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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched major expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) with total investments amounting to Dh12.8 billion, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, technology, and the knowledge economy.
Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), is a cornerstone of Dubai’s long-term development strategy aligned with the emirate’s vision to become the world’s best city to live, work, and invest.
Sheikh Mohammed said the launch reflects Dubai’s forward-looking approach to shaping the future through advanced technologies that serve people, the economy, and society. He emphasised that Dubai remains committed to building a sustainable knowledge economy rooted in innovation, transforming ideas into opportunities and ambitions into tangible realities. He reaffirmed Dubai’s openness to global talent, creative minds, and high-value investments, positioning the city as a platform for future technologies that enhance quality of life.
The launch ceremony was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; along with ministers and senior officials.
Strengthening Dubai’s Innovation Economy
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the expansion reflects the leadership’s vision to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, technology, and future economies through transformative projects.
He noted that the expansion aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, integrating smart infrastructure, housing, education, business, and future technologies while placing people at the centre of development. The projects aim to enhance public-private partnerships, introduce new business models, and provide distinctive investment and educational opportunities for global innovators.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, added that the expansion will create integrated residential, commercial, and investment environments, further positioning Dubai Silicon Oasis as a global platform for creators and innovators.
Two Flagship Expansion Projects
The expansion comprises two major projects: District IO and Block 14.
District IO, with investments of Dh11 billion, is designed to support future technologies and strengthen Dubai’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem. The project includes 25 LEED-compliant buildings, featuring commercial and residential spaces, hospitality facilities, a conference centre, and innovation hubs.
District IO is expected to create more than 70,000 direct and indirect jobs over ten years, contribute up to Dh103 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2036, and attract up to Dh30 billion in foreign direct investment. It will host over 6,500 global companies, SMEs, and startups, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, smart mobility, robotics, 3D printing, Web3, and advanced technologies.
Development will take place in two phases starting in 2026, with the second phase launching in 2027.
Block 14, representing Dh1.8 billion in investments, supports transit-oriented development under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Located near the Dubai Metro Blue Line station at DSO, the project is scheduled for completion in 2029 and will offer a high-quality residential and lifestyle environment with world-class amenities and integrated services.
Tour of Key Projects
On the sidelines of the launch, Sheikh Mohammed toured several key projects within Dubai Silicon Oasis, including Fakeeh University Hospital, where he was briefed on advanced digital healthcare services serving over 100,000 residents and employees.
He also visited Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, where he was briefed on the Middle East’s first drone delivery project, implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, DIEZ, and the Dubai Future Foundation—further reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in smart logistics and future-ready urban development.
