Dubai Internet City, the Middle East’s leading technology hub and a part of TECOM Group, has announced a strategic partnership with The Skolkovo Foundation to foster innovation and facilitate knowledge exchange between the two ecosystems. The agreement, signed during the GITEX Global technology conference in Dubai, establishes a clear pathway for tech companies and startups to explore new markets and collaborative opportunities.
A Bridge for Bilateral Innovation
The partnership aims to create a “soft-landing track” for innovative companies looking to expand their international footprint. For the over 5,000 companies within Skolkovo’s ecosystem, the agreement provides fast-track access to the MENA region’s infrastructure and business environment, along with guidance on legal and operational procedures. This initiative is designed to build sustainable export channels and launch pilot projects within Dubai’s vibrant tech landscape.
“Our partnership with Dubai Internet City opens up tangible opportunities for Skolkovo’s innovative companies to enter the Middle East market,” said Timur Kornilov, Managing Director for Strategic International Partnership, Knowledge and Technology Transfer at the Skolkovo Foundation. “For Skolkovo, this is also a pathway for bilateral exchange of technologies, knowledge, and entrepreneurial practices, which will enrich both ecosystems.”
Strengthening Dubai’s D33 Agenda
This collaboration directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ by strengthening the emirate’s global position as a premier innovation hub. By attracting top-tier tech talent and companies, Dubai Internet City continues to bolster the local digital economy. The hub is already home to 4,000 multinational corporations and startups, including industry giants like PayPal, Nvidia, and Oracle.
“Our partnership with the Skolkovo Foundation reaffirms Dubai Internet City’s commitment to fostering an innovation ecosystem that strengthens the global digital economy,” said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City. “Aligned with Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, Dubai Internet City’s vibrant ecosystem will continue to promote such cross-border collaboration and support the growth of innovative businesses from around the world.”
Unlocking Global Opportunities and Events
A key component of the partnership involves providing mutual access to prominent industry events. Skolkovo Foundation delegations will gain entry to major Dubai-based events such as GITEX Global, Expand North Star, and Step Dubai, which is hosted annually at Dubai Internet City. In return, Dubai Internet City’s community will explore opportunities at Russia’s Startup Village, a major platform for innovators and investors, creating new avenues for market entry and collaboration for MENA-based companies. Both entities will also work to identify potential pilot projects and proofs of concept (PoCs) to accelerate product development.
About Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading technology hub and a cornerstone of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts. Since its inception, DIC has been a critical engine for Dubai’s digital transformation, contributing significantly to the emirate’s tech GDP and facilitating over 125,000 technology jobs. It houses a dynamic ecosystem of Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and growth across the tech sector.
Source: Zawya
