Dubai: 24 November, 2009 - Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a major life sciences hub in the Middle East and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced it has become a member of the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA).

FABA is a non-profit international organization established in 2005. Founded with the objective of creating a common platform for the development of biotechnology, it also aims to promote and safeguard the overall interests of biotechnology as a science and profession, as well as that of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, industries and academic institutions of Asian countries.

The FABA membership will help DuBiotech explore fresh business opportunities, as well as cooperate and collaborate with biotechnology companies and institutions across Asia.

The UAE, through DuBiotech, has become the 19th member state of FABA. Other major Asiatic countries that have their biotechnology industry represented in FABA are China, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Malaysia.

FABA also enjoys the support of several Asian and non-Asian biotech organizations such as Biocat (Catalonia - Spain), European Federation of Biotechnology, Bioindustry Park Canavese - Italy, The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Russian Biotechnology Society, Maryland-India Business Round Table (MIBRT) and the Association of German Biotechnology Companies (DECHEMA).

Dr Marco Baccanti, Executive Director of DuBiotech, said: "The membership of the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations will help us explore collaborations in the region and increase awareness of the advantages that emerging Asian biotech companies can gain from the access to the wide range of services and assets offered by the DuBiotech cluster.

"DuBiotech has firmly established itself as a globally recognized centre for the life sciences industries, and joining prestigious organizations such as FABA will further strengthen its role as an industry pioneer in the region."

Dr. B. S. Bajaj, Secretary General, FABA, said: "We are extremely happy that the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations and Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park have entered into an agreement to work together for the development of the industry in Asia. We believe this will lead to an Asian biocluster and result in closer networking, particularly between the UAE and India.

"The establishment of FABA chapter in the UAE will help facilitate the continuous exchange of information on biotechnology development that will eventually bring enormous benefits for both the countries."

According to recent research, the GCC healthcare services sector will witness major improvements in the quality of deliverables and in achieving competitiveness on a global scale. The region's endeavour to set up integrated healthcare facilities in the form of medical cities and hubs, coupled with continuous improvement in technology and infrastructure, are expected to significantly improve the availability and quality of healthcare services in the region.

Biotechnology, which took off as a highly specialised scientific stream, is now at the heart of all biology and clinical therapy. With prestigious partners, including some of the world's top pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies such as Pfizer, Genzyme and Merck Serono, DuBiotech is positioned to significantly transform biomedical research and clinical therapy in the Middle East.

-Ends-

About DuBiotech
Established in February 2005, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a leading life sciences cluster in the Middle East, and a member of TECOM Investments. The free zone currently hosts 65 major pharmaceutical firms including Pfizer, Genzyme, Merck-Serono and Amgen, as well as companies specialized in biomedical and scientific devices, biotechnology, cosmesis, and enzymes.

DuBiotech offers flexible laboratory space as one of the key components of the sprawling business park. In addition to hosting a range of assets varying from offices to warehouses and land for manufacturing, the 22 million sq. ft. biotechnology cluster enjoys a strategic location with world-class infrastructure.

A number of free zone-associated incentives such as full ownership, tax-free profit repatriation and business friendly environment that DuBiotech offers makes the cluster an ideal destination for life sciences companies seeking to address the fast growing regional markets.

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWin
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae  

Hammam Alyazji
JiWin
Mob: +971 50 923 2100
Direct: +9714 3755877
e-mail: Hammam.Alyazji@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2009