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The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech is all set to become a center of excellence in biotechnology for the region.

Established as a free zone under the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, DuBiotech will create a comprehensive infrastructure and environment to catalyse biotech industry development in the region. Initiated last year, the park is being built in several phases on a 300-hectare area located close to the Dubailand project in an area of over 30 million square feet of built-up area. Its infrastructure offering will comprise of custom-made research and development (R&D) facilities - such as labs, clean rooms and incubators, office space and residential facilities. The first phase of its USD400 million (AED 1.47 billion) biotechnology industry cluster will include its laboratory complex and headquarters. The laboratory complex will be complete by December 2007 followed by the headquarters in September 2008.

The park aims to undertake two main initiatives - an industry cluster and the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI). As part of developing a cluster, DuBiotech seeks to attract a synergistic mix of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies active in discovery, R&D, testing, production, storage, sales and distribution. It is also attracting companies offering business support services for this industry such as legal and venture capital (VC) firms specializing in the biotech industry, educational institutions focused on biotech, device producers and equipment and consumables suppliers.

The Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) will be a specialized organization focusing on government-funded research and development in select fields like medical genetics, plant biotechnology encompassing food and agriculture, environmental and equine-related biotechnology, drug discovery, pharmaceutical research, stem cell research, infectious diseases and forensic research. Incubation facilities within the Foundation will help innovative new projects develop into productive and profitable ventures. Business development assistance offered by the Foundation will allow start-ups to concentrate on their core competencies.

The park is also developing comprehensive scientific and regulatory standards for biotechnology activity in the park with expertise from RTI International, one of the world's largest independent non-profit research organisations. The regulatory framework is expected to significantly boost the budding biotechnology and life sciences industries in the region. RTI will help DuBiotech establish laboratory and operational standards adapted to the needs of Dubai and DuBiotech. The framework will address general park regulations, health and safety issues, laboratory accreditation, environment and waste management, bioethics, clinical trials, and non-clinical research as well as intellectual property.

Members of the park can avail of a host of support facilities and services. Areas have been set aside for companies who wish to construct their own buildings. Dedicated production, warehousing and distribution areas will be created. Clean rooms, vivariums and specialised equipment will be available. Other common facilities will include a library, video-conferencing, and auditorium, theatre, meeting rooms, restaurants, retail banking and mailroom. Also planned for the future are botanical gardens and a museum.

College of Health Sciences, to partner in promoting life science research and education in the UAE. Through this new partnership, DuBiotech and the University of Sharjah aim to promote collaboration between industrial and academic players in the field to help advance excellence in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. Under the terms of the MoU, DuBiotech and the University of Sharjah will combine their scientific research expertise to initiate joint projects, programmes and activities. Another key objective of the partnership is to work closely on the development of courses and curricula that will enrich the biotechnology skills and knowledge of the graduating workforce.

The park will work closely with academic institutions in the UAE and elsewhere in the GCC region to develop programmes that will enhance biotechnology knowledge and bring its benefits to our society, economy and environment. DuBiotech will also make efforts to engage the local community so that biotechnology advances can make a positive impact on our quality of life.