Dubai Silicon Oasis - Premier Technology Hub
Establish your technology business in Dubai's most integrated innovation ecosystem. Dubai Silicon Oasis combines free zone advantages with cutting-edge infrastructure, academic partnerships, and residential communities, creating the perfect environment for tech companies to thrive and scale globally.
Why Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone?
Dubai Silicon Oasis stands as the UAE's premier integrated technology ecosystem, uniquely combining free zone business advantages with residential communities, educational institutions, and cutting-edge innovation facilities. Spanning 7.2 square kilometers, DSO houses over 1,500 technology companies across diverse sectors from fintech to artificial intelligence, creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and collaboration.
The zone's strategic positioning offers unparalleled access to both regional and international markets, with specialized infrastructure supporting technology companies from startups to multinational corporations. DSO's integrated approach includes innovation centers, research facilities, academic partnerships with leading universities, and direct access to a skilled workforce living within the community, making it the ideal choice for technology businesses seeking comprehensive support and growth opportunities.
Technology Advantages
Innovation Infrastructure
State-of-the-art R&D facilities, innovation labs, prototyping centers
Academic Partnerships
Direct access to universities, research collaboration, talent pipeline
Startup Ecosystem
Incubation programs, venture capital access, mentorship networks
8-Step DSO Setup Process
Technology Activity Selection
Choose technology, trading, or service activities. Timeline: 1-2 days
Name Reservation
Reserve unique company name with DSO Authority. Timeline: 1-2 days
Initial Approval
Submit initial application with documentation. Timeline: 3-5 days
Office Space Selection
Secure compliant office or innovation facility. Timeline: 2-5 days
License Application
Submit comprehensive license application. Timeline: 5-10 days
Technical Approvals
Technology activities may require additional approvals. Timeline: 1-3 weeks
License Issuance
Receive business license and establishment card. Timeline: 2-3 days
Visa Processing & Banking
Process visas and open corporate bank account. Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Total Timeline Summary
License Types & Technology Business Activities
Technology License
Permitted Activities:
Trading License
Permitted Activities:
Industrial License
Permitted Activities:
Service License
Permitted Activities:
Transparent Cost Structure & Pricing
Zone Cost Breakdown
Comprehensive cost breakdown for business setup in Zone
Last Updated:
Costs are subject to change. Contact our partners for current pricing and exact quotations.
Important: These costs are estimates based on typical requirements. Actual costs may vary depending on specific business needs, license types, and current market rates. Always consult with official authorities or authorized service providers for precise quotations.
Office Space & Innovation Facilities
Flexi Desk
- • Co-working space
- • Tech amenities
- • Networking access
- • 1-2 visa allocation
Private Office
- • Dedicated workspace
- • Meeting rooms
- • High-speed internet
- • 4-8 visa allocation
Innovation Lab
- • R&D facilities
- • Prototyping equipment
- • Testing environments
- • 8-12 visa allocation
Tech Campus
- • Large scale operations
- • Custom infrastructure
- • Dedicated facilities
- • Unlimited visa potential
Visa Benefits & Technology Talent
Visa Allocation Guidelines
Service License
Up to 4 visas with flexi desk, scalable with office expansion
Technology License
8 visas standard, additional visas for specialized tech roles
Industrial License
12-15 visas for R&D operations, unlimited for manufacturing
Golden Visa Opportunities
Tech Entrepreneurs (10 years)
- • AED 2M+ investment in tech ventures
- • Innovative technology projects
- • Research and development initiatives
Skilled Professionals (5-10 years)
- • Technology specialists and experts
- • AI and emerging technology professionals
- • Innovation and startup founders
Success Stories & Innovation Achievements
Careem Technology Hub
"DSO's integrated ecosystem and access to top talent enabled us to establish our regional technology hub, developing cutting-edge mobility solutions serving millions across the Middle East."
Fintech Innovation Lab
"The comprehensive support ecosystem in DSO, from incubation programs to regulatory guidance, helped us develop blockchain-based financial solutions that are now used by major banks across the region."
DSO vs Other Technology Zones
| Factor | Dubai Silicon Oasis | DIFC | ADGM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Focus | Comprehensive Tech | Fintech Primary | Financial Services |
| Setup Cost | AED 40K-55K | AED 80K-120K | AED 70K-100K |
| Innovation Support | R&D Labs + Incubation | Accelerator Programs | Regulatory Sandbox |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dubai Silicon Oasis unique for technology companies?
DSO offers an integrated ecosystem combining free zone benefits with residential communities, academic institutions, and innovation centers. It features specialized tech infrastructure, R&D facilities, and direct access to universities for talent acquisition and research collaboration.
What technology sectors does DSO focus on?
DSO specializes in software development, fintech, artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, digital healthcare, smart city solutions, and emerging technologies. The zone provides specialized incubation programs for tech startups.
How does DSO support tech startups and innovation?
DSO offers startup incubation programs, access to venture capital networks, mentorship programs, innovation labs, prototyping facilities, and connections to academic research institutions for collaborative projects and talent development.
What are the visa benefits for tech companies in DSO?
DSO provides competitive visa packages with up to 12 visas for industrial licenses, family sponsorship options, and potential Golden Visa eligibility for tech entrepreneurs and investors meeting minimum investment criteria of AED 2 million.
How long does DSO business setup take?
Setup timelines range from 2-3 weeks for service licenses to 6-8 weeks for industrial and specialized technology licenses requiring additional regulatory approvals and facility inspections.
Related Technology Resources
Technology License Dubai
Complete guide to technology business setup requirements and IT licensing in UAE
Fintech License Dubai
Comprehensive fintech business setup guide for Dubai's financial technology sector
Free Zone Cost Calculator
Calculate exact setup costs for DSO and compare with other technology zones
Golden Visa Through Tech Investment
Learn how DSO tech investment qualifies for UAE Golden Visa residency programs
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Last Updated: October 2025
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