Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region’s leading integrated free zone technology park, today announced it will host the 7th edition of the Investing in Technology Forum (IITF), in collaboration with the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF).
To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman Dubai Airports, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the forum will be held under the theme “Establishing a Regional Integrated System for Innovation” from 11-13 May at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort, Dubai.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni – Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis initiates and organizes activities and events that enhance Dubai's position as a regional and global technology hub.”
“In hosting this annual forum organized by the Arab Science and Technology Foundation, DSO has successfully added a significant event to the calendar of activities and forums held in Dubai and highlighted its dynamic role in attracting investments in the technology sector to Dubai and the region.”
More than 150 business and investors, delegates from major technology companies and emerging businesses, as well as representatives of venture capital funds and other participants will present their achievements and explore investment opportunities offered by participating angel investors and venture capitalists.
Dr. Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Najjar, President of ASTF, said: “We thank His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed for his kind gesture. It is only natural for Dubai to host the regional forum with the UAE increasingly being regarded as a role model for building a knowledge economy that is based on scientific research and technological innovation.
“We would like to extend an invitation to all companies, investors, businessmen and innovators to participate in this unique regional event for promoting promising initiatives and technology projects. The previous six forums have resulted in nearly 63 start-up companies receiving a financial backing of over US$15 million, investment in 22 companies and the production of seven patents.”
The earlier editions of the forum have taken place in Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, and have brought together more than 750 researchers and investors, 180 organizations and over 100 speakers from 34 different countries.
Dr. Wissam Al Rabadi, Supervisor of the 7th Investing in Technology Forum and Director of the Arab Foundation for Science and Technology Office in Jordan, said: “The forum comes to Dubai at a vital time, when the global economy is indicating healthy signs of recovery following the financial crisis. We have perceived a keen interest amongst entities that wish to support the event.
“The role of governments, academic institutions and civil society organizations in establishing system integrated regional innovation, and the role of multinational companies in leading the innovation process and technological development, as well as the importance of recruiting venture capital to invest in innovative ideas in the region highlighting stories of success in this area are some of the key subjects that will be addressed at this forum."
Sponsors of the 7th Investing in Technology Forum include the Islamic Bank for Development, Advanced Technology Investment Company, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, Qualcomm, and the Khalifa Fund that supports and develops small and medium enterprises.
