Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), one of the top life sciences clusters in the Middle East region embracing the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device, and healthcare technology industries, is soon to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA). This MoU promises to open newer avenues for the Indian life sciences community with the opportunities in the Middle East market through the platform of the DuBiotech free zone.

Marwan Abdulaziz, executive director of DuBiotech will be signing the MoU with Dr Manish Doshi, president of IDMA in Mumbai on June 15. The park offers a conducive environment including an innovative academic and commercial infrastructure where Indian pharma companies can greatly benefit from, and contribute to. For example, the Nucleotide Complex in DuBiotech, the laboratory building with facilities enabling companies to conduct laboratory-based research and analysis removes the need for individual companies to build their own dedicated facilities.

With a cost-base significantly lower than the global average, a highly-skilled workforce, arguably the best biomedical and pharmaceutical infrastructure in the region and ready transport links to the whole of the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the USA, the DuBiotech Life Sciences cluster has created itself as a strategically viable location for any aspiring Indian business.

The companies operating from DuBiotech enjoy the business benefits including 100 per cent foreign ownership, 100 per cent repatriation of profits, 100 per cent tax free operations, single window for government services, long-term lease, special customs exemptions and fast-track visa services. Such opportunities are enabling Indian pharma businesses to gradually realise the benefits of establishing a presence in the Middle East region through DuBiotech. Examples of Indian businesses who have built successful research and development operations in DuBiotech are Wockhardt and NeoBiocon, a joint venture company between UAE-based Neopharma and the Indian biotech innovator Biocon.

Dubiotech, in tie up with the US based Research Triangle Institute International (RTI), has developed COPs based on international best practices covering all activities related to clinical research and clinical trials, manufacturing and environment and health and safety. The park is also working closely with the UAE ministry of health, the Dubai health authority, and other relevant regulatory bodies to further develop the life sciences industry in the country.

As India has a strong pharma-manufacturing industry particularly known for its generics manufacturing, DuBiotech hopes to see more R&D collaborations between Indian companies and Middle East-based academic and clinical expertise. As Indian companies move towards extending their abilities to develop new products, DuBiotech can assist Indian companies to easily access regional networks to connect with institutions and companies with whom they can collaborate for shared benefits.