When you think of Dubai, the first things that come to mind are probably the luxury malls and skyscrapers that seem to defy gravity. However, today you will get to know another side of this city.
DIC or Dubai Internet City is the center of technology in the Middle East. You probably have heard of Silicon Valley, but have you met its eastern rival? In this article, driven by DriveX, you will learn about DIC, its attractions, logistics, and places where your business ideas will flourish.
What is Dubai Internet City?
Dubai Internet City was planned and established in the 2000s. Its mission was to create a tech and innovation hub that would attract the biggest brains and brands in the business.
Needless to say, it worked. DIC quickly became a home to the world’s tech giants and startups.
This business park focuses on information technology, telecommunications, software development, and all other sorts of things. Whether you’re a coding wizard, a blockchain nerd, or just someone who knows how to pitch a good idea, Dubai Internet City has a seat for you at the table.
Companies and Offices in DIC
With all said, we can say Dubai Internet City is where the big deals hang out. Let’s check out some of them:
- Google: Google is a tech giant that started with a search engine and now touches everything digital, from Android phones to cloud services.
- Oracle: Specializing in databases, cloud platforms, and enterprise software, it helps companies organize, process, and analyze data.
- Microsoft: Microsoft makes Windows, Office, Xbox, Azure, and about a hundred other tools you probably use on a daily basis.
- IBM: It started its business by producing servers and computers. Now it focuses on Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing.
- Cisco: This company offers cloud management and cybersecurity services to enterprises and other businesses.
- Dell: It builds laptops, desktops, servers, and IT solutions.
See? You name it, and they are already there. These companies have not chosen here just because of the view, but because DIC offers them a strategic location and a business-friendly environment. It’s one of the main magnets for tech companies in Dubai.
But you might think, would there be a chance to grow here if it’s already filled with all these big names? Well, the answer is YES. Beyond the big brands, there’s a chance for every startup and SME (Small and Medium Enterprises). Plus, the job opportunities are endless. Whether you are passionate about UI/UX design, know your way in software engineering, or have a thing for digital marketing, this place is always looking for experts who have something to offer in their field.
Also, the workspaces here are a mix of fancy and comfy. Think glassy towers, open-plan offices, coworking lounges, and innovation labs that will make you feel like you are in one of Nolan’s blockbusters.
Dubai Internet City Metro Station
Now that you get the idea, let’s talk logistics. How do you get to the land of technology? The best way possible is to use the Dubai Internet City Metro Station.
Located on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, this station is a must-visit for daily commuters, visitors, and anyone who does not want to drive in Dubai traffic. The station is a short walk from the main DIC offices and connects easily to spots like the Mall of the Emirates, Downtown Dubai, and even the airport.
On most days, the metro runs from around 5 AM to midnight, and hours vary slightly on weekends. Riding trains in Dubai is super affordable, and you will only need an NOL card to ride. Think of it as your ticket to enjoy the best of transportation in Dubai.
The cards come in different tiers. To choose the one that is most suitable for you, check out the list below.
- Red NOL cards are more suitable for tourists and short-term visitors. And instead of plastic, it is a piece of paper. It can be charged for up to 10 trips and works only on one mode of transport at a time, either just the metro or just the bus.
- The Silver NOL card is the most popular option for people who use public transportation regularly. It is valid for 5 years and covers riding different kinds of metro and buses.
- Gold Nol cards are sort of like the silver type, but fancier. Holding this card enables you to use the gold class cabin, which offers you more comfortable seats and a less crowded area.
- Blue NOL card gives you the option to personalize your card. It is most suitable for students, seniors, or people with disabilities. By getting this card, you will get discounts, but you need an ID card to register.
Also, for the Nol card prices, check out the table below:
| Red | Blue / Personalized | Silver | Gold | |
| Within 1 zone | 4 AED | 3 AED | 3 AED | 6 AED |
| 2 adjacent zones | 6 AED | 5 AED | 5 AED | 10 AED |
| More than 2 zones | 8.5 AED | 7.5 AED | 7.5 AED | 15 AED |
| Students, social affairs & Senior Emiratis and Citizens | N/A | 50% | N/A | N/A |
| People of determination | N/A | Free | N/A | N/A |
| Children (5 years old and below) | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Where to Stay Near Dubai Internet City
Now that we know all this fun stuff about visiting DIC, the real question is where to stay near Dubai Internet City. As expected, this area is packed with stylish, business-friendly hotels and short-term rental apartments. In the table below, you will see some of the best hotels in Dubai Internet City:
| Hotel Name | Vibe | Perks |
| Media One Hotel | Trendy | Rooftop Pool
Fun nightlife variety of dining options |
| Radisson Blu Media City | Professional | Multiple restaurants
Spa Near the beach |
| Arjaan by Rotana | Family-friendly | Spacious suites
Outdoor pool Lots of dining options |
| Grand Plaza Mövenpick | Modern | Rooftop lounge
Wellness center Gourmet dining |
| Zabeel House by Jumeirah | Elegant | Art-inspired interiors
Co-working spaces |
Staying near Dubai Internet City means being minutes away from meetings, but also close to beaches and restaurants.
Coworking Spaces and Cafes
If you are a freelancer or work remotely, then coworking spaces and cafes in Dubai will be your best friends. This area is full of coworking spaces that are remote-worker friendly and also suitable for startup teams that need places to hold meetings.
Here are some recommendations:
- Nook: A chill coworking space inside One JLT with a strong community vibe. Also, if yoga and wellness events interest you, then Nook is your place.
- AstroLabs: This hub offers office spaces that are furnished and ready to use. Being located in this area will bring you great opportunities to meet other business people and establish a powerful network.
- Cafe Rider: Great coffee, strong Wi-Fi, and lots of parking spaces make this place one of the favorite working spaces.
Nearby Attractions
Let’s be real, even if you are a tech lover who has come to DIC to do business, it would still be such a waste if you were not to enjoy Dubai’s beauty. Right below, you will see some of the famous recommendations.
· Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a waterfront city and that makes it the perfect place for any activity that involves water. It is a 15-minute drive away and has a variety of activities such as ziplining across the neighborhood at Xline Dubai Marina, yacht tours, dinner cruises, and watching the sunset.
· Palm Jumeirah
One of the other must-see locations for your trip to Dubai is the iconic palm-shaped island, which, to many people’s surprise, is man-made. In this location, you will have the chance to enjoy the Aquaventure waterpark, the Lost Chambers Aquarium, and even get in the water and swim with dolphins.
· Al Sufouh Beach
As a hidden beach, you will only need 10 minutes to get to Al Sufouh Beach. It is easy to miss, but a great spot for people who are traveling for business, yet cannot miss the fun. After a day of hard work, you can visit this beach to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the relaxing sea breezes.
Why Rent a Car Near Dubai Internet City?
Here’s the thing: Dubai is massive. And while the metro is awesome, sometimes you just need to drive to your meeting or working space. That’s where car rental near Dubai Internet City comes into play.
Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially if you have client meetings all across the city or just feel like driving on the luxury streets of Dubai. There are plenty of rental car agencies near Dubai Internet City, such as Thrifty, Hertz, and Budget, that all have branches close to DIC.
Pro tips: Book online in advance to get better rates, and make sure your rental includes Salik (Dubai’s toll system). You can use DriveX rental car services to guarantee a unique experience in DIC. You can choose between a wide range of vehicles and will get the easiest pickup and returns, so you will not have to worry about changing your business plans.
Final Tips
Before wrapping this post up, here are some final words of wisdom:
- Remember to book early if you’re visiting during events or conferences since the rooms might get reserved too quickly.
- Dubai can get hot in summer. Always pack water and sunscreen before going out. Also, most cafes, hotels, and coworking spaces in Dubai have excellent Wi-Fi, but carry a portable hotspot if you are on a business trip and cannot risk being disconnected.
- Even if you are not sure about using public transportation, consider getting an NOL card.
- On the other side, if you have a packed schedule, consider using car rental agencies to make sure you will get the most out of your time. Take a look at DriveX services to find the best options and enhance your experience in DIC.
Conclusion
Dubai Internet City is not just a spot on the map; it’s a vision launchpad for the future. Whether you are a member of a startup or a corporate trailblazer, or are a freelancer with a laptop, DIC gives you the chance and the power to thrive.
So, whether you are here to build the next big app or just network your heart out, Dubai Internet City is not just a place to work; it is a place to grow, glow, and maybe even go global.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Dubai Internet City also suitable for small companies?
No, even if you are a single-person army in the world of technology or a small startup, you can still come to this place and get the chance to meet new people and learning new things.
- What is the best way to get around Dubai Internet City?
This city offers different types of transportation. If you want to make the best of your time in DIC, you can use reliable rental car services.
- Where is the best place to rent a car from in DIC?
DriveX is one of the rental car companies that offer a wide range of vehicles at reasonable prices. You could choose any car that meets your needs best, and you will also receive 24-hour customer support, so you would not have anything to worry about.