Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dtec?

Dtec is a complete entrepreneurial ecosystem under one roof. An initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dtec is an entrepreneur campus and coworking space for technology entrepreneurs looking to start their business or expand their startup while immersing themselves in an environment built specifically for entrepreneurs.  Startups can join Dtec, setup their company with a Dubai Integrated Economic Zones visa and 100% company ownership and gain access to the complete ecosystem of Dtec including events, workshops, potential funding, partnership opportunities and much more.

To find out more about setting up your company in Dtec click here

What is Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)?

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a live-work-study-play district within Dubai, dedicated to fostering knowledge and innovation. Within its mini-city, Dubai Silicon Oasis is home to large multinational corporations, medium-sized businesses, SMEs and a large network of startups. DSO also houses the Rochester Institue of Technology University campus, a US university specialized in STEM education.

Dubai Silicon Oasis also offers multiple housing options, from small studio apartments through to family villas, alongside three schools (featuring UK, European, Indian and US curriculums), several nurseries and a multitude of leisure, dining and shopping experiences.

Dtec is an initiative of DSO, which was created to give entrepreneurs and startups a space to start and grow their technology business. It is the largest technology entrepreneur campus in the Middle East.

Dubai Silicon Oasis is also part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) which is the licensing authority for Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai Commercity.

What kind of companies can join Dtec?

Dtec is open to technology startups who are operating in the field of future, innovative technologies.

What facilities are available?

Dtec offers three types of space for you to work from – hot desk, dedicated desk and small office.  Dtec is open 24/7 and features high speed wifi, meeting spaces, onsite café, games areas, free tea & coffee, corporate lab spaces, complete business setup including service license and visa, access to events and workshops, storage lockers & printing.

I’m not Emirati, can I join Dtec?

Yes, Dtec is open to all nationalities.  In fact, we have founders from more than 70 countries.

How long can I stay in Dtec?

Dtec is a hub for startups. Although there is no time limit on how long you can remain, after 5 years you are no longer eligible for the subsidized license. We hope that your startup will have been successful enough to need a bigger space by then anyway!

Do you need an Emirati Partner to set up a company in Dtec?

No, Dtec is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. As such, all companies located in Dtec receive the full economic zone benefits including 100% ownership, one-stop-shop company registration and simplified visa procedures.

Is Dtec open at the weekend?

Yes, Dtec members have access to our space 24/7.

Is it a virtual office or do I have to use my desk space regularly?

Dtec is not a virtual office.  It is mandatory for all hot desk members to use their desk for at least 36 hours per month.  If this requirement is not met, DIEZ has the right to cancel the license and lease.

What is the difference between Fixed Desk and Flexi Desk?

A flexi desk is the traditional coworking “hot” desk.  You don’t have an assigned space and sit anywhere within the coworking area with your laptop and mobile.  You will be eligible to 2 visas within this option.

A fixed desk provides you with your own desk space which will be used by you only.   With this option you can have a landline and a drawer unit for storage and will be eligible for 3 visas.

Both options give you full access to Dtec’s facilities and events.

What company activities are accepted in Dtec?

Dtec’s mission is to provide the best possible environment for tech startups to succeed. So at the very core of the business should be technology. Click here   for a list of company activities that are accepted in Dtec.

Will Dtec assist in securing the employment visa for startups within Dubai Silicon Oasis?

DSO houses a Government Services department to serve the clients established and operating within our area. The department is responsible for issuing employment visas and work permits to all the employees working with the companies registered within Dubai Silicon Oasis based businesses. The department acts as a link between various government authorities such as General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai, Emirates Postal, Ministry of Health etc., and the customers of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority under which Dubai Silicon Oasis resides.

Do I need to be in Dubai to apply for coworking space?

No, it’s not necessary to be in Dubai to apply for your coworking space in Dtec.  However, once the initial application has been approved and you have paid the fees all partners will have to visit Dtec to sign the legal documents.

Does Dtec offer funding for startups?

Dtec is part of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and houses Oraseya Capital, the venture capital fund of DIEZ. Oraseya Capital is dedicated to investing in promising UAE-centric startups from seed to Series B.

Does Dtec offer Incubation programs?

Dtec houses the Sandbox program, the only VC backed startup investment program in Dubai.

Aside from coworking space, do you offer programs for startups who need support in growing and accelerating their business?

Dtec houses the Sandbox program, Dubai’s only VC backed startup investment program.

Can I just work in Dtec for a day or week?

Yes, Dtec is now available as a coworking only space where you can work for a day, week or even up to 3 months without the need to set up a company with us.  Please contact our team for more details.

Does Dtec take ownership or shares in my company?

No, if you set up your company in the Dtec coworking space you will have 100% ownership of your business.

Do you offer any events, workshops or trainings?

Yes, we run a regular program of events, workshops and trainings.  To find out what’s coming up click here