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Dubai unveils $3.5B expansion of Silicon Oasis free zone

Dubai will seek to attract 6,500 new tech companies and 75,000 specialized workers with a $3.5 billion expansion of its Silicon Oasis free zone.

Two new projects form the backbone of the expansion. The first, District I0, will be a hub for research, development and innovation, housing small-to-medium enterprises and startups working in industries including robotics, smart mobility, AI and quantum computing.

The second element, Block 14, will be a residential and commercial district close to the Dubai Metro Blue Line.

Launching the initiative, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the project would contribute to an “advanced, technology-driven business environment for emerging economic sectors.”

Qatar makes bid for young tech firms ahead of Web Summit

As Qatar prepares to host next week’s Web Summit extravaganza, government planners are trying to attract early-stage tech companies to set up shop in the country.

One of those efforts, Startup Qatar, was rolled out on Wednesday, offering free visas, tax waivers, licenses, office space and funding to promising tech firms.

All the services are described and accessible through the campaign’s website and will be promoted heavily at Web Summit Qatar.

The conference, which opens Feb. 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, expects more than 1,100 startups from 80 countries. Tickets are already sold out.