Phase one of SmartCity Malta has been launched and is already attracting business partners internationally to operate from Malta.
Phase one will provide a unique experience for business and lifestyle alike, entailing a mix of components to cater for the knowledge-based township community's needs such as office space, shopping boulevards and residential units. In phase one, the majority of the space is dedicated to ICT and media offices - an impressive 20,034 square metres - providing a thoughtful environment, intelligent infrastructure and premium support services. This blend of business and lifestyle is what distinguishes SmartCity Malta as the prevalent destination for local, regional and international companies to set up their operations catering to the European and North African markets.
SmartCity Malta is a joint venture between the government of Malta and SmartCity. From concept initiation, through to the master plan design and now to the launch of phase one, both parties say they have seen eye to eye.
The realisation of SmartCity Malta has come about by the complementary vision of both parties - SmartCity's vision being to create a global network of self-sustained business townships to foster the knowledge economy while the government strives towards its strong ICT vision for Malta to be renowned as the "Smart Island". Based on this experience, both SmartCity and the government are confident and fully committed to the success of SmartCity Malta.
At the opening on Saturday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said: "It is of satisfaction for my government and I to participate at this announcement that confirms that the implementation of SmartCity is moving according to its own ambitious time frames.
"Their energy has been met by our enthusiasm. All stakeholders in Malta have quickly appreciated the importance of this project. We have all pulled on the same rope because of our shared belief and commitment to SmartCity Malta. I urge everyone involved to do everything in their power to see this effort through".
Ahmad Bin Byat, executive chairman of Tecom Investment and chairman of SmartCity, said the company envisaged that SmartCity Malta, and all SmartCity entities, will become significant hubs of excellence for knowledge-based industries in their respective regions. The SmartCity concept is based on the successful business models of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village under the Tecom umbrella.
"Within the nine clusters of Tecom Investment Parks in Dubai, over 5,000 companies have set up their regional operations. With offices in China, US (California), UAE (Dubai), India, and other locations soon to follow, SmartCity has the ability to tap into the international markets and further extend their partnership with existing associates for mutual expansion," he added.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, Austin Gatt called upon all leaders in the educational and business communities to renew the national effort to "prepare well" as many of the young people as possible for the opportunity being built in Ricasoli. "Malta and its new global clients rely on our educational institutions to complete the success in our effort to truly become an ICT centre of excellence," he said.
In order for SmartCity Malta to support its business partners to its full potential, a local management team is being put together so that, in collaboration with SmartCity's headquarters' team based in Dubai, they engage with leading IT and media firms interested in relocating their operations to SmartCity Malta.
The combined group support of SmartCity Malta and SmartCity's headquarters - that have a proven track record in attracting international companies to the thriving models that are Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village - is a key ingredient for the complete success of the township.
In 2010, SmartCity Malta will be releasing ready-to-operate state-of-the-art office space with intelligent infrastructure and picturesque surroundings. This will be followed by the supporting release of residential and retail spaces. The prominent emphasis of a balance between work and life will be notable in view of the wide-ranging value added services and amenities that SmartCity Malta offers. From its breathtaking views of the one-kilometre Mediterranean seafront stretch, to its outstanding open spaces, lagoon and amphitheatre, SmartCity Malta is selling itself as a unique destination in the Mediterranean.
In the coming years, Ricasoli and the southeastern coast of the island will be transformed into the prime business township of Malta, featuring state-of-the-art ICT and media office space, shopping and dining boulevards, panoramic areas and freely-accessible open spaces, hence changing the location into a new attraction featuring attractive architecture and environmental-friendly landscaping.
SmartCity Malta is not only the largest foreign investment in Malta but is also the largest job creator under one roof in Malta's history.
Over an eight-year period, SmartCity Malta is committed to generate 5,600 jobs - spanning from opportunities in Malta's knowledge-industry to new employment in areas of management, hospitality, retail, security and logistics, to name but a few.
Phase one will provide a unique experience for business and lifestyle alike, entailing a mix of components to cater for the knowledge-based township community's needs such as office space, shopping boulevards and residential units. In phase one, the majority of the space is dedicated to ICT and media offices - an impressive 20,034 square metres - providing a thoughtful environment, intelligent infrastructure and premium support services. This blend of business and lifestyle is what distinguishes SmartCity Malta as the prevalent destination for local, regional and international companies to set up their operations catering to the European and North African markets.
SmartCity Malta is a joint venture between the government of Malta and SmartCity. From concept initiation, through to the master plan design and now to the launch of phase one, both parties say they have seen eye to eye.
The realisation of SmartCity Malta has come about by the complementary vision of both parties - SmartCity's vision being to create a global network of self-sustained business townships to foster the knowledge economy while the government strives towards its strong ICT vision for Malta to be renowned as the "Smart Island". Based on this experience, both SmartCity and the government are confident and fully committed to the success of SmartCity Malta.
At the opening on Saturday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said: "It is of satisfaction for my government and I to participate at this announcement that confirms that the implementation of SmartCity is moving according to its own ambitious time frames.
"Their energy has been met by our enthusiasm. All stakeholders in Malta have quickly appreciated the importance of this project. We have all pulled on the same rope because of our shared belief and commitment to SmartCity Malta. I urge everyone involved to do everything in their power to see this effort through".
Ahmad Bin Byat, executive chairman of Tecom Investment and chairman of SmartCity, said the company envisaged that SmartCity Malta, and all SmartCity entities, will become significant hubs of excellence for knowledge-based industries in their respective regions. The SmartCity concept is based on the successful business models of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village under the Tecom umbrella.
"Within the nine clusters of Tecom Investment Parks in Dubai, over 5,000 companies have set up their regional operations. With offices in China, US (California), UAE (Dubai), India, and other locations soon to follow, SmartCity has the ability to tap into the international markets and further extend their partnership with existing associates for mutual expansion," he added.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, Austin Gatt called upon all leaders in the educational and business communities to renew the national effort to "prepare well" as many of the young people as possible for the opportunity being built in Ricasoli. "Malta and its new global clients rely on our educational institutions to complete the success in our effort to truly become an ICT centre of excellence," he said.
In order for SmartCity Malta to support its business partners to its full potential, a local management team is being put together so that, in collaboration with SmartCity's headquarters' team based in Dubai, they engage with leading IT and media firms interested in relocating their operations to SmartCity Malta.
The combined group support of SmartCity Malta and SmartCity's headquarters - that have a proven track record in attracting international companies to the thriving models that are Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village - is a key ingredient for the complete success of the township.
In 2010, SmartCity Malta will be releasing ready-to-operate state-of-the-art office space with intelligent infrastructure and picturesque surroundings. This will be followed by the supporting release of residential and retail spaces. The prominent emphasis of a balance between work and life will be notable in view of the wide-ranging value added services and amenities that SmartCity Malta offers. From its breathtaking views of the one-kilometre Mediterranean seafront stretch, to its outstanding open spaces, lagoon and amphitheatre, SmartCity Malta is selling itself as a unique destination in the Mediterranean.
In the coming years, Ricasoli and the southeastern coast of the island will be transformed into the prime business township of Malta, featuring state-of-the-art ICT and media office space, shopping and dining boulevards, panoramic areas and freely-accessible open spaces, hence changing the location into a new attraction featuring attractive architecture and environmental-friendly landscaping.
SmartCity Malta is not only the largest foreign investment in Malta but is also the largest job creator under one roof in Malta's history.
Over an eight-year period, SmartCity Malta is committed to generate 5,600 jobs - spanning from opportunities in Malta's knowledge-industry to new employment in areas of management, hospitality, retail, security and logistics, to name but a few.