form part of DSO’s ecosystem.
The tour included a visit to Fakeeh University Hospital, where he was briefed on its medical services system, digital solutions in healthcare, and the model through which the hospital delivers standards of care to more than 100,000 residents and employees of the DSO community, as well as residents of Dubai.
At the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, he was briefed on the Middle East’s drone delivery project, implemented through a partnership between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, DIEZ, and the Dubai Future Foundation.
The project contributes, through a delivery network within the Oasis, to providing infrastructure that enhances the logistics ecosystem, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leader among cities.
He was also briefed on the role of robotics and systems, through this project, in supporting a knowledge-based economy, as well as the project’s contribution to stimulating research, development, and innovation.
