Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has launched strategic expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis, with an investment of AED12.8 billion, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the knowledge economy ecosystem in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, these expansion projects align with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to position Dubai as a global leader in innovation, technology, and future economy. The initiative is designed to transform Dubai into an open environment for talent and high-value investments, while promoting a sustainable knowledge economy rooted in innovation.
The launch ceremony included notable attendees such as H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the projects’ role in enhancing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and future technologies, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, emphasized that the projects reflect DIEZ’s commitment to advancing Dubai’s economic agenda by providing integrated environments within its free zones. He noted that the new expansion phase would enhance Dubai Silicon Oasis’s global position as a leader in embracing creators and innovators.
The strategic expansion includes two major projects: District IO, with AED11 billion in investments, and Block 14. District IO is set to provide infrastructure supporting future technologies and aims to create over 70,000 jobs, contributing AED103 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2036. It will host sectors such as smart mobility, AI, and Web3 technologies, developed through a phased approach starting in 2026.
Block 14, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, focuses on providing an exceptional residential and lifestyle experience with an investment of AED1.8 billion. Its completion is scheduled for 2029, coinciding with the Dubai Metro Blue Line’s completion.
During the launch, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed toured key projects within Dubai Silicon Oasis, including Fakeeh University Hospital and the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, highlighting advancements in medical services, drone delivery systems, and smart logistics.
These projects underscore Dubai’s commitment to building a future-ready city, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance quality of life and economic progress.