The initiative reflects Dubai’s drive to follow an economic diversification strategy that will transform the emirate into a knowledge-based economy.

A global collaborative initiative under the leadership of the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFAZA), the DSO is on course to become a world-class technology park encompassing microelectronics-and opt electronics-related enterprises.

The new development will support the entire advanced electronics value chain with robust infrastructure, access to capital and an expert workforce, and once of the world’s most conducive business climates.

The science and technology based industrial park is being located in Nad Al Sheba on a 600 hectares site. DSO’s primary objective is to attract leading global technology companies to construct state-of-the-art research & development, design, manufacturing and fabrication facilities in Dubai.

The Semiconductor market Revenue Forecast and worldwide Electronic Equipment Production are projected to reach $260 billion and 1,900 billion respectively, by 2005.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Department of Civil aviation and Chairman of Emirates and DSO, said:

“A project such as the DSO is strictly not for the short term. I see the DSO helping the emirate achieves its aims”

He added: “Beyond that, we have a social obligation to create a new class of young business leaders and make Dubai the magnet for the best knowledge workers. As we have conceptualized it, DSO will be a city by itself.”

The DSO has teamed up with IDC, a subsidiary of CH2M Hill International, for the Master Planning of the technology park. The ground breaking of the first business venture on the DSO site is expected by early 2004.

His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defense and DTCM Chairman, got him self updated on the DSO’s progress during the Gitex-2003 visit.

The world’s first and only purpose-built industrial park for the semiconductor industry is being developed in four phases.

As of now, it is a wholly owned enterprise of the Dubai government. The government is fully committed to making it success.