Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), the pioneering German security technologies provider, today inaugurated its new regional headquarters and competence center for services and training at Silicon Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Dubai’s leading integrated free zone technology park.

Founded in 1852, G+D is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich, Germany. In the fiscal year 2018, the Group generated sales of approximately €2.25 billion. A workforce of 11,400 employees across 72 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 32 countries ensures customer proximity worldwide.

Operating for 20 years in the UAE from a hub office that served the MEA region, the move to the brand-new premises will support present and future expansion for G+D and marks a new milestone in the company’s activities in the region. G+D develops, manufactures and distributes secure payment, connectivity, identity and digital security products and solutions, and has established itself as a technology leader in these markets.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), and Verena von Mitschke-Collande, Owner of G+D, officially inaugurated the company’s new regional headquarters and competence center. The event drew the participation of Peter Fischer, German Ambassador to the UAE and Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Deputy CEO of DSOA, and other senior officials from DSOA and G+D as well as the company’s business partners in the UAE.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al Zarooni said: “Today, we welcome a global technology leader to our ever-evolving business community. G+D’s illustrious reputation for bringing impactful solutions to billions of consumers for more than 165 years aligns seamlessly with our ambition to offer investors and stakeholders a future-focused business platform that fosters innovation and supports the UAE’s strategic transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy.”

The UAE has been instrumental in the development and expansion of many German companies keen to build a presence in the Middle East and Africa region. Offering vital support to businesses through its efficient aviation hub and state-of-the-art communication infrastructure, the country brings companies closer to their customers and enables them to capitalize on the immense potential of the region.

The UAE has been Germany’s largest trading partner for more than a decade, with two-way non-oil trade totaling approximately AED48.69 billion in 2018, AED38.3 billion (79 percent) of which came from German exports to the UAE, while UAE free zone trade accounted for AED10.4billion (21 percent).

For her part, Verena von Mitschke-Collande said: “For two decades now, the UAE has been home to G+D’s operations serving the Middle East and Africa region. I extend my sincere appreciation to the UAE government for welcoming us to the country and to the progressive city that Dubai is today.”

For his part, Ambassador Fischer said: “G+D is a great example of how German tech companies can benefit from the UAE’s productive environment and advanced infrastructure to establish their presence in the country and grow their operations locally, regionally and globally.”

G+D’s new regional headquarters is housed in one of the eight Signature Boutique Buildings in the heart of Silicon Park, with offices spanning an area of 18,300 square feet.