Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Free Zone Guide 2026
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a government-owned technology free zone and integrated business community in Dubai. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
About Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Government owner: Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA); government of Dubai entity
- Location: Eastern Dubai; along Emirates Road; 35 minutes from Dubai International Airport
- Concept: Integrated technology free zone with residential, commercial, and industrial zones
- Focus: ICT, electronics, semiconductor design, tech manufacturing
DSO Free Zone Company Types
- FZ-LLC: Standard free zone limited liability company
- Branch: Branch of existing UAE or foreign company
- Technology start-up: Incubator programme for early-stage tech companies
Dubai Silicon Oasis vs. Dubai Internet City
- DSO: More affordable; good for tech hardware and semiconductor companies; has industrial units
- DIC (Dubai Internet City): Premium tech hub; more established digital economy ecosystem; better for pure software companies
- DSO advantage: Residential community; easy staff accommodation; good infrastructure
DSO Licences and Costs
- Technology activity licence: AED 15,000-25,000 per year
- Start-up programme (DSOInQ): Discounted access for qualifying early-stage tech companies
- Office options: Flexi-desk, serviced office, custom built
Who DSO Is Best For
- Electronics and hardware companies
- Semiconductor design firms
- Tech manufacturers
- Companies wanting an integrated live-work-play tech community in Dubai