The Dubai Government has outlined a new strategy for Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone.
The 7.2 sq km free zone is set for more office development after the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) said on Saturday that it was updating its strategy for the area to focus more on becoming a technology-led business park.
The community was set up in 2004 to promote Dubai as a hub for technology firms. By the middle of last year 1,187 technology and services companies operated there.
In recent years the park has become well known as a reasonably priced area particularly popular with expatriates. DSOA on Saturday announced a four-pronged 2021 strategy for the free zone to make it better connected to encourage more investment from foreign technology firms and innovation, and to create a transparent environment.
DSOA said the strategy would “take bigger steps” towards realising the vision and mission of the park through promoting technology-based industries, facilitating their work and boosting research and development efforts.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the DSOA chairman, said that the initiatives and policies of the new strategy “focused on building the capabilities and competencies of the UAE in the technology sector and served to encourage entrepreneurship, provide employment opportunities and career development for UAE nationals”.
lbarnard@thenational.ae
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Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km
Singham Again
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December 2014: Former UK finance minister George Osbourne reforms stamp duty, replacing the slab system with a blended rate scheme, with the top rate increasing to 12 per cent from 10 per cent:
Up to £125,000 - 0%; £125,000 to £250,000 – 2%; £250,000 to £925,000 – 5%; £925,000 to £1.5m: 10%; Over £1.5m – 12%
April 2016: New 3% surcharge applied to any buy-to-let properties or additional homes purchased.
July 2020: Rishi Sunak unveils SDLT holiday, with no tax to pay on the first £500,000, with buyers saving up to £15,000.
March 2021: Mr Sunak decides the fate of SDLT holiday at his March 3 budget, with expectations he will extend the perk unti June.
April 2021: 2% SDLT surcharge added to property transactions made by overseas buyers.
The specs
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The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
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- v New Zealand, Saturday,
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- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
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Transmission: 6-speed auto
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Torque: 385Nm
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RESULT
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2
Arsenal: Aubameyang (13')
Chelsea: Jorginho (83'), Abraham (87')