Dubai Internet City (DIC), the Middle East’s first dedicated technology hub and a cornerstone of the region’s digital economy, marked its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, underscoring its role in shaping innovation, entrepreneurship, and global tech investment from the UAE.
Unveiled on October 29, 1999, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Internet City was established to harness the potential of emerging technologies and accelerate the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. In recognition of its long-term impact, Sheikh Mohammed announced in 2023 that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) would mark October 29 as World Coding Day.
Over the past 25 years, Dubai Internet City has evolved into a regional launchpad for global technology leaders, start-ups, and innovators. Its ecosystem expanded significantly in 2024, with customer numbers rising by more than 17.5% in the first nine months of the year, reaching over 4,000 companies, compared to the same period in 2023. The district’s tech workforce has also grown to more than 31,000 professionals, highlighting Dubai’s growing appeal as a global technology destination.
“Driven by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Internet City has been the launchpad for generations of tech pioneers and the epicentre of the regional digital economy since 1999,” said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City.
He said the district has played a central role in enabling digital transformation across sectors and encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
“Our community has helped consolidate Dubai’s position as a preferred global destination for technology, innovation, and AI companies,” Al Malik said. “We will continue to strengthen our legacy of supporting socioeconomic progress by nurturing a cohesive ecosystem for global technology companies and talent, in line with strategic roadmaps such as the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.”
Dubai Internet City today hosts a broad mix of multinational corporations, Fortune 500 companies, and high-growth start-ups spanning fintech, blockchain, AI, Web3, cloud computing, gaming, and electronics. Global technology leaders including Oracle, SAP, Dell, HP, Amazon, Google, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Sony, Tencent, Huawei, Motorola, Mastercard, Visa, and Stripe operate from the district. The ecosystem is further supported by 19 innovation and research and development centres run by companies such as IBM, Ericsson, Cisco, HP, and 3M.
The district’s role in attracting large-scale investment was reinforced in April 2024 when Microsoft announced a AED 5.5 billion expansion of its UAE footprint, aimed at accelerating AI development and strengthening regional digital skills. Earlier this month, Salesforce opened its Dubai Internet City office, while Hisense launched a state-of-the-art R&D centre focused on climate-friendly solutions for the Middle East.
Dubai Internet City has also been instrumental in shaping the region’s start-up and unicorn ecosystem. It was home to Maktoob, acquired by Yahoo! in 2009 in what was then seen as a landmark moment for Arab entrepreneurship. It later witnessed major exits including Amazon’s acquisition of Souq.com in 2017 and Uber’s AED 11.3 billion acquisition of Careem in 2020, the first unicorn exit in the Middle East and North Africa. Tabby, now recognised as the region’s first fintech unicorn, was also nurtured within the district.
Looking ahead, Dubai Internet City continues to invest heavily in future-ready infrastructure. Over the past two years, investments exceeding AED 1.9 billion have been directed towards premium office developments, including Office Park and the expansion of Innovation Hub. Phase 1 of Innovation Hub is fully occupied, while Phases 2 and 3—representing an investment of more than AED 780 million—will add over 530,000 square feet of new space, with Phase 2 already fully leased ahead of its scheduled 2025 completion.
Dubai Internet City is part of TECOM Group PJSC’s portfolio of 10 sector-focused business districts, which also includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Design District, and others, collectively reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and the digital economy.
