UAE is now major player in outsourcing trend

The UAE has emerged quite quickly as a major player in a global trend in which corporations are outsourcing everything from IT and financial services to outside technical firms, says a new report. The study has revealed emerging countries are becoming sought after by companies looking for tax-free environments supported by full technical infrastructure. In its fourth year, Dubai Outsource Zone has attracted 130 major tenants operating call and IT centres in banking, travel, financial and computer sectors. The DOZ employs 5,000 people from 58 nations. "Now, what we're seeing is a new outsourcing mega trend," said Lindsey McDonald, consultant for Frost and Sullivan which co-authored the report with DOZ. "Despite the financial crisis, this region is seen as one of the most stable," she said at the launch. Malek Al Malek, managing director of Dubai Internet City and DOZ, said: "Growth witnessed by the cluster in such a short time signifies the role it has played in developing the emirate's outsource industry. Obviously one of the main criterions is the political stability. We know we are on the radar of many companies who are revamping their strategies." The report stated: "One of the UAE's main strengths is the presence of foreign language speakers."