Wacker Chemie AG, a leading global supplier to the chemical, semi-conductor and solar industries, will set up its Near and Middle East regional headquarters at Dubai Silicon Oasis, an integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Wacker Chemie today signed a deal in this regard.

Expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2009, the 12,881 sq m facility will be home to Munich-based Wacker’s Near and Middle East sales and marketing activities.

The headquarters will also feature a technical centre providing support to customers in the construction industry, Wakcer’s key business in the region currently.

With the development of new industries in the Middle East, Wacker will successfully market other high-tech products from its broad portfolio, such as polysilicon and hyperpure wafers, for the solar and semiconductor applications, a statement said.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarouni, vice-chairman and chief executive officer – DSOA, said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis continues to successfully attract more and more international companies into its premises through offering value added opportunities for its investors, thus building on the park’s original strategic goal. Our aim is to create an integrated technological community boasting the best international business practices in the production of technology that can be utilized in the telecommunication, electronics, solar, and other sectors.”

He added: “By choosing DSO, Wacker acknowledges the advantages offered to international investors within the technology sectors. We also believe this ambitious collaboration, backed our mutual commitment to innovation and excellence, will successfully contribute to positioning Dubai Silicon Oasis as one of the premier technology, research and development hubs in the region.”

Acknowledging the comparative benefits offered by Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dr Stefano Iannacone, managing director of Wacker Chemie Middle East, said: “We are very happy with the agreement achieved with the DSO management and look forward to building our new offices here. Establishing our operations at DSO is an important milestone to further boost our leading market position in the construction industry, as well as in other highly attractive growth segments within the region.”

DSOA is a wholly owned entity of the government of Dubai, operating as free zone technology park for semi-conductors, microelectronics and other electronic based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D divisions within its premises. – TradeArabia News Service