W Motors Begins Work on New USD 100 Million Facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai-based W Motors has announced that it has begun work on its new USD 100 million automotive facility which is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The foundation stone for the W Motors Automotive Facility which will require an investment of USD 100.7 million was laid by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) at a formal event that was attended by eminent dignitaries like Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, vice chairman and CEO of DSOA and Ralph R Debbas, W Motors founder & CEO. The facility will sprawl over 120,000 sq ft in Dubai Silicon Oasis and the first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed by 2020. After the facility is fully operational, the production of all W Motors vehicles will be moved to this location. This will include the limited series Fenyr SuperSport, and all upcoming new vehicles including electric and autonomous models, as well as all vehicles which are made under the supervision of the company’s Special Projects Division.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Ahmed said that with Dubai continuing 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. The Dubai Free Zones Council, in line with the “Fifty-Year Charter” launched earlier this year by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is developing the emirate’s comprehensive geo-economic map and this will further accelerate the drive for r economic diversification. He added that free zones like the Dubai Silicon Oasis will continue to be the hub of choice for cutting-edge companies seeking advanced business ecosystems that provide full traction for launches and growth locally, regionally, and globally.

W Motors said in a statement that Phase One of the project will be divided into three blocks. The Manufacturing Division will comprise a mechanical workshop, an assembly area, a “Concept & Prototype” manufacturing zone. It will be equipped with the latest machines incorporating advanced smart technologies for the production of carbon fiber, aluminum and other parts.

The building which will serve as the company’s main headquarters will include the design, engineering, research and development and training centers as well as an autonomous and technology development department.

The W Motors Gallery which will showcase all of the models made by the company will serve as a unique experiential space for visitors from all over the world.

Dr Al Zarooni added, “Dubai Silicon Oasis 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 $1.5tn across all economic sectors. We look forward to welcoming W Motors to Dubai Silicon Oasis as a new and 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.”

Phase Two of the project will comprise the W Motors Automotive Academy, which will be developed in partnership with leading regional and international educational institutions. It will offer courses related to automotive design, engineering, transportation and AI, in addition to certified programs tailored to meet the needs of students and interns from all over the world.

Debbas explained, “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 the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority to bring our production facility to life; now the countdown to opening our doors is on!”