dubai int city 2.jpgDubai's Internet City, established in 2000, was the first of the now many 'duty free zones' to be created in and around Dubai. The problem is the word 'around', because the concept has been much imitated by other 'cities' built in other locations in the past half-dozen years. Dubai's sky-high rents, advancing inflation and notorious traffic problems haven't helped.

Now Dubai Internet City (DIC) is fighting back with a commitment to increase floor space by 25% over the next two years. Dubai has quickly established itself as an important regional hub and provides HQ premises for the likes of Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Dell and Sony Ericsson. DIC offers 100% tax exemption and 100% ownership by non-Emirate nationals.

Unveiling concept images of the new buildings for the first time at GITEX Technology Week, DIC executive director Malek Sultan Al Malek confirms the enlarged campus will be constructed within existing DIC boundaries. "The project is set for completion by the end of 2010," he explains. "We have been developing the project with consultants TVS and we are in the process of confirming a construction contractor."

Al Malek says the development will include office space, conference rooms, restaurants and retail outlets, as well as networking areas. More than 1,200 companies are currently based at DIC and the extension is set to boost that number considerably. "This will accommodate the expansion plans of our major business partners, while also providing office space for new companies coming to DIC," adds Al Malek.