Dubai Silicon Oasis Launches AED 12.8 Billion Expansion Plan

An AED 12.8 billion expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis has been launched, with plans to create 70,000 jobs and contribute an estimated AED 103 billion to Dubai’s gross domestic product by 2036.
The expansion centres on two new developments, District IO and Block 14, and was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The plan is designed to strengthen Dubai’s technology-driven business environment, with capacity for 6,500 additional companies and up to 75,000 specialised professionals.
District IO represents the largest share of the investment, backed by AED 11 billion. The project will comprise 25 energy-efficient buildings, including 18 commercial facilities, four residential properties, a conference centre, and an innovation and experience hub. Delivery is planned across two phases, with the first phase beginning this year to introduce office spaces, research and development laboratories and retail areas. A second phase, scheduled from 2027, will add hospitality facilities and large-scale event spaces.
The district is targeting advanced and emerging sectors, including smart mobility, 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, Web3 and X-Tech. Incentives include streamlined business set-up services, sector-specific laboratories, access to funding through dedicated capital investments, flexible leasing options, academic and research partnerships, and testing laboratories that allow product development without requiring an operational licence under the RegLab framework.
Block 14 will be developed as a residential and lifestyle district within Dubai Silicon Oasis, located near the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line station. Its first phase is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a special economic zone under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and currently hosts around 28,000 companies, with approximately 90,000 people living and working in the area.