DIEZ reports 96% occupancy as Dubai business zones expand in H1 2026

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) reported a 96% occupancy rate across its three economic zones during the first half of 2026, driven by a 13% year-on-year increase in the number of operating companies. Surge in Workforce and Corporate Registrations Data released on Monday, 17 August, shows the total workforce within DIEZ zones—which include Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity—grew by 24% compared to the same period in 2025. The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec) also recorded a 57% rise in new company registrations, while the number of firms specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) surged by 95%. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, stated that these results reflect the resilience of the emirate's economic model and its ability to sustain growth amid global economic transformations. The authority attributed the performance to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position the city among the top three global urban economies. Infrastructure Projects and Venture Capital Activity During the first six months of 2026, DIEZ launched major expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis.…