Dubai: Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) announced on Tuesday that its Dh250 million research laboratory will be up and running in December.
Comprising about 250,000 square feet, the research lab will be able to accommodate 100 companies, depending on the company's requirements.
The science and business park for life sciences industry, launched in 2005, currently has 42 companies who have set up offices in the free zone, and many more are in the pipeline, officials said.
Rudaina Al Refai, director of regulatory affairs for DuBiotech, told Gulf News that many companies are expanding their operations to start research.
"We have been lobbying with the government for clinical research. The ministry of health has recognised the need for initial phases of clinical trials, in order to advance genetic development. Our companies are getting very excited to have a clinical research organisation," she said.
Marwan Abdul Aziz, director of sales, said the attraction to Dubai for companies is that they are able to address the needs of the booming population of the UAE as well as the region.
"Companies looking to reach high-population countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are able to do so from here."
He added that since DuBiotech covers the whole biotechnology industry, including environment and agriculture, companies who don't specialise in one field can operate with flexibility in the park.
Abdul Aziz said that some of the major industry companies have established base in the park, mentioning international companies like Amgen, Genzyme and Pfizer.
Dh1.2 billion has been invested in the first phase of the park, which includes three main buildings.
Major shift
Of the total project space, about two million square feet is allocated to manufacturing. Abdul Aziz said that about 50 per cent has already been taken up by companies who are in the process of constructing their facilities.
"There is a huge demand for manufacturing in the life sciences industry," Abdul Aziz said, adding that companies will be manufacturing pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other biotechnology products.
A large sized manufacturing pharmaceutical plant could require about $200 million of investment, Abdul Aziz said.
While companies in the park are concentrating on therapeutic at the moment, Al Refai said that there is a movement towards agriculture and environment.
