The Dubai Silicon Oasis will operate as an independent authority according to a Decree issued yesterday by His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Decree No (16) 2005 stipulates the establishment of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA).

Simultaneously, Law No (30) has been issued appointing Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum as chairman of the new body, and Dr Mohammad Ahmad Al Zarouni as vice-chairman with immediate effect, according to a press statement yesterday.

Until now Dubai Silicon Oasis, launched in 2002, was operating under the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza). The DSOA will now enjoy a judicial status and financial and administrative independence.

The objectives of DSOA include facilitating and promoting modern industries in the emirate, and establishing an international centre that specialises in the development, design, and production of modern technology.

It will seek to develop, design and produce bio-technology; formulate and apply strategic policies and plans targeted to attract capital, and large international corporations specialising in modern technology to operate in the DSOA.

It will also contribute to the success of the government's general plan for the economic development of the emirate in all fields, through the development and training of nationals specialised in modern technology.

The new authority will seek to provide appropriate circumstances, environment and infrastructure for institutions and corporations operating in the DSOA and help them perform their licensing operations within the zone.

It will coordinate and cooperate with all government authorities and specialised local and international institutions and organisations with the purpose of fostering modern technological industries and widen the knowledge about intellectual property and patents, in co-operation with government departments, authorities and agencies in the emirate.

The complex will also aim to provide support and protection for research work and studies, in the development of modern technical applications, inventions, intellectual and industrial property rights of the DSOA partners.

It will also provide a global source of information for technology and to participate in international research programmes and conferences.