Tecom to set up resolution system

Dubai Technology, E-commerce and Media Free Zone Authority (Tecom) will shortly establish an internationally-recognised resolution system that covers global and domestic disputes within its premises covering Dubai Media City (DMC ) and Dubai Internet City (DIC).

The system will be launched in partnership with the London-based Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). It also incorporates freedom of speech disputes, Abdul Hamid Juma, CEO of DMC, told Gulf News in an exclusive interview.

Meanwhile, DMC has finalised its freedom of expression law which is operational at the premises, he added.

To meet demand by staffers and companies, DMC is planning to set up a nursery for children, a hospital, a theatre and cinema halls.

Juma expected work on the nursery to start before the year-end. Talks are now on with specialists - mainly local hospitals - for the management and investment in the hospital.

Confirming its cultural identity though business-oriented, DMC will soon sign contracts with international and Arab cultural groups to bring famous shows to Dubai, said Juma.

He refused to declare the Arab groups with whom they are expected to sign contracts.

But he cited examples of international shows and singers they'd like to bring are Pavarotti, Lion King, Cats, Miss Saigon.

"London was chosen for arbitration to guarantee objectivity. CIArb has 17 reputable independent judges," said Juma in response to queries on why Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry planned arbitration centre will not be used for the purpose. CIArb, he explained, conducts dispute resolution services and manages bespoke schemes for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions.

It also promotes and facilitates the determination of disputes by arbitration as well as alternative means of dispute resolution for various businesses; the law, media, construction, shipping, engineering, finance, insurance, commodities, medicine, sports and the automobile industry.

CIArb is a non-profitable organisation founded in 1915, with global branches. Its members are approaching 10,000 in 86 countries.

As for the hospital and the nursery, Juma noted: "We had planned the hospital and the nursery in a later stage but demand brought them forward. We prefer talking to local hospitals to manage and invest in our project.

"All DMC or telecom projects are within the strategy. Investors are partners but we do not want those with ideas that do not fall within our strategy. We are not a property developer like Emaar, for example. Whatever is done here should be within the general plan serving and attracting companies.

"We will study whether to set up a closed or amphitheatre and were will it be placed at Tecom. Earlier, we felt a theatre would constrain shows and that is why we preferred open air.

Fayrouz's concerts in Dubai, for example, were held at the American University because we have no theatres," stressed the CEO.

"We cooperate with many groups for bringing in high-class shows to Dubai. We want Dubai to be one of the destinations in the big shows Middle East tours," said Juma.