Technology Hub to Play Leading Role in Creating Knowledge-based Economy

Dubai: 21 November, 2006 - Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) is broadening its role in the creation of a knowledge-based economy with its latest strategic partnership with Synopsys, Inc., a world leader in integrated circuit (IC) design tools and services.

According to the agreement, Synopsys will support the creation of a highly complex integrated circuit design centre at Dubai Silicon Oasis by providing the necessary electronic design automation tools and training.

Dr. Eesa Mohammad Al Bastaki, Director of Education and Technology, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority said, "The partnership with Synopsys results from an ongoing programme to develop a diversified technology-oriented economy in the region. Dubai Silicon Oasis aims to compete on a global level by offering knowledge-based innovations such as the integrated circuit design centres that will provide companies with a cost-effective, quality manufacturing model."

Integrated circuits are chips which operate in microelectronic technology, such as mobile phones, TV sets, plasma displays and game consoles. This project will expand the already existing Design activities in DSOA's Microelectronic Innovation Centre (MIC) carried on by semiconductor tenant companies like US-based LSI- Logic and Mindspeed.

Synopsys is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductor design. The company delivers technology-leading semiconductor design and verification platforms and IC manufacturing software products to the global electronics market, enabling the development and production of complex systems-on-chips (SoCs). Synopsys is headquartered in California, and has more than 60 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia.

Egidio Marzorati, senior account manager, Synopsys said, "Compute power, multi-media, graphics and communications features are converging in consumer products, putting additional pressure on engineers to create designs that are especially sensitive to cost, power consumption and size. Synopsys gives its customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to the market quickly, while reducing scheduling risk and costs."

DSOA aims to recruit experienced IC designers from the region to support the new integrated circuits design centre. The designers will undergo further on-site training by Synopsys in complex integrated circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and systems-on-chips (SoCs) for the global semiconductor and electronics industries.

The first phase of the new Design Centre with about 30 design engineers is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2007.

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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:
Linda Abdulhay
JiWin
Tel: +9714 3613333
Fax: + 9714 3688001
Mob: +97150 4824185
E-mail: Linda.abdulhay@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2006