His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, has launched a series of new expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis, with a total investment of AED 12.8 billion.
This initiative comes as part of Dubai’s broader vision to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy founded on innovation, aimed at boosting the emirate’s global competitiveness and transforming it into a magnet for high-quality investments and global talent.
Dubai is Shaping the Future through Knowledge and Innovation
His Highness stated:
“Dubai continues to shape the future by adopting and utilizing advanced technologies to serve humanity, the economy, and society. We are building a sustainable knowledge economy rooted in innovation—one that transforms ideas into opportunities, achievements, and tangible realities, within an open global environment that welcomes talent, creativity, and high-impact investments, ultimately enhancing quality of life and reinforcing Dubai’s position among the world’s most future-ready cities.”
His Highness added:
“The expansion projects we have launched at Dubai Silicon Oasis represent a pivotal step in the path of sustainable development. These projects offer integrated environments that support research and development, and empower companies and entrepreneurs to grow and innovate in future sectors that bring added value.”
The launch ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ); His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; along with several senior officials.
A Vision for Innovation and Future Economy
Commenting on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said:
“We continue to implement the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a global hub for innovation, technology, and the future economy. These strategic projects embody the spirit of leadership and enhance the emirate’s ability to anticipate and adapt to global shifts.”
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum described the launch of the Dubai Silicon Oasis expansion projects as a strategic step that reflects the ambition to double the contribution of the knowledge economy to overall growth, while providing an ideal environment for local, regional, and global companies and investors—particularly in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and future industries.
His Highness added:
“These large-scale projects are aligned with the goals of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. They reflect our belief that economic progress goes hand-in-hand with quality of life and sustainability. The smart and sustainable design of the projects, which integrates business, future technologies, residential areas, education, and entertainment, embodies Dubai’s development model—one that places people at the center of all policies and projects, and invests in creativity and knowledge to build the cities of the future.”
His Highness further emphasized:
“We view these projects as an integrated platform to strengthen public-private partnerships, develop forward-looking business models, and offer quality investment, employment, and education opportunities for young talent and innovators from around the world. This reaffirms our commitment to continually developing advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation, and competitive incentives that cement Dubai’s attractiveness as a premier destination to live, work, and invest—further enhancing its leadership as a global development model.”
DIEZ Reinforces Business Environment through Innovation
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), affirmed that the new expansion is part of DIEZ’s ongoing efforts to support Dubai’s business environment and provide innovative solutions that attract investments, create jobs, and enhance the global standing of Dubai Silicon Oasis as a hub for creators and innovators.
District IO and Block 14: The Two Major Projects in Focus
The expansion plan includes two major flagship developments:
1. District IO
This landmark project is designed to support research, development, and innovation in Dubai, with AED 11 billion in investments. The project includes 25 buildings aligned with green building standards, comprising:
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18 commercial buildings
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4 residential buildings
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Hospitality facilities, including a conference center and an innovation and experience center
Expected Impact by 2036:
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Over 70,000 direct and indirect job opportunities
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An AED 103 billion contribution to Dubai’s GDP
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Attraction of up to AED 30 billion in foreign direct investment
Key Sectors of Focus:
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Smart mobility
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3D printing
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Robotics
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Transformational technologies (X-Tech)
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Artificial intelligence and quantum computing
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Web3 technologies
Implementation Timeline:
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Phase 1 (2026): Development of office spaces, R&D labs, and retail zones
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Phase 2 (2027): Construction of hospitality and innovation facilities
Strategic Foundations:
District IO is built on five strategic pillars:
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Supporting innovation and knowledge
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A flexible and growth-oriented business environment
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Advanced R&D infrastructure
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A smart, integrated community connecting entrepreneurs and residents
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A strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards
It also supports various D33 initiatives, including:
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Dubai Sandbox Program
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Startup Development Program
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Unicorn Program
2. Block 14
Located near the Blue Line Metro Station in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Block 14 aims to create an integrated work-live environment aligned with the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model, with an investment of AED 1.8 billion.
Key Features:
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A commercial building
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Two residential buildings
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Retail zones
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Direct connectivity to the Blue Line of Dubai Metro
The first phase is expected to be completed by 2029, in line with the planned opening of the Blue Line. The project aims to deliver a vibrant, sustainable urban community that enhances quality of life and reflects Dubai’s high standards in modern living.
Field Visits to Strategic Projects
During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also reviewed several key strategic projects within Dubai Silicon Oasis, including:
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Fakeeh University Hospital, where His Highness was briefed on cutting-edge digital healthcare services and a patient-centered care model. The hospital currently serves over 100,000 residents and workers in the oasis.
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Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai (RIT Dubai), where he was introduced to the region’s first drone delivery project, developed in collaboration with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, DIEZ, and Dubai Future Foundation. The project plays a key role in advancing smart logistics infrastructure and supports Dubai’s knowledge-based economy through the integration of robotics and autonomous systems.
