Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority gets new identity

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued “Law No. 15 of 2014 concerning the Creative Clusters in the Emirate of Dubai.  He also issued two decrees appointing Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, as Chairman of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, and Ahmad Bin Byat as Director General of the Authority. 

As per the Law mentioned above, the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) has announced its new name – Dubai Creative Clusters Authority – and new mandate, - to lead the development of creative industries in Dubai to support the Dubai Strategy for Innovation. 

The authority will drive the growth of Dubai’s creative industries by developing evidence-based policies and programmes to attract, retain and grow creative businesses in Dubai. To meet its objectives, the authority will actively develop the size and skills of the creative talent pool, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, provide financial support, create joint forums between the creative industries and government, and provide a platform for research, intelligence and advocacy. 

The authority will continue to be responsible for licensing, visa and zoning regulations for the diverse free zone encompassing Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), Energy and Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Design District (d3). These clusters are owned and operated by TECOM Investments, Dubai’s master developer of industry-focused clusters. 

The authority has successfully established industry Councils and Committees to champion key creative industries, investing Dh40 million annually towards Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Film and TV Commission, and Dubai Design and Fashion Council. 

As of today, the authority regulates 10 industry clusters hosting more than 4,200 businesses across the media, ICT, education, sciences and design industries. The clusters have a collective workforce of over 64,000. The industry clusters have successfully attracted many of the industry leaders in respective sectors – the list includes Microsoft, Google, IBM, Dell, HP, LinkedIn, SAP, GE, Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, CNN, MBC, OSN, Pfizer, Heriot Watt University, University of Wollongong, and Manipal University, amongst others.