Dubai Internet City (DIC) today announced the launch of the first Russian center for digital innovation and information and communication technologies with facilities from the Russian Export Center to be one of the largest support platforms for Russian IT companies outside its borders. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai Internet City and the Russian Exports Center at GITEX 2018.

The launch of the new center was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Information of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mamonov, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UAE Sergey Koznetsov, the CEO of TECOM Group, Malik Al Malik, , Abdullah Al Bahloul, Executive Director of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City, Ammar Al Malik.

Based in Dubai Internet City, the leading technology hub in the Middle East, the Russian Center for Digital Innovation and ICT will serve as a platform for Russian companies to expand their operations within the lucrative and growing markets of the Middle East and North Africa, To establish companies and explore new business opportunities.

Malik Al Malik said: "The UAE continues to assert its economic leadership in the region and the world as it has succeeded in reaching its fifth position on the Global Competitiveness Index 2019, while Dubai continues to contribute to the UAE's economic leadership. The region, and a major attraction for the best minds, skills and the most prestigious international companies, innovative and creative. We are pleased to have chosen Russia, Dubai Internet City to host the first center for digital innovation and information and communication technology beyond its borders ».

"The highly efficient infrastructure, the reliability and the business-supporting environment have established Dubai as a key gateway to the region. The principle of partnership that Dubai takes as a basis for its relationship with anyone who chooses to launch its business or ambitions from its land is a solid foundation for business confidence. The importance of this partnership as an important guarantee for the success of their projects ».

"Since its inception, Dubai Internet City has been committed to providing companies of all sizes with the platform they need for innovation and growth. Our mission is to implement Dubai's innovation strategy on the ground by strengthening Dubai as the region's premier technology hub," said Ammar Al Malik. .

"The launch of the new Russian digital center at Dubai Internet City is another exciting addition to the dynamic and growing technology landscape in Dubai.

Continuous development

The opening of the Russian Center for Digital Innovation and Information and Communication Technologies coincides with the continuous development of relations between the UAE and Russia, especially following the announcement of the strategic partnership between the two countries last year. The bilateral trade reached 11 billion dirhams ($ 3 billion) in 2018, An increase of 21% over 2017. The number of Russian tourists to the UAE rose by 820,000 last year, an increase of 64.8% compared to the previous year, as a direct result of the new visa policy granting Russian tourists free 30-day visas upon arrival in United Arab Emirates.