Dubai Internet City (DIC) Tech Ecosystem

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub in the Middle East and North Africa #WhereMindsClick. It was founded in 1999 by the Government of Dubai, and a year later, in October 2000, it opened its doors. 

It is a free economic zone located near Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village, with modern office spaces, advanced telecommunications infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment making it a perfect strategic place for technology and media companies. It is home to over 1,600 companies, from noted IT giants to thriving startup communities.

“We believe innovation is not a formula, it’s a collective effort and nobody does it better than our tech community.”

Dubai Internet City (DIC) 

Top IT Companies Located in Dubai Internet City

Being an information technology and business park, various companies operate in DIC. There are many popular companies and now let's have a look at some of the prominent names operating here in different industries. 

IT services, Telecommunication, and Network Providers

#1. Cisco offers networking solutions and communication technologies.

#2. Microsoft is a leader in software development, cloud computing (e.g., Azure), and hardware (e.g., Surface devices).

#3. Oracle specializes in database software and cloud infrastructure for enterprises.

Digital Connectivity and Social Platforms

#4. LinkedIn (Owned by Microsoft) is a professional networking, job search, and skill development platform. 

#5. Facebook (Owned by Meta Platforms Inc.) offers various social media platforms and digital connectivity solutions

Tech Infrastructure and Services

#6. IBM provides technology infrastructure, software solutions, and consulting services.

#7. Dell offers computers, peripherals, and IT services including sales, repair, and support.

#8. HP provides a wide spectrum of hardware, software, and IT services.

Technology Design and Manufacturing

#9. Lenovo specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing technology products including PCs, tablets, smartphones, and servers.

#10. Apple Inc. is renowned for its innovative design and manufacturing of consumer electronics and offers a range of products including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches.

#11. Samsung Gulf Electronics is known for its diversity of products, including smartphones, televisions, home appliances, and semiconductor technology.

Software Development

#12. CKM Software Development offers customized software, web, and mobile app development services tailored to client needs.

#13. SAP Middle East & North Africa is a global leader in enterprise software solutions, offering ERP, CRM, and other software solutions.

E-commerce and Online Retail

#14. Amazon.ae is an online marketplace that offers a wide range of products and services.

#15. noon.com is a leading e-commerce platform in the Middle East, providing a diverse range of products including electronics, fashion, beauty, home goods, and groceries.

Digital Marketing and Advertising

#16. Omnicom Media Group MENA 

#17. Publicis Media Middle East 

Leading marketing and communications agencies offering a wide range of marketing and advertising services, including media planning, digital marketing, and creative solutions.

Companies from other industries are also present in DIC, from Fintech (e.g. Network International, PayFort), Cybersecurity (e.g. DarkMatter Group), Healthtech (e.g. Vezeeta), Edtech (e.g.TeachMeNow), Travel and Tourism Technology (e.g. HolidayMe),  Media and Entertainment Technology (e.g. ITP Media Group), etc. DIC creates an ecosystem where companies collaborate, share knowledge, and drive innovation every day.

The mission of Dubai Internet City is to create an infrastructure, environment, and attitude that will enable ICT enterprises to operate locally, regionally, and globally, from Dubai, with a significant competitive advantage.

(www.dubaiinternet.com)

Startups Based in Dubai Internet City 

Apart from these big companies, there are also a large number of startups operating here in Dubai Internet City. 

Some of the most successful startups that have emerged from DIC include Careem which was bought by Uber, Souq.com, the Middle East's unicorn firm acquired by Amazon, Media.Net, a leading ad tech enterprise, Anghami, an Arabic music streaming service, and Wrappup, creator of an AI-driven productivity application, later acquired by Voicera, a US-based technology company.

Other notable startups that have been based in DIC are Fetchr - a technology company that provides delivery and logistics solutions, Mumzworld is an e-commerce platform focused on baby and child products, Melltoo is a peer-to-peer marketplace app that allows users to buy and sell secondhand items locally, Wrappup is a productivity app that uses artificial intelligence to help users take better meeting notes and WeCashUp - a fintech startup that provides payment solutions for businesses in emerging markets.

Moreover, let's explore the Success Story of Careem which highlights the technological potential of the Dubai Internet City.

Careem: A DIC Startup Success Story

 

Careem is the first unicorn startup in the Middle East that showed the importance of Dubai Internet City in technology innovation. 

It is a Dubai-based startup founded in 2012 by Magnus Olsson and Mudassir Sheikha, that has rapidly expanded its services to 70 cities in more than 10 countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Careem is a multi-functional app that provides ride-sharing, meal delivery, and digital payment services in one platform. With its targeted branding strategy and partnerships such as LinkedIn, the company has established a strong brand among its customers.

Careem's engagement with service excellence and innovation, including its localized mapping solution, has fueled its growth. In 2019 it was acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion.

The success stories of startups based in Dubai Internet City are inspiring and highlight the DIC entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this regard, let's see what other benefits DIC companies have.

7 Benefits of Starting a Company in DIC in 2024

Dubai Internet City (DIC) companies benefit from various advantages that make it an attractive business destination. Some of the key benefits that companies in DIC enjoy include:

• Tax and Ownership Benefits 

Companies in the Dubai Internet City Free Zone benefit from a favorable tax system, including no personal income tax and no corporate tax for 50 years, no customs duties, and full repatriation of capital and profits. In addition, full ownership of the foreign company is allowed in DIC.

• Great Infrastructure

Like Dubai, DIC is known for its world-class infrastructure. It offers modern office spaces, excellent internet, advanced telecommunications infrastructure, and support services for tech companies.

• Strategic Location

DIC is located in the heart of Dubai and offers easy access to major markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, making it a perfectly well-connected business destination.

• Networking Opportunities

DIC hosts numerous technology events, conferences, and networking sessions throughout the year, providing companies with opportunities to connect with industry colleagues, potential partners, and investors. Every year, DIC hosts the STEP Conference, which is the biggest tech festival in the Middle East.

• Government Support

The Dubai government is actively investing in the technology sector and encouraging new ideas and businesses. DIC benefits from this support, with initiatives aimed at promoting technology adoption and stimulating economic growth in the region.

• Highly Skilled Workforce 

There is a highly skilled workforce in Dubai, with professionals from around the world. DIC provides access to this talent pool, making it possible for technology companies to recruit the best from local and international markets.

• Quality of Life

Dubai Internet City offers a multicultural environment and a high quality of life with modern amenities. There are many restaurants and supermarkets, educational institutes and universities, and a lot of leisure places near Dubai Internet City.

Dubai Internet City is close to luxury hotels such as the Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, a 5-star hotel in the heart of DIC, which is excellent for both business and leisure travelers. So, establishing a company in Dubai Internet City presents a multitude of benefits that contribute to a business’s success. 

In Conclusion

Dubai Internet City is attractive from big to small companies, turning it into a true tech ecosystem full of innovation, opportunities, and collaboration - as well as TechBehemoths.

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