SmartCity Malta is set to become a new information and communications technology hub in the Mediterranean island nation. This new development, based on several similar projects in Dubai, has recently started in Malta. This new project will redevelop land in Kalkara into a state-of-the-art international communications and technology (ICT) center and media park
The development is located on 360,000 square meters of land in the Ricasoli Industrial Estate of Kalkara. Kalkara is a small town just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the capital of Malta. SmartCity is expected to generate over 5,000 new jobs when it is completed and will be the largest job creator in Malta’s history.
SmartCity is a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai, both Dubai Holding companies. The venture plans to open several additional technology and information centers throughout the world. SmartCity Malta will draw from the experience and expertise of Dubai’s successful knowledge-based industry clusters like Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City to create a centre of ICT and media excellence in the heart of the Mediterranean, said Fareed Abdulrahman, Executive Director of SmartCity.
Speaking at a workshop on the topic, “Malta – Your ideal business partner in the Mediterranean” organized by the Consulate General of Malta and the Malta Trade Centre, Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Abdulrahman said:
“We will be bringing to SmartCity Malta several concepts that have been successful in Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City…One of these concepts is the one-stop-shop. The idea behind this concept is to help businesses eliminate the bureaucratic hassles in setting up a company so that they can stay focused on their core competencies.”
He added: “To facilitate the one-stop-shop concept at SmartCity Malta, we will be creating a Government Services Unit (GSU). This unit, which will operate hand in hand with the various Ministries, will be offering a range of support services like business set-up, licensing, registration, incorporation, events and hospitality services from one single window.”
The first phase of SmartCity Malta is expected to be open by the end of 2009, but it will take until 2021 until the whole project is completed.
