Agreement to Facilitate Licensing of Health Services in DSO

Dubai-UAE: 4 July, 2011- Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to coordinate the licensing processes of healthcare services and treatment providers aiming to operate out of Dubai Silicon Oasis, the integrated free zone technology park. The agreement will take into account all applicable federal and local laws in the UAE.

His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, signed the MoU at Dubai Health Authority in the presence of senior officials.

Emphasizing on the importance of the agreement, His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid said it embodies the synergetic relationship between various institutions and their shared vision to collectively achieve the strategic goals and aspirations of Dubai.

He added: "DHA remains focused on strengthening ties with various departments and institutions in Dubai. This will assist in coordinating and accelerating the growth and development witnessed by the healthcare sector in the UAE. It will also enable a shift in the perception of the healthcare sector through offering services on par with global standards to position Dubai as a advanced healthcare provider."

According to the MoU, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority is mandated to approve applications for investors wishing to provide healthcare services or treatment at DSO. On its part, DSO will book the trade name of the business through the unified system of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, in order to obtain the initial approval letter. Gaining DHA's authorization will be the next step in the process that will be followed by DED issuing the license to practice.

The MoU decrees the formation of a joint working committee elected by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dubai Health Authority. It will coordinate between the two parties to implement the MoU, monitor and classify health facilities established at DSO, and ensure that the cluster offers a high level of service to professionals, enterprises and institutions of the healthcare sector. The body will also oversee and address problems faced by these institutions at the cluster.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said: "Dubai Silicon Oasis is continuously trying to present investors and employees with innovative solutions to facilitate the implementation of processes and transactions through DSO. In our priority towards healthcare, we aim to offer an array of comprehensive services, amenities and activities. The MoU supports this belief while it also strengthens DSO's relations with various Government of Dubai agencies and departments."

A wholly-owned entity of the Dubai Government, Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for semiconductors, microelectronics and other high technology-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and research and development facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.

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About Dubai Silicon Oasis:
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), a 100% owned entity by the Government of Dubai is a free zone, strategically placed on the Emirates road. DSOA's urban master-planned community spans 7.2 square kilometers of state of the art office towers, R&D and industrial zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels, healthcare and a full range of lifestyle facilities which translate into a dynamic commercial and social environment. Businesses can flourish under the unrivalled package of incentives, including 100% ownership, and high end IT infrastructure that allows companies to begin operating immediately.

For further information, please contact:
Mazen El Dirany
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Associate Manager - Corporate Communications
Tel: (+971 4) 5015102
Mobile: (+971 50) 2266956
Fax: (+971 4) 5015200
Email:meldirany@dso.ae

Mathilda Saad
JiWin Public Relations
An APCO Worldwide Company
Tel: +9714 361 3879 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
+97155 699 9890
Fax: +9714 388 8001
Email: mathilda.saad@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2011