Dubai-based Tecom, a top developer of business communities, said that Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech) and the Energy and Environment Park (EnPark) will operate under a joint umbrella to be known as Dubai Science Park (DSP).

The newly formed life science, new energy and environment business community, Dubai Science Park (DSP) will be the new dedicated destination and platform for members of the communities, allowing for increased collaboration and innovation.

DSP will continue to support both SMEs and global firms looking for a regional base for their Middle East operations, by facilitating a bespoke yet vibrant community. It will create a holistic environment for organisations across the life sciences and energy industries, by continuing to offer flexible, bespoke products and services for every facet of the science sector.

The new identity is a step towards the ambition to deliver Dubai’s innovation strategy and diversify the economy through the development of the life science, energy and environment sectors.

DuBiotech was established in 2005 to support the Government of Dubai’s vision to transform the Emirate into a knowledge-based economy and develop the region’s life science sector, and its talent pool.

Since its launch, DuBiotech has grown into a thriving community of over 230 business partners.

Its sister park, EnPark, which was founded in 2007, has been widely recognised for its work in the field of sustainability and the development of environmental products and initiatives winning a number of high profile awards such as the “UAE Green Brand” in 2012.

The new brand has brought two promising markets together, life sciences and new energy & environment. Over the past 50 years, science innovation has contributed to the world through breakthroughs such as vaccines, telemedicine, and robotic surgery.

For emerging markets looking to capture a segment of the life sciences market, medical technology and health informatics look to provide a promising avenue. In addition to this, the region is increasingly focused on alternative energy solutions.

According to the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), in 2014, a record number of solar projects were awarded in the Middle East, a four-fold increase over the previous seven years combined. DSP will provide the perfect platform to foster greater collaboration, as well as helping build longer, richer relationships within the Science sectors.

Marwan Abdulaziz, executive director, Dubai Science Park said: “DuBiotech and EnPark have been successful business communities for many years. However, as they have evolved, we have seen the opportunity to further drive growth and development and as such, we have combined the entities to achieve greater innovations and serve the wider business community.”

“The new brand, Dubai Science Park, in partnership with more than 280 business partners, is focused on achieving our vision of becoming the most innovative and vibrant science community in the Middle East - a place where employees and their families can work, live and flourish,” he added.

To coincide with the launch of the new community, DSP commissioned a White Paper in collaboration with The Economist entitled ‘Innovation in Life Sciences: An emerging markets perspective’.

The report provides insight into the importance of nurturing innovation in the field of science, examining common barriers to innovation, the role of government support in nurturing the industry and a look ahead at which facets of the science industry have the most growth potential.

The research is focused on successful international strategies for innovation in the life science industry and concludes with recommendations that emerging markets, such as the UAE, can undertake to facilitate their own development.

The report will be launched at an event hosted by Dubai Science Park on October 26 at the Armani Ballroom in Dubai, UAE. – TradeArabia News Service