Alabbar launches two Dubai-based companies in stem cell research and robotic surgery with global bio-medicine pioneer Dr. Lim

Mr. Alabbar signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based bio-medicine pioneer Dr. Susan Lim, at the four-day Arab Health Exhibition and Congress which opened here today, to set up Dubai Stem Cell Technologies i (DSCTi) and the Dubai Centre for Robotic Surgery (DCRS).

The location of the two initiatives in Dubai, which will be home to the world's first biotechnology free zone, is a huge step forward for next generation biotechnology and healthcare research in the Middle East region. The signing follows the recent announcement of the US$100 million, 300 hectare Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech).

The launch of DSCTi and DCRS is in line with the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister to place the emirate at the cutting edge of biotechnology and life sciences research and development. These initiatives will lead to Dubai becoming a leading centre for biotechnology and healthcare excellence.

Mr. Alabbar, who is chairman of DSCTi and DCRS, said: "I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Susan Lim and her team to begin their groundbreaking work in Dubai. She is a very special addition to Dubai and is credited with conducting the first liver transplant and the first robotic surgery in Asia.

"The launch of the two companies signals that we are on the verge of seeing an entirely new approach to medicine take root in the region. These two companies will extend our capabilities in healthcare research and development. The new discipline of robotic surgery will bring immediate benefits to patients in the region. I invite the regional medical fraternity to become a part of this work and learn from it," Mr. Alabbar said.

The specific mission of DSCTi, is to derive differentiated cell types primarily from Adult Stem Cells for use in cell replacement therapies. The facility in Dubai will act as an incubator for research scientists and a centre for creativity and development.

The aim is to develop a robust human adult stem cell technology platform and new patents and build up an intellectual property portfolio. The immediate goal of the DSCTi is to begin conducting clinical trials with its first therapeutic differentiated adult stem cell lineage before 2009.

DCRS will be the first robotic surgery-capable institution in the region and will offer all the benefits of the technology, including minimum invasiveness, early recovery times and precision. It will provide the region's population with immediate access to a state of the art robotic surgery facility in their own country.

Speaking on the need to focus on research and innovation, Mr. Alabbar said: "Over the last 20 years the Arab World, in comparison with other economies, has been slow to invest in new technologies resulting in a very low percentage of gross national product invested on scientific research.

"Such initiatives will be a beacon for other countries to invest further in frontier technologies with bear rich potential rewards for the Middle East and also more job opportunities for our best research scientists."

Dr. Lim, CEO of DSCTi and DCRS, said: "I would like to thank Mr. Alabbar for his support and encouragement in setting up DSCTi and DCRS in Dubai. His guidance, leadership and support will be critical in realising the overall vision of Dubai Centre for Robotic Surgery and Dubai Stem Cell Technologies i.

"In making this commitment to Dubai, the research facility will have immediate access to a team of international scientists who are authorities in their respective fields of stem cell biology and robotics surgery."

Positive spin-offs from the work of DSCTi will include the use of stem cells to yield insulin-producing cells to cure diabetes, combat central nervous system disorders such as Lou Gehrig's and Alzheimer's diseases, and treat injuries and diseases that afflict the aged. It will have immediate access to the laboratories at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which boast world class facilities in stem cell research.

The benefits from the establishment of DCRS will be felt in related areas such as telemedicine and tele-robotic surgery and having the facility here in Dubai will attract biomedical-related companies such as surgical instruments providers, designers, and businesses involved in training and consumables integral for robotics. The activity that will result from it should confirm Dubai as the region's biotechnology hub.

DSCTi and DCRS will identify promising young scientific talent from the UAE and train the best in its facilities in Singapore. This next generation of scientists will be able to conduct their own research and initiate projects. This will support the strategy of forging partnerships and collaborations with global leaders in both areas of research.