DuBiotech breaks ground for 22-storey HQ and laboratory buildings

The two buildings are part of Phase I of the overall project that is scheduled for completion in 2009.

Abdullatif Al Mulla, CEO, TECOM Investments, Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech, and senior officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the park, which has successfully completed its basic infrastructure works, including roads and utility services.

The 600,000 sq ft headquarters has been designed by CUH2A, a recognised leader in designing facilities for science and technology organisations. DuBiotech recently won the Design and Sustainability Honour Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Jersey Chapter for the technologically complex headquarters.

Poised to be one of the world's largest green buildings, the Bio HQ building was chosen for its 'new regional vision' and its 'refreshing and functional design' employing 'new moves to address environmental concerns'.

Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech, said: 'Our initiative to develop sustainable buildings matches our commitment to be a socially and environmentally responsible organisation'.

'As part of TECOM's overall strategy, all buildings at DuBiotech are to be classified as LEED certified 'green' buildings. This extends not only to the headquarters and laboratory complexes, but to the manufacturing and community service buildings that will be included in the park.'

Dubai Properties is the project manager for both the projects. Belhasa Engineering and Contracting and Al Sahel Contracting have been appointed as contractors for the Bio HQ and the Nucleotide Complex respectively.

Bio HQ's unique design will reflect DNA movement in a gel electrophoresis, a technique commonly used in the life science industry. The slabs running along the sides of the buildings will represent DNA strands of varying sizes, migrating towards each other in a gel matrix. Hosting the regional sales and marketing offices of multinationals and start up companies specialising in life sciences, the headquarters will be completed by May 2009.

The Nucleotide Complex, enabling companies to conduct laboratory-based research and analysis without the need to build their own dedicated facilities, is scheduled for completion by September 2008.

Currently, 28 companies, licensed by DuBiotech, are completely operational. The park is 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.

DuBiotech offers the complete value chain to help companies set up their operations. In addition to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, it 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 facilities.