DuBiotech, Dubai’s dedicated biotechnology and research park announces HITS, as a new business partner during a ceremony during which HITS was awarded certification by Dubai Accreditation Center to provide quality assured testing of products such as food and cosmetics for Halal integrity and safety standards.
HITS is the first private laboratory in the Middle East dedicated to the safety of consumer products its inauguration marks a step towards the UAE government’s vision of guaranteeing safer consumer products in the UAE and GCC market. The laboratory will work closely with regulators such as the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) the body responsible ensuring that standards in the UAE are in line with international scientific developments, including ISO standards, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and Dubai Municipality to ensure the UAE provides its citizens with the highest quality products.
Last month, Dubai Municipality announced plans for a new International Centre for Halal Food and Product accreditation in compliance with the Islamic law. HITS will be part of this drive by undertaking tests for halal food and other products to ensure that they are free from any chemical or artificial additives which do not comply with Islamic Law.
In addition, the ability of the lab to provide Halal testing contributes to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of positioning Dubai as the “Center of Islamic Economy”. The GCC food market is worth an estimated $85 billion, Muslim consumers spend over $1 trillion on food and more than $26 billion on cosmetics and personal care products worldwide. This is expected to increase to $1.6 trillion and $39 billion respectively by 2019.
Today’s event was hosted by Marwan Abdulaziz, Executive Director of DuBiotech as Eng. Amina Ahmed Mohammed, Director of Dubai Accreditation Department and Mr. Hulusi Senturk the President of the Turkish Standard Institution presented Dr. Hamed Jamal, Managing Director of HITS, Dr. Geetha Vasan Thakumar, Chief Technical Officer at HITS with the official accreditation that allows testing to begin in the new laboratory facility.
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Executive Director of the TECOM’s Sciences Cluster said: “I am proud to announce HITS as a new business partner, once again demonstrating our ability to draw vital technology to DuBiotech that benefits the whole community. We are proud to be contributing to the Islamic Economy by providing a platform for Halal testing and accreditation. Attracting companies such as HITS and facilitating their partnership between ESMA and DAC is another example of how DuBiotech bridges the gap between the public and the private sector to support the UAE government in overcoming issues that are crucial to the residents of the UAE and beyond.
“Our strategic intent is to build a sustainable business environment that fosters foreign direct investment and incubates innovation and entrepreneurship. This is very important to reduce UAE’s dependence on imported products, medicines, technology and services. This approach is also directly related to the government’s wider vision of developing a knowledge-based, sustainable and diversified economy.”
Dr. Hamed Jamal, Managing Director of HITS also said: “Food safety and Halal accreditation are very complex procedures but in turn, they are vital to ensure the safety of consumers using these products. As the first private laboratory offering this service in the region, we are proud to be part of ensuring that the products in the UAE market and beyond are as safe as they can be. We look forward to working with regulatory bodies across the UAE to further improve the standards in this area.”
About DuBiotech
Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments, is a freezone business park dedicated to fostering the growth of the life sciences industry in the region. DuBiotech was established to support the Government of Dubai’s vision to transform the UAE into a knowledge-based economy and develop the region’s talent pool.
DuBiotech offers world-class infrastructure and cutting edge research and development facilities, specifically designed and built for the field of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical and scientific device, food and agricultural industries. The freezone can support both start-ups and international firms looking for a regional base for their Middle East or global operations. The park is central to a community that is committed to the industry’s success by bringing together business, regulators and Government in partnership.
Since its launch in 2005, DuBiotech has rapidly grown into a community of 146 life sciences companies such as Pfizer, Genzyme, Merck-Serono, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Maquet, National Reference Lab, Firmenich and IFF.
For further information on DuBiotech, please visit our website: www.dubiotech.ae.
Contacts
Layla Haroon, Bell Pottinger Middle East: +971 55 636 0425
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