Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
2004
2K+
DSO
Physical Address
Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
A technology park promoting modern industry, especially semiconductor, microelectronic, and other technology-based companies
About Dubai Silicon Oasis
Established in 2004 as a strategic initiative of the Government of Dubai, Dubai Silicon Oasis represents a visionary approach to creating a specialized technology hub in the Middle East. Spanning 7.2 square kilometers in the eastern region of Dubai, the development was conceptualized as a comprehensive technology-focused ecosystem that would transform the region’s digital landscape by attracting global technology organizations while nurturing local innovation capabilities. The master plan follows a technology-centric design that integrates residential, commercial, industrial, and educational elements—creating a holistic environment where technology professionals can live, work, and innovate within a single integrated community designed to foster technological advancement and digital transformation.
What distinguishes Dubai Silicon Oasis from conventional free zones is its specialized focus on the unique requirements of technology enterprises and innovation-driven organizations. The zone’s infrastructure includes purpose-built facilities for semiconductor operations, electronics manufacturing, software development, and technology research—with enhanced technical utilities, specialized development environments, and advanced digital infrastructure supporting sophisticated technology operations. This physical foundation is complemented by a regulatory framework specifically designed for technology businesses, with streamlined processes for intellectual property protection, digital product development, technical talent acquisition, and technology commercialization that address the unique operational requirements of innovation-intensive organizations.
Technology Ecosystem
Dubai Silicon Oasis has evolved into a comprehensive technology ecosystem that houses numerous organizations spanning the entire spectrum of digital innovation—from semiconductor companies and electronics manufacturers to software developers, artificial intelligence specialists, and technology service providers. This concentration of technical expertise creates a dynamic environment where hardware capabilities, software methodologies, and digital innovation pathways converge, facilitating sophisticated technology operations that advance digital transformation across multiple industries and application domains.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional technology organizations to encompass the full spectrum of the digital value chain—from fundamental research and applied technology to product development, system integration, and commercial deployment of technological innovations. This diversity creates natural synergies where various technical specializations complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive technology programs that leverage multiple disciplines and methodological approaches. Supporting this core technology community is a sophisticated network of ancillary providers including specialized technical equipment suppliers, development service organizations, technology funding entities, and digital consultants that enhance the functional capabilities of the innovation ecosystem.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DSO free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industriesEach 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 DSO for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Specialized Technology Ecosystem
Immersion in a dedicated environment focused exclusively on electronics, semiconductor technology, software development, and digital innovation, fostering natural collaborations with complementary technology organizations, technical service providers, and specialized resources in a purpose-designed innovation district.
Technology-Optimized Infrastructure
Access to purpose-built facilities designed for technology development, including high-capacity connectivity, reliable power systems, technical infrastructure, and development environments that meet international standards for digital operations.
Digital Regulatory Framework
Operation under regulations specifically designed for technology activities, with streamlined processes for digital business establishment, intellectual property protection, software development, and technology commercialization appropriate for innovation-driven enterprises.
Technical Talent Access
Proximity to a pool of technology professionals, software developers, electronics specialists, and digital experts, supported by streamlined visa processes for qualified technical personnel from around the world.
Intellectual Property Protection
Strong framework for safeguarding technology innovations, digital assets, and intellectual property, with clear pathways for patent applications, software protection, and commercialization of technical developments.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your technology enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international technology organizations full control over development direction, innovation strategy, and intellectual property management.
Technology Collaboration Platform
Environment that facilitates technical partnerships, development cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects with academic institutions, industry partners, and technology organizations across the region and globally.
Regional Market Access
Strategic positioning as a gateway to technology markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia regions, with established pathways for product deployment and digital service delivery across multiple territories.
Technology Business Services
Access to specialized support services including technical maintenance, development resources, digital infrastructure management, technical troubleshooting, and specialized technology consulting tailored to innovation operations.
Innovation Funding Environment
Proximity to regional funding sources, investment networks, venture capital, and financial resources specifically interested in technology startups, digital innovations, and technical ventures with commercial potential.
Technology Community Engagement
Regular technology conferences, developer meetups, knowledge-sharing events, and industry forums that facilitate connections with fellow innovators, potential collaborators, funding sources, and commercialization partners.
Integrated Living Environment
Comprehensive community with residential areas, educational facilities, retail options, and lifestyle amenities that create a holistic environment where technology professionals can live, work, and innovate within a single integrated district.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 25-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Technology Consultation
1-2 days
Meet with Dubai Silicon Oasis specialists to discuss your specific technology focus, development activities, technical requirements, and innovation objectives. This specialized consultation addresses the unique aspects of establishing technology operations with consideration for digital infrastructure, development environments, and technical specifications.
Technology Activity Assessment
2-4 days
Conduct a preliminary review of your technical activities, development methodologies, and innovation approaches to ensure alignment with Dubai Silicon Oasis's specialized focus on electronics, semiconductor technology, software development, and digital innovation.
Technical Facility Requirements Analysis
3-5 days
Determine precise specifications for your technology facility including development environment configuration, connectivity requirements, power specifications, and specialized technical infrastructure based on your development activities and innovation methodologies.
Site Selection & Facility Tour
1-2 days
Tour available technology spaces and development facilities within Dubai Silicon Oasis to identify suitable locations based on your technical requirements, connectivity specifications, and innovation needs.
Technology Regulatory Briefing
1 day
Receive comprehensive briefing on technology regulations, digital compliance requirements, intellectual property frameworks, and technical standards specific to your development activities within the UAE.
Company Name Reservation
2-4 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 organizations in the UAE registry.
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 with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
Technology Business Plan Submission
4-6 days
Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing your technology focus, development methodologies, innovation strategy, commercialization approach, and growth objectives specific to your operations in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Document Submission
2-4 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, technology portfolio, technical qualifications, and facility specifications through the application portal.
Technical Compliance Review
4-6 days
Undergo evaluation of your technology security protocols, digital compliance measures, intellectual property protection approaches, and technical standards adherence to ensure alignment with Dubai Silicon Oasis requirements.
Application Review
5-8 days
Your complete application undergoes review by Dubai Silicon Oasis authorities who evaluate technical merit, innovation potential, development viability, and alignment with the free zone's technology development objectives.
Initial Approval
2-4 days
Receive initial approval for your technology establishment in Dubai Silicon Oasis, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your development and innovation operations.
Facility Lease Agreement
2-3 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected technology facility, specifying technical requirements, connectivity specifications, and infrastructure needs for your development operations.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, technology license fee, facility lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the online payment portal.
License Issuance
3-5 days
Receive your Dubai Silicon Oasis business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified technology activities and development operations.
Technical Approvals
7-14 days
Obtain specific approvals for particular technology activities, development procedures, or digital processes that require specialized authorization from relevant regulatory authorities based on your technical focus.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-5 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your technology company to sponsor visas for developers, engineers, technical specialists, and support personnel.
Facility Handover
1-2 days
Receive access to your leased technology facility, including basic infrastructure, connectivity points, and standard configurations as specified in your lease agreement.
Technical Setup
10-20 days
Set up your development facility with appropriate technology equipment, connectivity systems, specialized infrastructure, and technical apparatus based on your specific development requirements and innovation methodologies.
Connectivity Establishment
5-10 days
Establish high-capacity internet connections, network infrastructure, data transmission capabilities, and specialized connectivity solutions for your development activities and digital operations.
Development Environment Configuration
7-14 days
Set up and configure specialized development environments, technical platforms, software systems, and digital tools essential for your technology operations and innovation activities.
Bank Account Opening
7-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your technology business including development funding, equipment procurement, and operational expenses.
Staff Visa Processing
15-20 days
Begin processing employment visas for your technical team, developers, engineers, and support personnel, with consideration for specialized technology qualifications and digital expertise.
Technology Equipment Installation
10-20 days
Install, configure, and validate specialized technical equipment, development tools, testing systems, and innovation technologies according to operational requirements and technical specifications.
Commencement of Technology Operations
1-2 days
Begin development activities, innovation work, technical operations, and technology advancement initiatives following completion of all setup requirements, connectivity verifications, and operational readiness assessments.
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. Additional security clearance may be required for certain technology activities and specialized operations.
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). Additional copies may be required for facility access cards and technical area credentials.
Technology business plan
Comprehensive business plan detailing your technology focus, development methodologies, innovation strategy, commercialization approach, and growth objectives specific to your technical domain and application areas.
Permitted Activities
Semiconductor Design
Design and development of integrated circuits, microprocessors, memory chips, and other semiconductor components utilizing advanced electronic design automation tools and methodologies
Electronics Manufacturing
Production of electronic components, circuit boards, electronic devices, and technology hardware under controlled conditions following industry standards and quality requirements
Software Development
Creation, testing, and deployment of software applications, platforms, systems, and digital solutions utilizing various programming languages, development frameworks, and methodologies
Artificial Intelligence Development
Research, design, and implementation of artificial intelligence systems, machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and intelligent applications for various industry sectors
IoT Solutions Development
Design and implementation of Internet of Things ecosystems, connected device networks, sensor systems, and integrated IoT platforms for various applications and industries
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates