Dubai Internet City, one of the world's largest managed ICT clusters and a member of Tecom Investments, today announced it has won the fDi (Foreign Direct Investment) magazine's 'Best Hi-tech Free Zone 2008' award.

Malek Al Malek, Executive Director of Dubai Internet City, received the award from fDI Magazine. Part of The Financial Times Business Group and edited in London, the English language bi-monthly fDI is considered one of the most trusted sources of information for companies involved in cross-border expansion.

Dubai Internet City achieved the distinction over stiff competition. The ICT cluster emerged as the judge's top choice in the 'High-Tech Free Zone' category for scoring exceptionally high in all the 15 criteria including recent infrastructure development, presence of high-growth industries and the number of businesses.

Al Malek said: 'Dubai Internet City continues to remain at the forefront of the region's thought leadership and innovation in the IT and telecommunications sector. Next-generation technologies and one of the world's largest commercial IP telephony networks, as well as interactive e-service facilities are some of the special features of the cluster.'

'In spite of the current downturn in many other industries, Dubai Internet City is confident of setting new benchmarks while continuing to provide vital support to the region's ICT sector as well as to global corporations seeking to expand their regional footprint through their bases in Dubai,' he added.

Dubai Internet City boasts technologically advanced amenities including a Metropolitan Ethernet (MAN) environment that conveniently connects business partners with their customers, vendors and suppliers. It also supports a high bandwidth network, enabling business partners anywhere in the ICT free zone to enjoy fast and effective internet access.

Receiving the fDi's award for the best Special Economic Zone in 2007, Dubai Internet City was also cited as a key driver in the Economist Intelligence Unit report for the UAE's economic transformation which has helped position the country as leaders in the MENA region today.