Dubai Silicon Oasis to Host axiom's AED200 Million Hi-tech Headquarters

Announcement Made in the Presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
420,000 Sq Feet HQ Set for Completion in 2016
Eco-Friendly, Campus-Style Facility to Evoke Creative Atmosphere and Boost Community Engagement

Dubai-UAE: 07 April, 2014

Dubai Silicon Oasis, the integrated free zone technology park, will host axiom telecom's new AED200 million hi-tech headquarters, an innovative campus-style facility that will seek to recreate the creative ambience of leading tech companies such as Google and Facebook.

axiom telecom's decision to relocate to DSO comes as part of its strategic expansion plans and complements its outstanding performance in 2013 when the company registered more than AED8 billion in sales, opened 21 new stores and hired more than 300 new staff. axiom telecom has a current staff strength of 2,500 and aims to hire 300 additional staff in 2014.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority was briefed about the project by Abdul Aziz Al Bannai, Chairman, axiom telecom, in the presence of Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO and DSOA and Faisal Al Bannai, CEO, axiom telecom.

Commenting on the announcement, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum reiterated DSO's commitment to attracting specialized technology businesses looking to set up their headquarters and benefit from the solid value proposition, facilities and infrastructure offered by the integrated free zone technology park.

Located over an area of 420,000 sq feet, the new axiom telecom facility - which is designed by the courtesy of the acclaimed Italian architects Marco Mangili Associati - will recreate the creative ambience of leading tech companies such as Google and Facebook featuring extensive green spaces, walkways and natural light. Inspired by the concept of a 'town within a town', the new headquarters will be fitted out with recreational facilities, multi-function rooms, a fitness suite, restaurants and a games room. The new headquarters has been scheduled for completion by 2016.

Dr Alzarooni said: "We welcome axiom telecom to DSO and look forward to forging a long and successful partnership with one of the leading telecom retailers. We are confident DSO's advanced facilities and unique service offerings will ease the company's transition into the high-tech free zone.

"Our agreement with axiom telecom marks a new milestone in our journey to position DSO as a destination of choice for internationally and locally recognised technology businesses. As we look to the future, DSO will continue to develop and grow to become the go-to destination for businesses looking to expand their offerings in the region."

Abdul Aziz Al Bannai said: "axiom telecom is proud to join hands with DSO. Over the past few years, we have grown tremendously as a company making it important for us to take on a more engaging approach to our operations. Our new headquarters has been designed to convey a youthful, vibrant and continually evolving environment that is conducive to new levels of innovation and collaboration. axiom telecom is an intensely community driven company, and we fully expect our new facility to reflect and support this outlook."

The modern industrial steel building concept has been designed to support axiom telecom's community outreach initiatives through providing spaces for technologists to brainstorm, artists to create, and students and young entrepreneurs to showcase initiatives.

In line with axiom telecom's commitments to minimizing its environmental impact, the new axiom telecom headquarters will aim to achieve silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating. As part of this priority, eco-friendly materials and sustainable finishes, as well as a multitude of energy conservation measures will be integrated into the construction process.

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

-Ends-

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 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed 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 more information, please visit: www.dso.ae |Follow DSO on Twitter: @dsoftz.

For further information, please contact:
Mazen El Dirany
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Senior Associate Manager - Corporate Communications
T +971 4 5015102 | F +971 4 5015350 |
Email: meldirany@dso.ae | www.dsoa.ae/

Mathilda Saad
APCO Worldwide
Tel: +9714 361 3879 (Direct)
M: +97155 699 9890
Fax: +9714 388 8001
Email: msaad@apcoworldwide.com

About axiom
axiom was established in 1997 by Faisal Al Bannai and is today the leading multi-brand, multi-channel distributor and retailer of mobile telecommunications devices, accessories and telecom services in the Middle East.

axiom's distribution network provides multiple points of access to the end consumer through three principal routes: the retail channel, through a variety of brands and store formats; a micro-distribution channel, for independent stores; and a macro-distribution channel serving wholesalers for domestic and international sales. The Group has more than 2,000 employees and operates over 575 retail points and reaches over 3,742 points of sale across the Middle East. The Group also has strategic interests in associated companies operating in the India and South Africa.

The 'axiom promise' is a commitment to excellent customer service and continuous innovation to ensure customers receive the best ongoing support and advice on a wide range of telecommunications products and services, including:

· 60 Second Data Transfer

· Try and Buy

· 1 Hour Express Repair Service

· Pick up, Repair and Delivery

· Regional warranty

· Trade In

· Price Protection Guarantee

· Theft Insurance

· Expert Salespeople

· Two-Year Warranty

· Stand-By Phone During Repairs

For detailed information, visit www.axiomtelecom.com