Parsons, along with leading scientific design specialists, to develop the infrastructure blueprint for DuBiotech
Dubai - The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), Dubai's free zone dedicated to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, has announced that the master plan for its park will be designed by Parsons, a leader in biotechnology manufacturing engineering, construction management and technical solutions.
Parsons will partner with CUH2A, the world's largest professional services firm dedicated to planning and design of science and technology facilities, to support the development of the DuBiotech master plan.
Established under the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, DuBiotech will create a comprehensive infrastructure and environment to develop biotechnology in the region. The park will be built on a 300 hectare area located close to the Dubailand project.
The scope of work for Parsons is to design the master plan for a mixed-use zone that will support a biotechnology industry hub. This will include the design of the underlying support infrastructure required for the park, such as electricity, water and communications. Parsons will also provide an environmental impact statement and conduct traffic analysis within the site and the surrounding area.
A DuBiotech team led by Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director of DuBiotech, is meeting with senior officials from Parsons and CUH2A this week as part of an extensive business mission to the US, UK and Europe
"As part of our ongoing efforts to prepare the groundwork for our Business Partners to expand the biotechnology industry at DuBiotech, we are looking to work closely with Parsons and CUH2A to establish a world-class infrastructure that will handle the diverse requirements of the biopharma industry. We will be meeting with senior managers of various companies with biotech expertise to study best practices and standards that we could implement within DuBiotech," explains Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat.
The DuBiotech team will also explore how best to ensure the accreditation of qualitative transparent regulatory practices within DuBiotech. While in the US, UK and Europe, the team will meet with organisations such as The Research Triangle Institute (RTI) and New York University.
DuBiotech has already announced its commitment to create a regulatory framework, modelled on international best-practices for the park. The key focus of the regulations will be on upholding the highest ethical, environmental, health and safety standards.
DuBiotech's business mission will end with a visit to the UAE German Economic Partnership Forum in Essen, Germany where Dr. Al Khayat will be delivering a keynote speech. DuBiotech will also be showcasing the mega project. In addition, the Forum will serve as a valuable opportunity to meet international players in the biotech industry.
Over the next few months, DuBiotech will be actively working to establish and promote links with the global biotech community. DuBiotech will forge affiliations and partnerships and pursue collaboration with renowned universities, specialised medical institutions, international NGOs and other leading biotechnology parks and clusters.
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About DuBiotech
Announced in February 2005, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a science and business park dedicated to the biotech industry, set within a free zone infrastructure. DuBiotech has two main areas of interest. The first is the Foundation for Research & Innovation (FRI), which will be the main arm focusing on government-funded R&D. The FRI will initially focus on medical research and genetics, plant biotechnology encompassing food and agricultural biotech, environmental biotech and equine-related biotechnology. Other areas include drug discovery, stem cell research, infectious diseases and forensic research The second arm of Dubiotech aims to set up a biotechnology industry cluster with the appropriate infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech-related manufacturing companies and organisations from other sectors in the industry. DuBiotech is advised by an independent steering committee on scientific, business and ethical matters. In cooperation with local and international organisations it seeks to develop comprehensive regulations for the biotech cluster.
About Parsons
Parsons, with over 60 years of setting industry standards, is a leader in many diversified markets such as Life Sciences including Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical manufacturing water, aviation, infrastructure, planning, facilities, industrial processes, communications, transportation, environmental, and advanced technology. Parsons provides technical and management solutions to private industrial customers worldwide as well as to federal, regional, and local government agencies in 250 offices world wide. For more about Parsons, please visit www.parsons.com.
About CUH2A
CUH2A is the world's largest professional services firm dedicated to facilities solutions for research organisations. Founded in 1962, it is a recognised leader in the planning and design of technologically complex facilities. CUH2A has dedicated its practice to serving pharmaceutical, government, institutional research, academic, corporate and emerging technology clients with their research facility requirements for over 40 years. With global headquarters in Princeton, NJ, the firm also has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, London and Paris.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Howell-Jones
Corporate Communications
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone
Tel: +971 4 391 3855
Fax: +971 4 367 2790
Email: jonathan.howell-jones@tecom.ae
© Press Release 2005
