Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE), the world’s premier research-based pharmaceutical company, today 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 advantages, Jeffrey B. Kindler, Chairman 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 UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received 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 headquarters,” added Kindler.
Dr. Al Khayat said: “We are pleased to welcome a global research-based pharmaceutical company such as Pfizer Inc to our growing DuBiotech community. This affiliation is a singular achievement not just for DuBiotech but also for the region as we endeavour to establish Dubai as a hub for the life sciences. The presence of Pfizer will add significant value to the biotechnology industry and contribute to its development in the region.
“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 biotechnology 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 international 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.
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
