Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park's (DuBiotech) Dh250 million ($68 million) research laboratory will start operations in December, according to a report.

Spread over 250,000 square feet, the science and business park will comprise more than 100 companies, officials were quoted in a Gulf News report.

The project which was launched in 2005, has 42 companies operating out of the free zone, at present.

As DuBiotech covers the whole biotechnology industry, including environment and agriculture, firms which are into only one of the fields can also function from the park, said Marwan Abdul Aziz, director of sales.

'There is a huge demand for manufacturing in the life sciences industry,' said Abdul Aziz. So the park will also house companies manufacturing pharmaceuticals, medical devices and otherbiotech products.

Global giants who have opened offices here include Pfizer, Amgen and Genzyme.