Leadership
About Us
 
Our team at Dubai Silicon Oasis is led by Mr. Badr Buhannad, Director General and overseen by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

DIEZ is also chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Sheikh Ahmed holds several government positions and plays an increasingly pivotal role in leading the emirate’s finance and energy sectors.
 
ChairmanDubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 
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Over the past 35 years, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum has been at the forefront of Dubai’s remarkable economic development spearheading the successful expansion of aviation, which constitutes a substantial part of Dubai’s GDP, and formulating economic, investment and fiscal policies and strategies in support of the emirate’s overarching vision.

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Executive chairman
His Exellency Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni
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With over 25 years of experience leading and developing free economic zones, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni is considered one of the world’s top free zones influencing leaders. In 2021, H.E. Dr. Alzarooni was appointed as Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), holding three of Dubai’s pioneering Free Zones, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.

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director general
Mr. Badr Buhannad
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Mr. Badr Buhannad is the Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), where he leads the strategic evolution of Dubai’s dedicated knowledge and innovation district. With over two decades of experience in corporate strategy, business services, and audit management, he is a proven strategic leader known for aligning long-term vision with operational execution, delivering measurable impact through C-level engagement, board reporting, and transformation initiatives.

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Ghanim Al Falasi
Vice President - Director General Office

Ghanim Al Falasi has served Dubai Silicon Oasis for more than 12 years. He joined in 2011 as Senior Vice President of Corporate Support Services, leading HR, Business Excellence, IT and Supply Management, People Happiness and Innovation, and Client Success.

In 2021, the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority was established to bring together Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity. By the end of that year, Ghanim was directing its Technology and Entrepreneurship business units. In 2023, he was appointed Senior Vice President of the Technology Ecosystem and Development Office.

Ghanim built his ICT expertise as Vice President of the ICT Unit at Dubai Airports. There he established an ICT directorate, based on a study of the airports’ infrastructure and service needs. He has also worked with the UAE Ministry of Defence, UAE Armed Forces and Central Military Command. In 2013, he became Vice Chairman of the Smart City Project Committee at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

He holds a BS in Computer Science from California State University, Hayward. He is a certified Chief Innovation Officer (CCInO) through LEAD and holds an ORSC coaching certification. Neurolink-USA recently certified him as a Brain and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner.

Jamal Bin Marghoob
Vice President - Commercial Services

Jamal Bin Marghoob is a Vice President, Client and Community Relations at Dubai Silicon Oasis, bringing experience from previous roles at DIEZ, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones and Dubai Airport Freezone Authority. Mr Jamal Bin Marghoob holds a 1992 - 1997 Bachelor's degree in Marketing at California State University-Chico. With a robust skill set that includes Strategic Planning, Team Building, Marketing Communications, Marketing, Marketing Strategy and more, Jamal contributes to the success of Dubai Silicon Oasis  members. 

In 2021, the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority was established to bring together Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity. By the end of that year, Ghanim was directing its Technology and Entrepreneurship business units. In 2023, he was appointed Senior Vice President of the Technology Ecosystem and Development Office.

Ghanim built his ICT expertise as Vice President of the ICT Unit at Dubai Airports. There he established an ICT directorate, based on a study of the airports’ infrastructure and service needs. He has also worked with the UAE Ministry of Defence, UAE Armed Forces and Central Military Command. In 2013, he became Vice Chairman of the Smart City Project Committee at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

He holds a BS in Computer Science from California State University, Hayward. He is a certified Chief Innovation Officer (CCInO) through LEAD and holds an ORSC coaching certification. Neurolink-USA recently certified him as a Brain and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner.

Ahmad Hassan Alzaabi
Vice President - Shared Services 

Ahmad Hassan Alzaabi is the VP of the Commercial Services at Dubai Silicon Oasis within Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). With 20+ years of experience in project management, customer experience, lisensing, markets relations and compliance, he has worked with various government entities and received awards and certificates for his outstanding contributions.

Notably, he developed "The Smart Projection AI," the first consumer-focused AI of its kind. Ahmad has been recognized for his roles in international and domestic projects like the Covid19 Emergency Crisis and Disaster Committee, ICPEN, WEF, UNDP, MBRCLD and AI Ethical Board. His academic background includes a higher diploma in Aviation Engineering, Bachelor's in Management, a Master's in Communication, and completion of the "Global Negotiation program" at Harvard Law School. Additionally, he completed the "Dubai Opening Program" at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore and holds a leadership certificate from Mohammad Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development MBRPLD in association with Duke university.

Khawla Saeed Alfalasi
Vice President - Client & Community Relations

Khawla Al Falasi serves as Vice President and Head of the Shared Services Department at Dubai Silicon Oasis, part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). A seasoned leader with a strong foundation in finance, operations, and customer service, she brings over a decade of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and organizational alignment across high-impact functions.

Known for her ethical leadership and collaborative approach, Khawla excels in high-pressure environments by fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement. She is committed to delivering measurable results through innovative problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and a deep focus on customer experience. Her efforts have contributed to enhancing DSO’s value proposition, launching new services, and supporting business growth through operational efficiency.

Khawla’s background includes experience in the banking sector and property services within DIEZ’s Facility Management division. She is a certified internal auditor and an active member of several internal committees, including the DIEZ Women Committee, where she champions diversity and inclusion across the organization.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Science and continues to lead with a strong commitment to integrity, service excellence, and strategic execution.

Emerging Technology

"If innovation is at the core of your business, Dubai Silicon Oasis is the place to be"

Mr. Abdelghany Eladib
President & General Manager, India, Middle East and Africa, SIG
Two Decades of Fostering Innovation & Business Excellence

At Dubai Silicon Oasis, business is conducted with a forward-thinking approach, prioritising innovation, sustainability, and community.

We foster an environment where startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations can thrive, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, integrated business services, and a robust ecosystem designed to accelerate growth and promote technological advancements.

This holistic approach ensures that Dubai Silicon Oasis remains at the forefront of Dubai's economic development, contributing significantly to its non-oil economic sectors and reinforcing its status as a global hub for business and innovation.



An Awarded Ecosystem

DSO’s recognition as Global Free Zone of the Year for SMEs reflects its strategic commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. It also claimed the regional title in the Middle East and entered the global top five overall.
It is in the nature of man to strive for ever faster, higher and stronger, to make his everyday life easier and to optimize it as best as possible. Starting with the invention of the wheel more than 5,000 years ago, to the “enlightenment of man” through the printing press around 1450, to

the development of the steam engine and the associated industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century, mankind has made great progress in all areas of life.

A Commitment to SMEs

This accolade is not just honorary—it’s a testament to DSO’s growing SME base. In fact, DSO doubled its number of SME tenants in the preceding year fDi Intelligence. This remarkable expansion includes:

  • New entrants like CirrusLabs, a U.S.-based digital transformation firm
  • Expanding platforms such as Telr, a regional online payments provider
  • Fresh additions like ASKWHO, a social app startup that recently raised US$1 million in funding

“We are delighted to be recognised in fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year awards for 2023 as a global leader in fostering knowledge and innovation

— Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, DSO’s Director-General

Startups
Venture Capital firms around the corner
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Dubai Silicon Oasis is home to Oraseya Capital, the venture capital arm of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ) and one of the most active investors in Dubai. Oraseya Capital is dedicated to supporting high-potential startups by providing strategic funding, mentorship, and market access, helping businesses scale both regionally and globally.

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Startups
Venture Capital firms around the corner
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Dubai Silicon Oasis is home to Oraseya Capital, the venture capital arm of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ) and one of the most active investors in Dubai. Oraseya Capital is dedicated to supporting high-potential startups by providing strategic funding, mentorship, and market access, helping businesses scale both regionally and globally.

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Introduction overview

An Awarded Ecosystem

DSO’s recognition as Global Free Zone of the Year for SMEs reflects its strategic commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. It also claimed the regional title in the Middle East and entered the global top five overall.
It is in the nature of man to strive for ever faster, higher and stronger, to make his everyday life easier and to optimize it as best as possible. Starting with the invention of the wheel more than 5,000 years ago, to the “enlightenment of man” through the printing press around 1450, to

the development of the steam engine and the associated industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century, mankind has made great progress in all areas of life.

A Commitment to SMEs

This accolade is not just honorary—it’s a testament to DSO’s growing SME base. In fact, DSO doubled its number of SME tenants in the preceding year fDi Intelligence. This remarkable expansion includes:

  • New entrants like CirrusLabs, a U.S.-based digital transformation firm
  • Expanding platforms such as Telr, a regional online payments provider
  • Fresh additions like ASKWHO, a social app startup that recently raised US$1 million in funding

“We are delighted to be recognised in fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year awards for 2023 as a global leader in fostering knowledge and innovation

— Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, DSO’s Director-General

Why DSO Stood Out

An Awarded Ecosystem

DSO’s recognition as Global Free Zone of the Year for SMEs reflects its strategic commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. It also claimed the regional title in the Middle East and entered the global top five overall.
It is in the nature of man to strive for ever faster, higher and stronger, to make his everyday life easier and to optimize it as best as possible. Starting with the invention of the wheel more than 5,000 years ago, to the “enlightenment of man” through the printing press around 1450, to the development of the steam engine and the associated industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century, mankind has made great progress in all areas of life.

 Commitment to SMEs

This accolade is not just honorary—it’s a testament to DSO’s growing SME base. In fact, DSO doubled its number of SME tenants in the preceding year fDi Intelligence. This remarkable expansion includes:

  • New entrants like CirrusLabs, a U.S.-based digital transformation firm
  • Expanding platforms such as Telr, a regional online payments provider
  • Fresh additions like ASKWHO, a social app startup that recently raised US$1 million in funding

“We are delighted to be recognised in fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year awards for 2023 as a global leader in fostering knowledge and innovation

— Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, DSO’s Director-General

Specialized Support and Infrastructure

An Awarded Ecosystem

DSO’s recognition as Global Free Zone of the Year for SMEs reflects its strategic commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. It also claimed the regional title in the Middle East and entered the global top five overall.
It is in the nature of man to strive for ever faster, higher and stronger, to make his everyday life easier and to optimize it as best as possible. Starting with the invention of the wheel more than 5,000 years ago, to

the “enlightenment of man” through the printing press around 1450, to the development of the steam engine and the associated industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century, mankind has made great progress in all areas of life.

A Commitment to SMEs

This accolade is not just honorary—it’s a testament to DSO’s growing SME base. In fact, DSO doubled its number of SME tenants in the preceding year fDi Intelligence. This remarkable expansion includes:

  • New entrants like CirrusLabs, a U.S.-based digital transformation firm
  • Expanding platforms such as Telr, a regional online payments provider
  • Fresh additions like ASKWHO, a social app startup that recently raised US$1 million in funding

“We are delighted to be recognised in fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year awards for 2023 as a global leader in fostering knowledge and innovation

— Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, DSO’s Director-General

Have any Questions

An Awarded Ecosystem

DSO’s recognition as Global Free Zone of the Year for SMEs reflects its strategic commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. It also claimed the regional title in the Middle East and entered the global top five overall.
It is in the nature of man to strive for ever faster, higher and stronger, to make his everyday life easier and to optimize it as best as possible. Starting with the invention of the wheel more than 5,000 years ago, to the “enlightenment of man” through the printing press around 1450, to the development of the steam engine and the associated industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century, mankind has made great progress in all areas of life.

A Commitment to SMEs

This accolade is not just honorary—it’s a testament to DSO’s growing SME base. In fact, DSO doubled its number of SME tenants in the preceding year fDi Intelligence. This remarkable expansion includes:

  • New entrants like CirrusLabs, a U.S.-based digital transformation firm
  • Expanding platforms such as Telr, a regional online payments provider
  • Fresh additions like ASKWHO, a social app startup that recently raised US$1 million in funding

“We are delighted to be recognised in fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year awards for 2023 as a global leader in fostering knowledge and innovation

— Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, DSO’s Director-General