Gulf News reported that Dubai Industrial City has completed the infrastructure of about 30% of its area after investing AED 588 million in the projects over the past 4 years.

Power, water, sewage, irrigation and telecom systems arze now up and running on 15 square kilometers out of the total 55 square kilometers that the City is spread over.

Mr Abdullah Bel Houl MD of the City said that investments in buildings and construction range from AED 600 million to AED 700 million. The City expects to see ten to 15% growth in 2012 as industrial real estate picks up investors seek Dubai for its safe haven status amid political turmoil in the region and the fast-growing food and beverage sector in the UAE expands further.

Mr Bel Houl said that industries make up just 20% of the City. Of its 500 investors, 150 are industries and 350 are units such as warehouses, labour camps and offices. In 2012, the City is expecting investments of AED 180 million from three companies local pipe manufacturers Gulf Eternit, perfumer Rasasi and Caparol Paints who will collectively occupy about 3.3 million square feet.

He said that the manufacturing sector could account for ten to 13% of GDP next year based on the number of inquiries the City receives from industrial investors, the potential of the market and the growing food and beverage sector. Dubai Industrial City offers incentives to investors who could see up to a 20% reduction in indirect or operational costs when setting up there.

Mr Bel Houl said that we expect the present project, which is part of a larger one covering the City, to cope with future demand and growth of the destination. To date, over 40 kilometers of new roads have also been laid as part of the infrastructural work.

(Sourced from gulfnews.com)