Dubai Internet City (DIC)
1999
1.6K+
DIC
Physical Address
Dubai Internet City, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Internet City (DIC)
The region’s largest technology business hub, enabling global and regional tech companies to innovate, collaborate, and scale in a vibrant ecosystem
About Dubai Internet City
Established in 2000 as the first specialized technology free zone in the region, Dubai Internet City (DIC) represents a pioneering vision to transform Dubai into a global technology hub. Spanning over 1.5 million square meters in the heart of Dubai’s innovation corridor, DIC was conceptualized as a comprehensive ecosystem that would attract international technology companies while nurturing local digital innovation. The development follows a campus-style master plan that prioritizes connectivity, collaboration, and technological functionality—from robust digital infrastructure and specialized technology facilities to innovation spaces and networking venues designed to catalyze technological advancement.
What distinguishes DIC from conventional business parks is its technology-centric approach to both physical and regulatory infrastructure. The zone’s digital backbone includes redundant high-speed connectivity, uninterrupted power systems, and specialized technical facilities designed specifically for technology operations. This technical foundation is complemented by a regulatory framework tailored to the unique needs of technology businesses, with streamlined processes for digital business models, intellectual property protection mechanisms, and governance structures that understand the rapid evolution of technology ventures.
Technology Ecosystem
DIC has evolved into a comprehensive technology ecosystem that houses over 1,600 companies ranging from global technology giants like Microsoft, Google, and Cisco to specialized software developers, digital service providers, and technology startups. This concentration of technology expertise creates a dynamic environment where digital innovation, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial energy converge, facilitating collaboration, talent exchange, and technology transfer across the ecosystem.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond pure technology players to encompass the full spectrum of the digital value chain—from hardware and infrastructure providers to software developers, digital service companies, e-commerce platforms, and technology consultancies. This diversity creates natural synergies where various technology specializations complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive digital solutions that address complex market needs. Supporting this core technology community is a sophisticated network of venture capital firms, technology accelerators, digital skills academies, and specialized service providers that facilitate the growth and evolution of technology ventures at all stages of development.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DIC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industries
Specialized Trading
Niche commodity and specialized trading
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose DIC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Internet City (DIC) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Technology Ecosystem Immersion
Integration into a dynamic community of over 1,600 technology companies ranging from global tech giants to innovative startups, creating unparalleled opportunities for partnerships, client acquisition, and knowledge exchange in the digital domain.
Digital Infrastructure
Access to purpose-built technology infrastructure including redundant high-speed connectivity, reliable power systems, and specialized technical facilities designed specifically for technology operations and digital business models.
Technology Talent Pool
Proximity to a diverse pool of technology professionals, software developers, digital specialists, and IT experts, supported by streamlined visa processes for technical personnel from around the world.
Innovation Support Framework
Access to specialized innovation resources including technology accelerators, digital labs, prototype facilities, and testing environments that support the development and refinement of new technology products and digital services.
Technology Knowledge Exchange
Regular technology conferences, digital workshops, developer meetups, and industry events that facilitate knowledge sharing, technical skill development, and exposure to emerging technology trends and digital innovations.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your technology business without local partner requirements, giving international technology companies and digital entrepreneurs full control over intellectual property, development methodologies, and business operations.
Technology Business Incentives
Specialized incentives for technology businesses including reduced setup costs for startups, flexible office solutions for growing tech companies, and scalable infrastructure options that align with digital business growth patterns.
Strategic Technology Location
Operation from a globally recognized technology hub strategically positioned to serve digital markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with excellent connectivity to international technology centers worldwide.
Digital Business Networking
Extensive networking opportunities with technology decision-makers, digital transformation leaders, IT directors, and technology investors through formal events and informal community connections within the technology park.
Technology Venture Funding Access
Proximity to venture capital firms, technology investors, corporate innovation funds, and angel networks specifically interested in digital ventures and technology startups, creating funding opportunities for growth and expansion.
Digital Growth Environment
Operation within a business environment specifically designed to understand and support the unique growth patterns of technology businesses, with flexible space options, scalable infrastructure, and support services aligned with digital business models.
Technology Market Access
Strategic positioning to access the region's growing digital transformation market, with governments and enterprises across the Middle East investing heavily in technology adoption, creating substantial opportunities for technology providers.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 20-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Technology Business Consultation
1-2 days
Meet with DIC technology specialists to discuss your specific technology business model, digital product or service offering, and technical requirements. This specialized consultation addresses the unique aspects of establishing a technology business in Dubai Internet City.
Technology Classification Assessment
2-3 days
Work with DIC advisors to determine the precise classification of your technology business activities, ensuring alignment with permitted technology operations and appropriate licensing categories for digital businesses.
Technology Business Plan Submission
5-7 days
Submit a comprehensive technology business plan detailing your digital products or services, technical approach, development methodology, target market, and growth strategy specific to your technology venture.
Technical Requirements Assessment
3-5 days
Conduct a detailed analysis of your technology infrastructure needs, including connectivity requirements, server specifications, development environments, and specialized technical facilities for your digital operations.
Technology Space Selection
2-3 days
Tour available office spaces within DIC to identify suitable locations for your technology business, considering factors such as technical infrastructure, expansion potential, and proximity to complementary technology companies.
Company Name Reservation
3-5 days
Submit your technology company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing technology businesses.
Initial Application Submission
1-2 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed technology activities to initiate the formal review process.
Document Submission
3-5 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, technical qualifications, and technology business plan through DIC's digital application portal.
Application Review
7-10 days
Your complete application undergoes review by DIC authorities who evaluate business viability, technology focus, and alignment with the free zone's technology ecosystem development objectives.
Initial Approval
3-5 days
Receive initial approval for your technology business establishment in DIC, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process.
Lease Agreement
2-3 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected office space, specifying technical requirements, connectivity provisions, and any specialized technology infrastructure needs for your digital operations.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, establishment card fee, and lease security deposit through DIC's online payment portal.
License Issuance
3-5 days
Receive your DIC technology business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified technology activities.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-5 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your technology company to sponsor visas for technical staff, digital specialists, and other employees.
Office Space Handover
1-2 days
Receive access to your leased office space, including activation of base technical infrastructure and connectivity services as specified in your lease agreement.
Technology Infrastructure Setup
10-15 days
Install and configure specialized technology infrastructure including servers, development environments, testing platforms, and digital production systems required for your technology operations.
Connectivity Activation
3-5 days
Establish and test high-speed internet connectivity, secure network configurations, and specialized communication systems essential for your digital business operations.
Bank Account Opening
7-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, including digital banking services appropriate for technology businesses.
Staff Visa Processing
15-20 days
Begin processing employment visas for your technical team members, digital specialists, and support staff, with priority processing available for key technology personnel.
Technology Ecosystem Integration
1-2 days
Register for DIC community platforms, technology networking groups, and digital ecosystem initiatives to begin integrating your business into the technology community.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key technical personnel. Digital verification options available for technology entrepreneurs.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back).
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (8 copies). Digital submission options available for technology companies.
Technology business plan
Comprehensive business plan detailing your technology product or service, target market, technical approach, development roadmap, and growth strategy specific to digital or technology operations.
Permitted Activities
Software Development
Design, development, testing, and deployment of software applications, platforms, and systems across various programming languages and technology stacks
IT Consultancy
Provision of expert advice and implementation services for technology strategy, digital transformation, system architecture, and IT infrastructure optimization
Cloud Computing Services
Delivery of cloud-based infrastructure, platforms, software, and solutions including public, private, and hybrid cloud deployment models
Artificial Intelligence Development
Research, development, and implementation of artificial intelligence systems including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics
Cybersecurity Services
Provision of information security solutions including threat detection, vulnerability assessment, security monitoring, incident response, and security governance
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Dubai Internet City, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates