Queensland has signed a statement of intent to help Dubai build the world's largest urban renewal development.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the signing, in the United Arab Emirates, could generate millions in trade deals for the state.
She said the agreement between Queensland and the Dubai Aviation City Corporation would get Queensland companies into a lucrative Middle Eastern market.
Queensland companies are set to gain a foothold in the Middle East and access unique market opportunities to the world’s largest urban renewal development following the signing.
Ajman University students visit Dubai South masterplanThe Statement of Intent was signed by Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Jackie Trad and Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South Executive Chairman His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin.
Ms Trad said Dubai South will eventually house one million people and is fast becoming a beacon of innovation.
“I acknowledge the foresight of the Chairman HE Kalifa Al Zaffin for collaborating with the Palaszczuk Government and developing a strategic base for Queensland companies within the Dubai South development.”
“Queensland-based Gruntify will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Duserve, the facilities management are of the Dubai Government, surrounding the use of their spatial services software in the urban development.
Staff Village of Dubai South“Greywater Solutions will also sign a MOU with Duserve to outline a test program of recycled water technology on the worker’s camp for Dubai South.”
HE Khalifa Al Zaffin said the agreement was a key component to raise the bar and build a world-class roadmap for smart cities globally through Dubai South.
“As we continue to strengthen Dubai South’s position as a leading multi-modal economic platform, it is of critical importance that we establish and maintain strong collaborations with key institutions and government bodies, which are spurring growth and development globally,” he said.
“Towards this end, the SOI between Dubai South and the Queensland Government marks a strategic partnership that promises to present vast mutual opportunities in key areas of Smart City investment and development.”
Gruntify Executive Director Jamie Leach said that this was the start of something big for their business.
“We look forward to the opportunity of implementing our software with Duserve on the Dubai South project and targeting the other opportunities in the region with this partner,” Ms Leach said.
Greywater Solutions Director David Kinlyside said it was a great opportunity for them to internationalise.
“The MOU with Duserve will allow us to work not just from Dubai South but other parts of the Middle East. This is great for a small company from the Gold Coast and we are very thankful for the support of the Queensland government,” Mr Kinlyside said.
Dubai South will eventually house one million residents and is being built around the new Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest passenger and freight airport.
It is also adjacent to the 2020 World Expo site.