Dubai Internet City (DIC), the leading technology community in the region, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian Export Center (REC) to launch the first Russian Center for Digital Innovations and Information and Communication Technologies outside of Russia in Dubai. This centre, which will encompass of a space of over 20,000 sq. ft. within DIC, is the first of four global centres, and the first-ever commitment to investment promotion of this scale by Russia abroad.

The MoU was signed by Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City and Marat Korovaev, Head of IT Export Support Department, Russian Export Center during GITEX Technology Week 2018, in the presence of Malek Al Malek, CEO of TECOM Group, Saleh Al Aroud, Chairman of the Russian Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and prominent Russian dignitaries including Yury Vidakas – Counselor of the Russian Embassy in UAE, Oleg Fomin – Consul General of the Russian Federation in UAE, and Muhammad Shiha, CEO of Russian Center for Digital Innovations and ICT, and the Executive Director of the Russian Business Council in Dubai & Northern Emirates.

The opening of the centre comes at a time when the UAE and Russia enjoy heightened trade relationships and a reported growth in bilateral trade between the countries to US$1.2 billion in 2017. Leaders of both nations are committed to deepen their economic relationship, following a two-day visit to Russia by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Leaders of both countries reviewed bilateral relations, discussed cooperation, and signed a new strategic partnership earlier this year.

Speaking on the MoU, Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City, said: “The UAE and Russia have shared close business ties for decades, and for DIC to be chosen as the first overseas destination by REC is a true testament to Dubai’s key position as a global business destination. As the largest hub and leading community of technology innovators in the region, DIC is supporting the emirate in attracting more international enterprises of all sizes. The Russian Center for Digital Innovations and ICT in the UAE, along with other innovation centres and labs that DIC is home to, will serve as a catalyst for this vision.”

Marat Korovaev, Head of IT Export Support Department, REC said: “Dubai’s vision, plans and efforts to become the smartest city in the world are second to none, and we believe that the Russian IT industry can contribute significantly to the achievement of this vision. Long-standing bilateral ties, favourable and simplified business processes, and a nurturing environment that promotes ideation and exchange of knowledge and best practices, are key factors that impelled us to choose Dubai and DIC as the first destination for our four planned centres outside Russia. 83% of our customers are SMEs and DIC’s holistic approach to supporting its business partners, from startups to well-established enterprises, was another factor that influenced our decision.”

In addition to opening the centre, the Russian Export Centre and DIC will jointly work to support Russia and UAE based technology companies of all sizes, including startups and entrepreneurs and further support DIC’s commitment to providing a thriving and nurturing ecosystem for companies.

GITEX Technology Week is one of the most influential technology exhibitions worldwide, attracting a diverse audience of IT professionals, enthusiasts, students, consumers and traders. The 2018 edition of the event is running from 14 to 18 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.