News & Analysis
Abu Dhabi fab within four years, says investor
Christoph Hammerschmidt
11/9/2009 6:37 AM EST
At an energy conference in Abu Dhabi, the state-owned investment company Mubadala Development Co. said there are plans to build a wafer fab in the country. "In four years, you'll see the first foundry in Abu Dhabi," Mubadala chief operating officer Waleed Al Muhairi was reported to have said by Reuters.
Mubadala Development Company is a wholly-owned investment vehicle of the government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and owns 19.9 percent of processor maker Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and 5 percent of the Italian elite sports car maker Ferrari. A separate Abu Dhabi investment company, Advanced Technology Investment Co. LLC (ATIC) controls the newly-formed foundry Globalfoundries Inc. that is the likely vehicle through which Abu Dhabi will start building chips at home.
"We will be number two in two years," Muhari said. "It is an industry-changing move to create, at home, this business," he said, adding "we want to compete with Intel."
According to the same report, Muhairi said Abu Dhabi has already committed $10 billion to the semiconductor business through its investment in Globalfoundries, which is co-owned by AMD and ATIC.
Related articles and links:
AMD to take lower stake in foundry venture
Chartered shareholders approve Abu Dhabi takeover
Foundry shakeout seen despite upturn
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Peter Clarke
11/9/2009 8:04 AM EST
There can be no doubt that the Gulf states of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are in the microelectronics race for the long haul. But is it foolish to say they plan to take on Intel?
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SRH
11/9/2009 3:47 PM EST
Microelectronics manufacturing requires highly qualified engineers and technicians. Not only would these people have to be brought in from outside of UAE but they also expect a degree of respect that until now has been missing for most Asians in this country. This is one of the reasons other efforts to create "Centers of Excellence" of software and hardware development have struggled in UAE. There are no direct taxes but health insurance and relatively high costs of living are also factors that might impact at least Asian expatriate worker's decision to work here.
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AP81
11/10/2009 5:12 PM EST
I agree with SRH 100%... however i went to Dubai..i didn't felt any difference over there.. i am not sure bout Abu Dhabi....
I am looking forward for these places,,,who knows these places might come out to be next singapore for embedded engineers
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Peter Clarke
11/11/2009 8:42 AM EST
I wonder how many engineers would be prepared to move lock stock and barrel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi to pursue their career. There may be good money, no taxes and luxorious leisure facilities but engineers might also find themselves living entirely within a gated community with other expatriates?
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KB3001
7/13/2010 7:07 AM EDT
I know Dubai Silicon Oasis tried something like this years ago but nothing materialized in the end. The ATIC joint ownership of Global Foundries might make the difference this time. Any news about this plan out there?
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