TECOM Investments

TECOM Investments (TECOM), a subsidiary of Dubai HoldingDubai Holding, owns and operates free trade zones set up to support the development of knowledge-based industries. Established in 2000 to support and develop three separate clusters; one dedicated for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, one for the media sector and a third for companies that create and disseminate knowledge including education and training institutions. TECOM's first brand, Dubai Internet City (DIC)Dubai Internet City (DIC), was launched in October 2000 followed by Dubai Media City (DMC)Dubai Media City (DMC) in January 2001, then by Dubai Knowledge Village (KV)Dubai Knowledge Village (KV) in October 2003.

Later, TECOM announced the establishment of the International Media Production Zone (iMPZ)International Media Production Zone (iMPZ), the region's first free zone dedicated to media production, Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ)Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ), the world's first free zone dedicated to outsourcing, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech)Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) dedicated to biotechnology and Dubai Studio City (DSC)Dubai Studio City (DSC), a free trade zone dedicated to film, broadcast and music production. These initiatives are part of Dubai's long-term vision of diversifying its economy to reduce oil dependency and developing its knowledge- based industries. TECOM operates under the supervision of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Trade Zone.

TECOM manages the annual Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and in a joint venture with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), TECOM also operates EmpowerEmpower, an energy efficiency company that currently provides district cooling services. TECOM offers incentives to businesses including allowing companies within the TECOM zone to retain 100% ownership and pay no corporate and personal taxes or custom duties. Businesses can lease land in the zone for up to 50 years to set up their own facilities. TECOM also provides companies with a scalable state-of- the-art technology platform by operating an advanced commercial implementation of internet protocol (IP) Telephony.

TECOM also offers 100% repatriation on capital and profits, has no currency restrictions, provides simplified registration and licensing and enforces stringent cyber regulations and protection of intellectual property. There is a single-window facility for obtaining all government approvals and services including trade licenses, visas, work permits, film shooting permissions, and telecommunication services.