DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--W Motors, the first manufacturer of high-performance luxury sports cars in the Middle East, laid the foundation stone for its automotive facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE, marking the first manufacturing facility of its kind in the Middle East with an investment exceeding $USD100 Million.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, laid the foundation stone during an event that was attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman & CEO of DSOA, and Ralph R. Debbas, W Motors Founder & CEO.
Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “As Dubai continues to consolidate its position as an international testing ground for state-of-the-art technology, it is attracting foreign direct investments, international tech companies, promising start-ups, and innovative entrepreneurs from around the globe. Free zones like DSO continue to be the hub of choice for cutting-edge companies looking for advanced business ecosystems that provide full traction for launches and growth locally, regionally, and globally.”
The state-of-the-art automotive facility sees W Motors Founder & CEO Ralph R. Debbas' vision of driving the region’s automotive industry become a reality. Spread over 120,000 sqft., the project’s first phase is set to be completed by 2020. Production of all W Motors vehicles will move to this location including the limited series Fenyr SuperSport, upcoming new vehicles, electric and autonomous models, and all vehicles under the company’s Special Projects Division.
Phase One will be divided into three blocks: the Manufacturing Division will comprise a mechanical workshop, an assembly area, a “Concept & Prototype” manufacturing zone, and will feature the latest machines equipped with advanced smart technologies for production of carbon fibre, aluminum and other parts.
The main Headquarters will include Design, Engineering, R&D and Training Centres along with autonomous and technology development department. Furthermore, W Motors Gallery, will showcase all models and become a unique experiential space for visitors from the whole world.
Phase Two of the project will be the W Motors Automotive Academy, developed in partnership with leading regional and international educational institutions. It will offer Automotive Design, Engineering, Transportation and AI-themed courses, and certified programs catering to students and interns from the whole world.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, said, “DSO offers businesses a unique ecosystem that allows them to leverage their strengths and benefit from Dubai’s role as a springboard for businesses seeking growth in the GCC which holds opportunities worth more than $USD1.5 trillion across all economic sectors. We look forward to welcoming W Motors to DSO as a highly-anticipated addition to the automotive industry in Dubai and the UAE, especially considering that such an industry requires a long supply chain of products and services, which in turn can create an exciting set of trickle-down opportunities in autonomous driving technologies and related products and services.”
Ralph Debbas said, “Today is a momentous day for W Motors, and takes us a big step closer to vastly developing the automotive industry within the region – and specifically aligning with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation. We have worked closely with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority to bring our Production Facility to life; now the countdown to opening our doors is on!”
W Motors recently announced that it has become the first private company to deposit its shares in Nasdaq Dubai's Central Securities Depository (CSD). Joining the CSD enhances W Motors' links to investors and can be a first step towards a variety of financing solutions.
*Source: AETOSWire
