Siemens to set up Dubai operations at District 2020

About 1,000 company employees are expected to work from the new office

An aerial model of the completed District 2020, part of the wider Dubai South community next to Al Maktoum International Airport. Courtesy of Expo 2020

Siemens on Thursday signed a 10-year lease agreement to set up its Dubai operations at District 2020 from next year as the German company looks to boost its presence in the emirate.

District 2020 is the main site of Dubai Expo and will be transitioned into residential, commercial, and cultural neighbourhoods once the six month-long event ends next year.

“Thanks to its remarkable global reputation, Siemens will help us to attract other businesses who will benefit from being in close proximity to major players in technologies and growth sectors of the UAE economy,” said Expo 2020 Dubai's chief pavilions and exhibitions officer Marjan Faraidooni in a statement on Thursday.

The 11,000 square metre office will serve as a base in Dubai for Siemens and its soon to be spun-off Siemens Energy unit. About 1,000 company employees are expected to work from the two buildings, located within Dubai South, near Al Maktoum International Airport.

The latest announcement follows Siemen’s 2017 commitment to establish a global headquarters for its airports, cargo, and port logistics business in District 2020.

“Our new offices will be some of the most technologically advanced in the UAE, and our decision to call District 2020 home underscores our commitment to investing in the future of Dubai and the region beyond 2020,” said Dietmar Siersdorfer, chief executive of Siemens UAE and Middle East.

A report published in April 2019 by global consultancy EY predicted that Expo 2020 would contribute Dh122.6 billion to the UAE economy. With more than 200 participants, including 192 countries, Expo 2020 will run from October 20, 2020 until April 10, 2021.