Press Release

• Newly unveiled 4,160 sq.ft. laboratory complex will support new product development and reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a R&D hub
• IMCD Middle East to pursue growth in GCC and MENA markets through new facilities aligned with the long-term visions of Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, Dubai Research and Development Programme and ‘We the UAE 2031’
  

Dubai Science Park, the region’s leading science-focused ecosystem, has been selected by IMCD, a global leading distribution and formulation company of speciality chemicals and ingredients, to host a laboratory complex that reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a research and development (R&D) hub.

Comprising dedicated floors for food and beverage (F&B) and coatings and construction (C&C) Technical Centres, the 4,160 sq.ft. facility at Dubai Science Park, one of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 business districts, is equipped for a wide range of development, testing and analyses to address regional market needs. The inauguration was attended by senior officials including Valerie Diele-Braun, Global CEO of IMCD; Lars Wallstein, Managing Director of IMCD Germany; Manuel Baumann, Managing Director of IMCD Middle East; Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai International Academic City, part of TECOM Group; and Vargheese Anthony, GM at Al Futtaim Logistics.

IMCD Middle East is targeting growth in the F&B sector across the GCC, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, as well as the wider region’s C&C segment, through the newly opened facilities.

“Science-led advancements are essential to the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable development,” said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai International Academic City, part of TECOM Group. “Material development and testing represents an invaluable school of knowledge to strengthen and grow Dubai’s and the UAE’s value chains across diverse economically vital industries. The launch of IMCD Middle East’s labs further enriches the contributions of our ecosystem towards national priorities such as food security and sustainable construction. Aligned with Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, Dubai Research and Development Programme, and We the UAE 2031, our community will continue to drive science-led progress and shape the future.”

“The launch of our laboratories at Dubai Science Park reflects growing regional demand for specialised testing and formulation expertise,” said Manuel Baumann, Managing Director of IMCD Middle East. “This facility allows us to partner more closely with regional manufacturers, addressing the localised nuances in new product development and implementing more sustainable practices. IMCD’s expansion in the Middle East will contribute to regional food security and more environmentally sound building techniques, leveraging Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation.”

IMCD Middle East’s food labs are equipped to support the development of new food products, including texture analyses, sensory evaluations, and food product prototypes. This will benefit businesses in the bakery, dairy, beverage, culinary, savoury, snacks, and confectionery sectors, leveraging IMCD’s extensive ingredient portfolio and global expertise. The C&C labs, meanwhile, can help in the development of more sustainable building products in segments such as waterproofing and coatings.

Dubai Science Park offers a cohesive ecosystem for the life, energy, and environmental sciences, including Grade-A offices, LEED-certified laboratories, and comprehensive storage and logistics facilities. The district contributes to cementing Dubai’s base of scientific knowledge as the home of more than 500 customers, including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Ingredion Middle East, and Chr. Hansen, as well as 6,500 professionals, in addition to nurturing futurists through in5 Science, the industry-dedicated vertical of TECOM Group’s in5 start-up incubator. in5 Science, which marked its first anniversary in June 2024, provides an enabling platform to more than 35 future-focused science start-ups.  

Dubai Science Park is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts, which include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Industrial City.