Pfizer Inc, the world's premier research-based pharmaceutical company, has announced the establishment of its new medical and marketing headquarters in Dubai, licensed by Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments.
Pfizer's move comes as part of its strategy to establish Dubai as its regional hub for Middle East and Africa. The pharmaceutical major boasts over 1,300 employees in the Middle East with regional offices in Dubai and Cairo.
Detailing DuBiotech's advan-tages, Jeffrey B. Kindler, chair-man and CEO of Pfizer Inc, said: "DuBiotech has a holistic vision on how the biotechnology industry is required to operate for registering consistent growth. The biotechnology park has realised the need for top-tier talent to sustain this line of business. Our partnership with DuBiotech also offers us a solid regulatory system and the right governmental support to drive innovation, which is crucial to the development of the biotechnology industry."
Earlier in the week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, received Mr Kindler on his first visit to Dubai.
"Dubai has a wonderful investor-friendly climate. The extraordinary vision of its leaders has ensured the emirate is our location of choice for setting up Pfizer's Gulf regional head-quarters," added Kindler.
Dr Al Khayat said: "In our endeavour to create a regional centre of excellence, we look forward to future partnerships in clinical trials and education with Pfizer, as well as with other pharmaceutical and biotech-nology giants."
The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park aims to create a regional centre of excellence for biotechnology by bridging research, education, and industry through national and inter-national collaborations.
Offering a complete value chain to help companies set up operations, DuBiotech currently hosts 35 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.