Pilot Alliance with US-based Center for Professional Advancement (CfPA) to Offer Internationally Accredited Training and Continuous Education Programmes
Dubai: 07 January, 2008 - Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments and the world's first free zone dedicated to the life sciences industry, today unveiled the BioTiqania Training Institute, a spin-off initiative to provide world class training in scientific and industrial disciplines through alliances and affiliations with internationally renowned academic and professional establishments.
The BioTiqania Training Institute has established its first partnership with US-based Center for Professional Advancement (CfPA), an international leader in technical training since 1967. Accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), CfPA offers over 450 courses in 19 applied industrial technologies.
Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director of DuBiotech, said: "Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park acknowledges the need for accredited centres in the Middle East. The BioTiqania initiative has been launched to upgrade the skills of professionals in the scientific and industrial sectors. By forging our institute's first partnership with the prestigious Center for Professional Advancement in the US, DuBiotech achieves additional significance as the regional destination of choice for professional advancement."
The BioTiqania Institute will commence registration on 15 January, 2008.
Dr. Maryem Al Hassani Al Shehi, Director of BioTiqania Advanced Training Institute, said: "BioTiqania's programmes are designed to help professionals, including scientists and engineers, attain technical skills that will augment their professional experience. We will provide year-round certification programmes and continuous education courses in various formats, including on site, public and client sites, as well as interactive online training. Based on clients' specific needs, we will also develop customised course programmes."
The BioTiqania project is in line with DuBiotech's vision to foster research and development in the UAE. Officially launched as part of Dubai Strategic Plan to establish a knowledge-based economy, the cluster for life sciences industry offers a comprehensive value chain to help companies set up their regional operations.
In addition to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, DuBiotech aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for all entities involved in the life sciences industry, including the agricultural, environmental, and marine biotechnology sectors. The park also provides support services for R&D, manufacturing and commercial operations.
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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 biotechnology industry, set within a 'free zone'. DuBiotech has two arms. The first is the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) that will initially focus on government-funded R&D in medicine 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 cutting-edge infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech-related manufacturing companies and organizations from other sectors in the industry. DuBiotech is advised by an independent steering committee on scientific, business and ethical matters. In cooperation with global research leader, RTI International, DuBiotech is developing comprehensive regulations that address all aspects of biotech activity. Being in a 'free zone' means biotechnology firms in the park have 100 % exemption from any form of taxation for 50 years, 100 % business ownership and 100 % repatriation of capital.
For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
The Exclusive Middle East Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae
© Press Release 2008
