The Dubai Internet City is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the enabler of the Middle East’s digital economy and a pioneering hub uniting global tech industry leaders and talent.
Dubai Internet City, one of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 vibrant business districts, was unveiled on 29th October 1999 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The aim was to capitalise on the burgeoning potential of emerging technologies and strengthen the UAE’s knowledge economy.
In 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation would mark 29th October, the day Dubai Internet City was unveiled, as World Coding Day.
With a legacy of empowering global technologists to drive socio-economic transformation, Dubai Internet City’s ecosystem of multinational corporations, start-ups, and Fortune 500 companies, uniting the world’s brightest minds to work, connect, and innovate, has grown in 2024.
Customer numbers grew more than 17.5% in the first nine months of 2024 to reach over 4,000 businesses compared to the same period in 2023. While the community of tech talent at Dubai Internet City expanded to exceed 31,000 professionals, reflecting the city’s attractiveness to global technologists.
Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, commented on the anniversary.
He said, “Driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Internet City has been the launchpad for generations of tech pioneers and the epicentre of the regional digital economy since 1999.
“Dubai Internet City has been instrumental in enabling globally impactful innovation for 25 years from Dubai, contributing significantly to digital transformation efforts and encouraging the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.
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“Our community has helped consolidate Dubai’s position as a preferred global destination for technology, innovation, and AI companies.
“We will continue to strengthen our legacy of supporting socio economic progress by nurturing a cohesive ecosystem for global technology companies and talent to drive comprehensive growth and enhance our contribution to the digital economy, in line with visionary roadmaps such as Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.”
Dubai Internet City is the regional address of companies at the forefront of innovation in areas ranging from fintech and blockchain through to AI and Web3, including Fortune 500 leaders across software, cloud leaders, social networks and gaming heavyweights, alongside electronics giants.
This vibrant ecosystem is further strengthened by 19 Innovation and research and development (R&D) centres operated by global leaders.
Dubai Internet City’s commitment to expanding the digital economy and fostering innovation is reflected in its customers’ successes.
Dubai Internet City’s ecosystem is continuing to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of cutting-edge advancements by co-locating global industry giants to secure the digital economy’s continued growth.
The acquisition of premium office spaces such as Office Park, alongside the ongoing expansion of Innovation Hub, is among the future-focused investments over the past two years, worth more than AED1.9 billion, that reaffirm the district’s role in addressing the evolving needs of global tech companies.
Launched in 2018, Phase 1 of Innovation Hub is at full occupancy and home to industry leaders such as Gartner and China Telecom. Phases 2 and 3 of Innovation Hub at Dubai Internet City, representing a total investment of more than AED780 million, will add more than 530,000 sq.ft. of premium spaces to the district. Phase 2 is fully leased ahead of its 2025 completion.
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