Dubai Silicon Oasis is a brave new world

Gradually taking form just off Emirates Road is Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a development which aims to become a global centre for electronics, research and development. Launched in October 2004, DSO will span over 7 million m² with 1,047 villas, over 37 commercial towers, education institutions as well as healthcare and lifestyle facilities.

Since its inception, DSO has attracted a number of technology manufacturing companies, world-renowned educational institutions and foreign investors in technology-related industries such as solar energy, plasma screens, telecommunication services and chip design. It hosts the likes of Hitachi Data Systems, Western Digital, Fujitsu Computers and Lisec. The development has grown rapidly during the past year with an increase of 62% in companies operating in the area.

Dr Mohammad Al Zarouni, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, remains positive in spite of the current financial downturn. "In order to ensure that the projects at DSO are not affected, we have devised a carefully studied and flexible plan focussing on short-term investments without forsaking our long-term goals," he says.

His confidence is demonstrated in DSO's ambitious expansion plans. "Currently, DSO is evaluating the preliminary stage of Phase Three expansion of its headquarters. Spanning 190,000ft² at an investment of Dh3 billion, Phase Three aims to host over 500 new IT-related companies," he says.

"Foreign investments have so far amounted to Dh1.4 billion. Investments at Dubai Silicon Oasis include Dh13 billion of private investments in the freehold real estate development and DSOA's Dh650 million investment in infrastructure, Dh10 billion for the development of the third phase of the offices and light industrial units, as well as specialised companies in high-technology industries and micro-electronics, making the total investment exceed Dh25 billion."

Close to the Al Ain-Dubai Road, the development has a variety of villas and apartments available for lease and freehold purchase. Aiming to create a self-sufficient community, DSO features 1,047 villas that come in three styles: Arabic, traditional and modern. The size and structure of the villas come in four categories: luxury villas, executive villas, twin villas and townhouse villas. Currently living in the residential pocket are Emirates captains, first officers and their families, housed in 570 villas. DSO customers and employees who choose to live in the area are also able to take advantage of a subsidised rental rate.

The residential neighbourhood is interspersed with landscaping and playgrounds and includes a number of shops including a Spinney's, Costa Coffee, video rentals, a hairdresser, a dry cleaners and a community gym that includes a sauna, steam room and a yoga hall. Eating outlets include Rudy's restaurant and another eatery at the DSO headquarters. The pedestrian friendly area also has footpaths, parks and barbecue facilities.

Although a number of buildings are occupied, there are others being developed. Silicon Arch, which is easily identifiable by its fan-like arches, is one of these. The building will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities such as a health club, a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool.

Simonette, a South African leasing agent and yoga instructor who has been living in the Emirates accommodation with her husband for the last 20 months, is happy with the area. "I live in a freestanding villa that has good quality fittings, with four bedrooms and a nice garden," she says. As a professional with a good idea of market rates, Simonette finds the area good value for money especially compared to areas such as Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Marina, Downtown Burj Dubai and Mirdif. "Rental prices went from about Dh95,000 in November for a one-bed per annum, to Dh75,000 on our books at the moment and are still dropping weekly."

Having lived in a high-rise on Shaikh Zayed Road for four years, Simonette enjoys the suburban vibe of the area but dislikes the distance from the city centre at least 20 minutes away. Access is good, with entrances from both the Al Ain and Emirates roads. There are also public buses that run from Bur Dubai, Deira and International City.

As more residents move in, Simonette says the community feel has grown. "We know our neighbours and we have street parties now and then. I always see residents walking as the streets are quiet and clean. Cycling around this area is popular and my husband and I use our racing bikes often. Children and pets are always visible in the parks and sidewalks. A number of running groups have started up as the roads around are accessible and there's not much traffic."

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Nestled among the technology-related commercial district are a number of educational institutions. A GEMS smart school, due to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2009, will provide students with an opportunity to experience emerging technologies first hand. The school will offer the British curriculum to 2,200 students.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) aims to develop a broad base of talent in the technology sector. With courses first offered in August 2008, RIT provides masters programmes in finance, human resource development, service management, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, networking and systems administration.

Currently, about 35% of the DSO's industrial land has been developed an area of 1.2 million ft². In its bid to attract international IT companies, the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority offers a range of incentives including 100% ownership, capital repatriation, state-of-the-art infrastructure, low overheads, comprehensive logistics support, accessibility to talent and flexible employment policies.

DSO also houses the office of Time Group Middle East, a unit of the Beijing-based company, which is setting up a Dh360 million plant that will produce more than 1 million personal computers, plasma televisions, and LCD monitors. The facility is close to completion, with distribution commencing this year.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a high-tech research and development centre. But what's it like to live there?