Microsoft’s new regional headquarters at Dubai Internet City (DIC) were inaugurated this week by Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister Shaikh Muhammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktum. Earlier this year, the DIC signed an enterprise agreement with Microsoft for the use of Microsoft software across its departments.
Extending his congratulations to Microsoft on its move into the new regional headquarters, Shaikh Muhammad said: “The Dubai Internet City project is indicative of the clear vision of the Government of Dubai to transform Dubai into the e-hub of the region. We have spared no effort in providing companies, representing the entire value-chain of the Internet-related industry, with the technological and physical infrastructure that will enable them to conduct business both efficiently and cost-effectively.”
Bahram Mohazzebi, general manager of Microsoft Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean (GEM) said that Microsoft’s move to the Dubai Internet City office is in tune with bringing Microsoft’s .Net strategy to the region. “Every aspect of Microsoft’s business will gain a sharper Internet focus – and we will be working harder than ever to bring the advantages of our Internet technologies to companies in the region.”
Covering an area of 55,000 square feet, the building will serve as the regional headquarters of Microsoft GEM responsible for the 11 countries, which constitute the Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean region. The four-story building will see an expansion in the team responsible for the critical testing functions of the Arabic product development process, and will house a Datacenter and IT laboratory. The building will also host Microsoft industry partners and has been planned to accommodate for future expansions.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean (GEM) opened its Dubai-based Middle East headquarters office in 1991, since when subsidiaries have opened in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Microsoft GEM is responsible for the company's business in Pakistan, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Malta. In 1999, Microsoft opened offices in Lebanon, Kuwait and Pakistan and an office in Jordan and Oman earlier this year. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
