Index Holding to open regional headquarters at DuBiotech

To be operational in the fourth quarter of 2010, the 268,506 sq ft Index headquarters will house Index Holding companies and serve as the hub of excellence for international biotechnology companies. It will also include a specialized training centre and conference area for the benefit of the entire DuBiotech community.

Index has additionally acquired another plot within DuBiotech with a 31,000 sq ft built up area that will be used by BigDot and Index Design, as well as other members of Index Holding offices.

Formed in 1991, Index Holding through Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est. and Health Management annually organizes more than 24 local and international events including congresses, conferences, seminars, workshops and exhibitions in the medical, scientific, and educational sectors.

Dr Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director of DuBiotech said: "We are privileged to host Index Holding, an established industry leader. Its presence validates the diversity of our entities within the park. We are confident the business friendly environment at the life sciences park will catalyse Index Holding's future growth."

This year, Index Holding will organise new events such as the Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair, the Dubai World Game Expo, the Dubai Drink Technology Expo, in addition to the Asian International Investment and Property Show (AIPS), and the Asian Oil and Gas Show (AOGS) in Seoul, Korea.

Abdul Salam Al Madani, President, Index Holding, said: "Index Holding aims to forge partnerships with global leaders and serve clients with a high standard of professionalism. We are privileged to be a part of DuBiotech and look forward to offering our services and lending our expertise to other business partners in the life sciences park."

DuBiotech recently announced the launch of 354,714 sq ft Nucleotide Complex, the region's first dedicated state-of-the-art laboratory facility. To be operational in September, the building will house Gulf Anti-doping and Monitoring Enterprise (GAME), a subsidiary of DuBiotech, dedicated to conducting anti-doping measures for all professional and amateur athletes in the UAE.

Offering the complete value chain to help companies set up operations, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park currently hosts 28 licensed firms. The free zone is working closely with the UAE Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and other relevant regulatory bodies to further grow the life sciences industry in the country.