Slide1: Santosh Hejmadi Director, Marketing Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone December 14-15, 2004 BRAC Centre Dhaka, Bangladesh Best Practices in Public Free Zones Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone United Arab Emirates 1


Slide2: Contents: The U.A.E. – A Brief Background Overview – Emirates’ Free Zone Model Dubai Vision 2010 Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) TECOM and Private Sector Involvement Economic Impact of Free Zones in the UAE 2


Slide3: The U.A. E. – A Brief Background 3 Comprises seven Emirates Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ajman Ras Al Khaima, and Fujairah Um Al Quwain Abu Dhabi is the Federal Capital and has the largest land area Dubai is the Business Capital and is also the largest in terms of population The UAE is strategically located between the east and west


Slide4: 4 Market Access: 1.6Bln consumers; US$ 1.1Trln


Slide5: Overview: The Emirates’ Free Zone Model The Free Zones in the UAE have proved to be an extraordinary mechanism to accelerate economic development 5 A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has economic laws different from a country's typical economic laws. Usually, the goal is an increase in foreign investment. Central to the region’s overall plan is to reduce its economic dependence on oil Attract foreign investment Create employment for its nationals. The incentives offered by the UAE Free Zones are more or less the same. All grant 100% foreign ownership complete exemption of taxes from customs & commercial levies full repatriation of capital & profits extended leases up to 50 years ‘Single window’ for minimum of red tape & quick approval procedures.


Slide6: Overview: UAE Free Zones The first FZ in the UAE was established in 1985 in Dubai. Today, there are over 25 Free Zones in the UAE, with each Emirate having at least one FZ DUBAI Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre, Gold & Diamond Park, DUCAMZ, Dubai Aid City, Dubai auto parts City, Heavy Equipment & Trucks FZ, Mohammad bin Rashid FZ, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Health Care City, Dubai Humanitarian City, Dubai Airport FZ, Dubai Silicon Valley Dubai Carpet FZ, Dubai Flower Centre FZ, Dubai Textile Village SHARJAH Airport Free Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone AJMAN FZ RAS AL KHAIMAH FZ UMM AL QUWAIN FUJAIRAH FZ 6


Slide7: Overview: Growth of UAE Free Zones Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, 2000 7 Jebel Ali Free Zone Dubai, 1985 Fujairah Free Zone Fujairah, 1987 Ahmed Bin Rasheed Free Zone Umm Al Quwain, 1988 Sharjah Airport Int'l Free Zone Sharjah, 1995 Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah, 1995 Ajman Free Zone Ajman, 1996 Dubai Airport Free Zone Dubai, 1996 Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Ras Al Khaimah, 2000 Dubai Cars & Automotive Zone Dubai, 2000 Dubai Internet City, 2000 Dubai Media City Dubai, 2001 Gold & Diamond Park Dubai, 2001 Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre Dubai, 2002 Knowledge Village Dubai, 2003 Dubai Health Care City Dubai, 2003 Other new FZs…


New Chip On The Block:: New Chip On The Block: Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone


Slide9: Dubai Vision 2010: “Have a stable of world-class companies with core knowledge-based competencies which can compete effectively globally” 9 Core Technological Competencies Strategic Partnerships with Countries Open Markets Educated Workforce Global leadership position Business Strong Governmental Support Infrastructure (urban, telecom, legal, transport) Market Economy Institutions IP Creation Talent Environment Leveraging Multi - National Companies Strengthening Local Companies Encouraging Entrepre- neurship


Slide10: Dubai Vision 2010: Driving force “ What’s good for business, is good for Dubai” H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. 10


Slide11: 11 Genesis: Dubai Vision 2010 Achievements Impressive growth in GDP; CAGR of 7.6% from 1990-2000; Currently at US$ 16.4 Bln Per capita GDP currently at US$ 19,000 Population also increasing at significant rate of 5.8% p.a. for the same period This has resulted in negligible growth rates in per capita GDP; Role of FDI minimal; US$ 200 Mln in 1999 Decreasing dependency on oil Challenges


Slide12: Vision 2010: Economic Objectives By 2010 Dubai will have: Achieved a GDP of US$ 30 Bln Achieved a per capita GDP of US$ 25,000 Attracted a level of FDI of 4% of GDP 25% of GDP will be created by the knowledge economy sector, while the overall service sector will represent 70% of GDP Established a free and open market economy regulated to ensure healthy competition Transformed at least 15 Dubai based businesses into market shaping regional / global corporations 12


Slide13: Vision 2010: Market Objectives By 2010 Dubai will be: A crucial node in global networks ensuring that it fully benefits from flows of IP, Capital, Information, Trade and People A “hub of hubs” at the centre of a network between Dubai, Dublin, Quebec, Hong Kong and Singapore An established hub and gateway for Middle East, North Africa, CIS, and the Indian Sub-continent The “Image” Leader for the “Region” The necessary bridge between Europe and Asia 13


Slide14: Vision 2010: Social Objectives By 2010 Dubai will be a society: Able to nurture a new class of young, dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders Able to be seen as a “city of choice” for the best and brightest knowledge workers Fully capitalise on the diversity of its human resources Achieve the highest standards in terms of values, behaviour standards and transparency Fully integrate into the global community without loosing its own identity 14


Slide15: Vision 2010: Strategies and ‘Cluster’ Economy 15 Trade Logistics Transportation Tourism Technology Enabled services Financial Media Telecom / IT R & D Education Emerging Sectors Pharma Biotech Nanotech Wireless Higher impact on Knowledge Economy Lower impact on Knowledge Economy “Do what we do best, better” “Apply core competencies to new areas” “Seed investments for future competencies” Short Term Impact Long Term Impact


Slide16: TECOM: Target Market Segments 16 Back Office Sales & Marketing Business Services Consultancy Software Development Web Based eCommerce Media & Marketing Services Broadcasting Printing & Publishing Music Filmed Entertainment Leisure & Entertainment New Media Business Information R & D Management Development E- Learning Professional Training IT / Media Training Innovation Centers ICT MEDIA KNOWLEDGE


Slide17: Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM): The world’s first Technology and Media Free Zone. 400 ha of land dedicated to provide a regulatory environment and infrastructure to attract, locate and grow regional and global companies from the ICT, Media and Knowledge industries Dubai Internet City Dubai Media City Knowledge Village 17


Slide18: TECOM: Vision and Business Unit’s Missions TECOM Vision: “To become an efficient and leading provider of services to foster the growth of Dubai’s knowledge-based economy” Dubai Internet City Mission: To create an infrastructure, environment and attitude that will enable Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enterprises to operate locally, regionally and globally, from Dubai , with significant competitive advantage Dubai Media City Mission: To create and market world class enabling services for the media industry Knowledge Village Mission: To build a vibrant, connected learning community that will develop the region’s talent pool and accelerate its move to the knowledge economy 18


Slide19: TECOM: Foundations 19 Structured as a commercial operation: Empowered to establish free zone specific corporate laws & regulations Provides infrastructure & full range of services for: Commercial, educational, R&D, retail, residential and recreational facilities Leveraged International expertise: Set-up in conjunction with leading International companies & consultants, in IT / Telecom (Siemens, Cisco, Sun)


Slide20: TECOM Value Proposition: 20 SET UP BENEFITS: FREE ZONE Single Window 100% Tax Free 100% foreign ownership No Corporate Tax No Income tax No Custom Duty Full Currency convertibility No restrictions on capital, trade barriers or quotas Hassle-free Company registration Hassle-free company laws and legal framework Flexible labour laws for recruiting during projects 24-hour visa service Quick access to Knowledge Workers


Slide21: TECOM Value Proposition: 21 OPERATIONAL BENEFITS: INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER World’s largest commercial implementer of IP telephony Structured cabling supporting Gigabit applications Scalable broadband internet access to desktop Intelligent buildings, scalable and serviced offices Land lease option Competitive pricing Every element of the industry value chain Business Development opportunities with companies within and outside the FZ Networking opportunities – “Media Majlis” Hospitality/Event teams assist in: the newly arrived get started easily preferential rates for travel, accommodation & other services Press Conference, product launches, events, exhibitions etc


Slide22: TECOM Business Partners: 22


Slide23: TECOM – New Initiatives “ In the race for excellence, there is no finish line. ” H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The International Media Production Zone – A FZ for media production companies. Unique cluster and environment friendly Ibda’a Student Awards – Recognizes creativity in nine media disciplines Dubai International Film Festival – A first step to building a comprehensive film industry in the region Dubai Outsource Zone – The world’s first FZ dedicated to the outsourcing industry ‘Tamkeen’ – A Project for the visually impaired 23


Slide24: TECOM – Private Sector Involvement “We believe that the role of the government should be restricted to legislation and regulation, in addition to the continuous development of the infrastructure - thus making the private sector the engine of the development process.” H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Some of the Projects: ‘Dubai Pearl’ Project – A US $ 1billion multi-purpose project ‘The Towers’ – 14 towers offering 8 mln sq ft of commercial space Over 100 commercial and residential buildings in the rest of the FZ ‘Advertising in the FZ’ Project – Star masts, unipoles, mupies, TV… CNN Arabic, Biz News channels, Pre and Post production facilities International Events – Entertainment, Art, Film, Music… Outsourced services: Transportation – Zone Hopper; Security Services 24


Slide25: TECOM – Regulatory Environment Comprehensive laws and regulations for companies operating in the Free Zone Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Private Companies Regulations Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Licensing Regulations Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Employment Regulations Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Codes of Guidance Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Broadcasting and Publication Standards Tribunal Regulation Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law Law for the formation and protection of the telecommunications network for Dubai Internet City 25


Slide26: TECOM – Operations Professional staff, quality systems and processes facilitate operations: Registration and Licensing of Companies Government Services – Residency permits, business visit visas, e-Visas… Partner Relations Management Call Center Hospitality, Events SamaCom – Teleport facilities eHosting – Managed hosting and IT Security Empower – A JV with DEWA for District Cooling Idama – Facilities Management Dubai Holding – For the good of tomorrow Centers of excellence in Marketing ( Brand Image), HC, Finance, IT Financial Investments and Private Equity 26


Slide27: TECOM: Economic Impact Beyond expectations: 1800 companies, including Fortune 500 and industry leaders 21,000 knowledge workers 15 Universities and several training institutions 2 million sq ft of leased space, with another 8 mln new in 2005-’06 US$ 2 bln of investment TECOM initiated laws (e-commerce) being applied for Dubai and at Federal level – e-readiness at a high level Global initiatives – Media and ICT projects in the Sub continent, Europe and Russia TECOM has hosted OECD, WSA Forums All this growth in just over three years since concept! 27 Key Factors for success: Industry ‘clusters’ of companies Visionary leadership and sustained support Technical infrastructure designed to world-class standards Quick decision making and low levels of red tape Sustained and focused marketing efforts Quality/Change management and Governance Dedicated, talented and energetic workforce


Slide28: UAE Free Zones: Wide Economic Impact The ushering in of Free Zones has transformed the economic scenario of the UAE in a span of 19 years, bringing about tremendous change in the industrial scene of this young nation. Highlights: Nearly 7000 companies from all over the world Value of exports from the FZs is at around US $ 17 mln Jebel Ali Free Zone itself contributing to nearly 35% of the exports Total Foreign Direct Investment estimated to be over US $ 5 billion FZs reflect the sectors of the economy and have contributed not only to the Knowledge economy but other non-oil sectors Best Practices and raised standards in logistics, ICT, Media, Training, Marketing… Infrastructure development – power, waste & water treatment, telecom, housing… “these industrial areas could hold the key to a genuine economic transformation of the region.” A Bank Report 28


Slide29: Best Practices in Public Free Zones: UAE “THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION” Santosh Hejmadi Director of Marketing Dubai Media City Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone United Arab Emirates Tel: 009714 3914590 (Direct); 009714 3914555 E-Mail: Santosh.hejmadi@dubaimediacity.ae OR Santyhejmadi@yahoo.com 29