Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City (DIC) () is an information technology and business park created by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone and a strategic base for companies targeting regional emerging markets in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Overview. DIC presently has over one and half million square feet of prime commercial office space, in which over 1,400 companies with over 10,000 workers are based. There are 25 low, mid, and high-rise office structures in the area. The economic rules of DIC allow companies to avail themselves of a number of ownership, taxation and customs related benefits  which are guaranteed by law for a period of 50 years. One model of operation includes 100% foreign ownership, similar to those prevailing in other designated economic zones in the United Arab Emirates. These freedoms have led many global information technology firms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Dell, Intel, Huawei, Samsung, SAP, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle Corporation, Tata Consultancy, 3M, Sun Microsystems, Cisco, HP, Nokia, Cognizant, Accenture, and MicroStrategy as well as UAE-based companies such as Ducont, to move their regional base to the DIC. DIC is located adjacent to other industrial clusters such as Dubai Media City and  Dubai Knowledge Park (formerly Dubai Knowledge Village). History. Dubai Internet City, a member of Dubai Holding subsidiary TECOM Investments, was founded in October 1999, and it opened its doors in October 2000. Location. Dubai Internet City is about 25 kilometres south of downtown Dubai city, on Sheikh Zayed Road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is located adjacent to Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the well-known Palm Jumeirah, areas which are rapidly becoming three of the most exclusive (and expensive) residential areas of Dubai. DIC is less than 1 km from the sea coast and is near several  five-star hotels. The nearest metro station the eponymous Dubai Internet City station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, located on Sheikh Zayed Road.