DuBiotech Registers Over 33% Growth in 2011
Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a major Life Sciences hub in the Middle East and a member of TECOM Investments, has registered over 33 per cent growth during 2011 with 21 biotechnology companies setting up operations at the free zone destination.
DuBiotech’s performance coincides with its seventh anniversary in February. Since its launch in 2005, the park has worked towards contributing to Dubai’s vision of shaping a knowledge-based economy. Today, DuBiotech is the world’s first free-zone dedicated to the Life Sciences industry, hosting 90 biotechnology companies operating diverse sectors including Pfizer, Amgen, Merck Serono, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MAQUET, Genzyme, Firmenich and IFF.
Companies registered at DuBiotech during 2011 include Bristol Myers Squibb, National Starch and Chemical Middle East, Wokhardt and Chr Hansen Middle East and Africa FZ-LLC.
In 2011, DuBiotech welcomed for the first time companies based in Brazil, Korea and Turkey, and garnered continued interest from Life Sciences companies in Germany and India. Last year, the park also witnessed strong growth from existing businesses at DuBiotech with some businesses significantly expanding their operations in the Park.
Continuing its support to small and medium (SME) Life Sciences companies and in response to the high demand from these companies, DuBiotech opened its second business centre at the Nucleotide Laboratory Complex in July 2011. The business centre comprises 20 offices and workstations that are fitted out with the latest equipment to create an enabling environment.
Marwan Abdul Aziz, Director of Business Development at DuBiotech, said: “The year 2011 saw us marking remarkable progress on several fronts. In addition to welcoming 21 biotechnology companies to the free zone, most of them industry leaders, we also added a new segment to our portfolio with the setting up of BYK Chemicals, the park’s first industrial biotech company. The remaining verticals such as pharmaceuticals, agricultural biotech, as well as medical devices and equipment have also witnessed strong growth. Backed by these optimistic results, we are fully geared to further meet our objectives for 2012.”
Looking ahead, the park aims to continue its focus on pharmaceutical, medical devices and equipment, agricultural as well as environmental biotech firms in 2012. Furthermore, DuBiotech is looking into collaborating with educational institutions and universities to accelerate the development of the biotechnology industry and build the capacity of potential talent in the UAE.
