HH 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) worth $3.48 billion (AED 12.8 billion), strengthening the zone’s role as a key pillar of Dubai’s knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Unveiled in the presence of senior UAE leaders and officials, the expansion reinforces Dubai Silicon Oasis as a leading hub for advanced technologies, innovation and future industries, supporting Dubai’s long-term vision to be among the world’s best cities to live, work and invest.
The projects align with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to accelerate the growth of a sustainable, innovation-led knowledge economy and enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness in high-value sectors.
His Highness said that the expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis reflects Dubai’s vision to anticipate and shape the future through advanced technologies that serve people, the economy and society, reaffirming the emirate’s commitment to innovation, global talent and high-value investments, while strengthening its position among the world’s most future-ready cities.
The launch ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; along with several ministers and senior officials.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman- Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ)
“We continue implementing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, technology, and the economy of the future through transformative projects that embody leadership and enhance the emirate’s ability to anticipate and embrace change. The launch of Dubai Silicon Oasis’ expansion projects mark a pivotal advancement in our strategy to amplify the knowledge economy’s impact on inclusive and sustainable growth, establishing an enabling ecosystem that empowers global enterprises, regional investors, and next-generation innovators in advanced technology, AI, and future industries.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stressed that the Dubai Silicon Oasis expansion projects are part of an integrated strategic vision aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reflecting the belief that economic growth is inseparable from quality of life and sustainability through smart, people-centric urban development.
His Highness added that the projects will strengthen public-private partnerships, enable future-ready business models, and create high-value investment, professional and educational opportunities, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for investment, talent and quality living.
Image credits: Dubai Media Office | Cropped by GBN
HE Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said that expansion reflects DIEZ’s commitment to supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by delivering integrated residential, commercial and investment environments within its free zones. Al Zarooni added that the expansion would further position Dubai Silicon Oasis as a global platform for creators and innovators, offering advanced infrastructure, institutional support and high-quality resources to attract investments in future-focused sectors.
Main projects for Dubai Silicon Oasis expansion
The Dubai Silicon Oasis expansion plan comprises two major developments: District IO and Block 14.
District IO
District IO, the largest part of the expansion with $2.99 billion (AED 11 billion) in investments, aims to boost future technologies, R&D, and Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub.
The project includes 25 LEED-compliant buildings, 18 commercial, four residential, and hospitality facilities like a conference center and innovation hub. It is expected to create over 70,000 jobs, contribute $28.05 billion (AED 103 billion) to Dubai’s GDP by 2036, and attract $8.17 billion (AED 30 billion) in foreign direct investment.
Hosting more than 6,500 companies, SMEs, and startups across smart mobility, 3D printing, robotics, X-Tech, AI, quantum computing, and Web3, District IO will be developed in two phases: office, R&D and retail spaces in 2026, followed by hospitality and innovation facilities in 2027.
Image credits: Dubai Media Office | Cropped by GBN
The District IO expansion project is built on five strategic pillars
The project supports Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and offers incentives including business setup solutions, research network access, funding support, and flexible leasing.
Block 14
The first phase of Block 14 involves investments of $0.49 billion (AED 1.8 billion) and supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and transit-oriented development model. Located near the Dubai Metro Blue Line station at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the project is scheduled for completion in 2029 and will deliver a residential and lifestyle district focused on quality of life, connectivity and sustainability.
On the sidelines of the launch, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured key projects within Dubai Silicon Oasis, including Fakeeh University Hospital and the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, where he was briefed on advanced healthcare services and the region’s first drone delivery project, highlighting the role of smart logistics, robotics and autonomous systems in supporting Dubai’s knowledge-based economy.
