Dh165m net profit at Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dh748 million to fund investment projects during 2013
Dubai: Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) yesterday reported that the technology park registered Dh165.4 million net profit in 2012, 26 per cent higher than 2011. The integrated technology park also recorded Dh682.2 million in gross revenue for 2012, while recording Dh159 million in operating revenue for the same period, nearly five per cent higher than the previous year.
“Our 2012 performance is an indication of the growing status of Dubai Silicon Oasis as a centre for innovation and technology,” said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DSOA.
Shaikh Ahmad also announced that DSOA has allocated Dh748 million to fund investment projects during 2013 as part of plans to shape Dubai Silicon Oasis into a leading technology park through the provision of world class facilities for international companies looking to set up their regional headquarters in Dubai.
The year additionally saw a 32 per cent increase in the number of companies operating under the Authority at Dubai Silicon Oasis. The growth takes the total number of companies at the fully integrated technology hub to 711, with 68 per cent of those in the IT industry and the other 32 per cent related to commercial and service sectors and diversified investment.
Nearly 32 per cent of the companies at DSOA are European, with Asian companies representing 21 per cent and American firms accounting for 11 per cent. African organisations cover three per cent, with one per cent of the businesses representing Australia and 32 per cent comprising enterprises from the Mena region.
”DSOA’s impressive performance in 2012 and our growing reputation as a regional hub for IT is a result of strategic efforts to attract more of the world’s leading companies within the technology industry, and the continued development of the infrastructure required to satisfy the needs of investors and maintain our global reputation,” said Shaikh Ahmad.
In July 2012, construction on the third phase of the Dh32 million Light Industrial Units project was launched. The phase that is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2013 will include 22 fully-equipped units each covering an area of 365 sq. metres. Phase-four of the Dh43 million Light Industrial Units was also launched this year where construction works commenced during March. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2014, the phase-four of the Light Industrial Units will include 27 full-facilities, flexible, modular and finished units.
Commenting on the allocation of the Dh748 million to fund investment projects during 2013, Dr. Mohammad Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, said: “The project includes an Dh80 million infrastructure development that includes “Storm Water Project” that was rolled-out in January 2013 in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2013.
Dubai Silicon Oasis is studying the possibility of building a second “Technopark” offering multi-functional spaces for commercial, retail and recreational facilities. Other new projects include the completion of two residential towers with an investment of Dh184 million towards end-2013, bringing the total investment in the two towers to Dh395 millions.
