Companies in Dubai Internet City
As the world grappled with Y2K, the millennium bug, decision makers in Dubai dreamed of a new future, led by technology and innovation. ‘Dubai Internet City,’ the most significant technology business community in the region was launched in the year 2000. During these 19 years, it has become a hub of business activity, and technological innovation surpassing all expectations. Presently, there are more than 1600 companies in Dubai Internet City (DIC) thriving in an evolving ecosystem that will nurture the next big wave of ICT innovation.
Reasons for the popularity of Dubai Internet City
It’s not surprising that DIC has become the Middle East’s prime communication and information technology hub.
- The list of companies in Dubai Internet City includes Fortune 500 companies like Cisco, LinkedIn, Schlumberger, Microsoft, Oracle, Facebook, IBM, Dell, HP, Canon, Siemens, Sony Ericsson and Logica.
- If we look at jobs in Dubai Internet City, 24,000 people have been employed by big companies in Dubai Internet City as well as SMEs.
- Many American companies in Dubai Internet City also run their regional operations from here.
- The transition of the Dubai economy to a knowledge-based economy has been one of the chief aims of the Dubai government.
- These companies in Dubai Internet City have played a vital role in moving Dubai away from being an oil-dependent economy. The planning of the whole project has been exceptional.
- The availability of residential areas such as Dubai Marina, JLT, Barsha Heights, JBR and Umm Suqeim nearby, has also made it extremely convenient for those looking to stay close to the area. Those on a budget can look at the flats for rent in JLT. And those looking for a more spacious living arrangement can easily access the rental villas in Umm Suqeim from DIC.
- Renting an office in Dubai Internet City is preferred by most technology companies in Dubai as they have access to a wide range of amenities and facilities.
Why run a business in Dubai Internet City?
Dubai Internet City is where you can find knowledgeable workers, excellent service providers and global expertise. Operating in a Free Zone gives companies in Dubai Internet City some significant benefits over their competitors who don’t work from a Free Zone. These include:
- 50-year tax exemption
- Total foreign ownership
- Total repatriation of profits
- Metro Ethernet environment
- Availability of world-class human resource
- World-class communications infrastructure: Business centre, fitness centre, medical security, eateries & 5-star hotels.
However, there are certain things entrepreneurs should consider before opening a business in a Dubai free zone.
Companies in Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City is home to various multinational organisations as well as SMEs. Being a business and technology hub, different fields are catered to by companies operating in DIC. There are many popular companies in DIC including Vodafone, Canon, Dell, Seimens and more. Let’s take a look at some of the prominent names operating here across different industries.
Social Media, Multimedia and Marketing companies in DIC
Internet and social media companies in Dubai Internet City work on the creation and distribution of multimedia content. In the recent past, such businesses have mushroomed as people are consuming a lot more content online. An online platform could be provided or different applications could be created through networking. The following list includes Dubai Internet City companies that offer services related to content creation, social media platforms and management.
- 3M Gulf Limited
- Google FZ-LLC
- Symantec Limited
- Sony Middle East and Africa
- Twitter Arabia FZ-LLC
- Facebook FZ-LLC
- Gameloft FZ-LLC
Telecommunication and Network companies in DIC
Telecommunication and networking companies develop, install, modify and operate networks for clients. They can also provide services designed for running network-based applications. However, telecommunication and network companies in Dubai Internet City cannot manufacture physical components nor can they trade such products.
Dozens of multinational companies and SMEs operate in Dubai Internet City and offer services in telecommunication and network. Some prominent ones are:
- Amazon Data Services MENA FZ-LLC
- AT&T Communications Services Gulf States Inc
- China Telecom Middle East FZ-LLC
- Cisco Systems International FZ-LLC
- HTC Middle East FZ-LLC
- Huawei Tech (UAE) FZ-LLC
- LG Hausys Middle East
- General Electric International Operations Company, Inc.
- MasterCard Middle East Africa FZ-LLC
- Nokia Solutions and Networks MEA FZ-LLC
- Sony Mobile Communications International AB
- Samsung SDS Europe ME & Africa
- Tata Communications (Middle East) FZ-LLC
- Telenor Global Services AS
- Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited
IT Services companies in DIC
While IT may not be a core part of operations for all businesses, nothing can work without IT support. Hence, IT services are usually outsourced. Frequently employed services such as localisation, hands-on support and corporate learning are offered by many IT Services companies in Dubai Internet City.
There are hundreds of IT services companies in Dubai Internet City. A few of the top ones are as follows.
- Hewlett-Packard MENA FZ-LLC
- Hitachi Data Systems Limited
- Dell FZ-LLC
- Deloitte Technology Consulting Middle East FZ-LLC
- IBM Middle East FZ-LLC
- Lenovo Global Technology Middle East and Africa FZ-LLC
- Aces Solutions FZ-LLC
E-Commerce companies in DIC
E-commerce has been the rage in recent years. Dubai residents were one of the early adopters of online business. Hence, E-commerce companies have thrived in the last two decades. Aside from buying and selling, such companies gather and use data to identify a better target audience. Following is a list of E-commerce companies in Dubai Internet City.
- CircleCom FZ-LLC
- Delivery Hero FZ-LLC
- Evolve Media Ventures FZ-LLC
- Friendy Marketplace FZ-LLC
- Grays Mid East
- Greadeal Network Technologies FZ-LLC
- Hajzi MENA FZ-LLC
- Nasco Automotive Online Services FZ-LLC
- Quick Manage FZ-LLC
- Securesouq FZ-LLC
Software companies in DIC
Software companies work on development, installation or modification of software products. This could be for a third party or for their own products. If you are looking to develop software for your organisation, you could select from the following software companies operating in Dubai Internet City.
- 1001 App Software Solutions FZ-LLC
- CKM Software Development FZ-LLC
- Fiorano Software Limited
- Kafi Banking Software FZ-LLC
- Sage Software Middle East FZ-LLC
- Tibco Software FZ-LLC
Project Management Companies in DIC
Experienced Project Managers in the modern world are extremely sought after. Many jobs in Dubai Internet City pertain to similar roles. Various companies have project managers in their overall setup. However, some companies specialise in project management. They often work on third-party contracts. There are a few project management businesses in Dubai Internet City as well.
- Arcadis Gulf FZ-LLC
- CH2M Hill International, Ltd.
- Delta Partners FZ-LLC
- Drees & Sommer Gulf FZ-LLC
- e.Construct FZ-LLC
- Eight Management FZ-LLC
- Gazprom Neft Business Service B.V.
- Reaction Project Management FZ-LLC
- SM Projects Management FZ-LLC
- THH Business Consultancy FZ-LLC
Banks in DIC
Given that there are 1600 companies in Dubai Internet City, banking services are of paramount importance. The following banks have branches in Dubai Internet City.
- Dubai Islamic Bank (Public Joint Stock Company)
- Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C)
- Mashreq Bank PSC
Legal Consultants in DIC
Given the number of companies conducting businesses in Dubai Internet City, some would need to hire lawyers for their legal disputes. Three legal consultants are present in Dubai Internet City.
- Al Tamimi & Company FZ-LLC
- Al Wasl International Group – Advocates & Legal Consultants
- Emirates Advocates
Eateries in DIC
To cater to the large number of professionals working in DIC, there are a number of food courts in Dubai Internet City. Both Building 3 and Block 7 in Dubai Internet city are home to a number of restaurants and cafes. Some of the prominent options include:
- Subway Restaurant
- French Bakery Coffee Shop
- Fruit Shop on Greams Road
- Mikel Coffee Shop
- Kamat
- Nandos
However, there are various eateries in the surrounding areas and many employees use the food delivery apps in Dubai to take care of their meals.
Dubai Internet City is on par with any other free zone in Dubai. Especially if your business is IT related, this is the place to be. Your target audience already knows the market and finding suppliers wouldn’t be a problem. Even if your product sales are B2B, this place gives you the best shot at success.
Many organisations here work with global companies and provide IT support, digital content and more. The buzzing hub offers a comprehensive portfolio to choose from. Dubai’s future is linked to this free zone and its further development. You too can be a part of this progress by opening a business here!
