BPO IN UAE

Hi Dan,
I was working in a Call Center in Dubai, just resigned, on my way back home tomorrow. But would be glad to throw some light.
Are you looking to cater to the UAE market or other countries? The UAE market has alot of scope, that are adapting the european and US concept. The government has designated “Free Zones” to encourage the easy setup of businesses. Your man power is easily available due to the philipino and indian population flowing in(and at a very cheap cost). Technology and infrastructure wise, Dubai meets the international standards.
If you are looking for any specific information do feel free to jot it down.
Regards,
Edgar.

Hi Dan,

VoIP is available in the “free zone” (Dubai Internet City). All voice traffic is routed via Dubai Internet City’s IP Network to a VoIP Gateway within the Data Center for conversion. This gateway is redundantly connected to two xchanges on the Etisalat(Local xchange) PSTN Network providing high levels of availability.
They use Cisco Systems voice solutions to deliver it’s IP Telephony services.
Your connectivity cost to the US,AUS,UK markets can only be determined with specific IT requirements. As I mentioned earlier, the technology is available as there are other BPO’s currently functioning out of DIC and catering to the international market.
Also keep in mind that the policies /procedures/cost factors etc. are being revised now and then, which could be to your advantage or disadvantage(better technology, lower or increase in cost, simpler or complex business setup procedures etc.)
To begin with, I do have quotations of the cost involved in the setup of an officee in DIC.
Forward dyour IT specific requirements so that I can provide you with the relevent cost.

Regards,
Edgar

Hi Dan,

Have been running a Contact Centre in UAE since the past 7 years. It looks like you should be eyeing at the DOZ (Dubai Outrsource Zone) that is coming up to take advantage of the real estate cost. Currently, it is not viable to operate anywhere else including the Internet City as the per square foot prices are soaring. Regarding the VoIP it is still banned in the UAE but with the entry of a new service provider in parallel to the current monopoly of Etisalat, we are expecting changes where in to acquire the IPLC. Currently an IPLC to USA, UK or AUS doesnt justify due to the high cost of the same.
Yes the salaries are low at the moment but with inflation rising at a constant rate, expect that to rise exponentially soon as the cost of living in the past 2 years has almost doubled.

Cheers
Jo-G

Consider your target market Dan – my 8 years in a call centre op in Dubai suggests that if that market is Arab, then Pak/Ind or PHIL will not cut it – you need Arabic. Then if the market is outside of UAE, consider that not all Arabs in fact speak the same language eg. some markets refuse to speak to Egyptians.