IMCD, a global leader in specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution and formulation, has inaugurated a cutting-edge laboratory hub at Dubai Science Park (DSP), signalling a significant boost to the UAE’s ambitions as a regional centre for research and development. The new 4,160 sq.ft. facility houses two focused technical centres serving the food and beverage (F&B) and coatings and construction (C&C) sectors, designed to meet the rising demand for advanced formulation expertise and sustainable innovation in the Middle East.
The facility’s establishment aligns with prominent national initiatives, including the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, the Dubai R&D Programme, and the We the UAE 2031 vision, reflecting a strategic drive to solidify Dubai’s competitiveness in science-led innovation. Manuel Baumann, Managing Director of IMCD Middle East, emphasised that the labs will facilitate close partnerships with regional manufacturers, addressing local needs and advancing sustainability in food security and environmentally friendly construction solutions. The F&B lab is equipped for sensory evaluations, texture analysis, and prototyping across diverse segments such as bakery, dairy, beverages, savoury products, and confectionery, while the C&C lab focuses on innovations in waterproofing and coatings.
Dubai Science Park, established in 2005 as the Middle East’s first free zone dedicated exclusively to scientific research, provides a collaborative ecosystem where innovators and scientific professionals can thrive. This new IMCD hub complements DSP’s ongoing growth trajectory, which recently saw a 147% expansion in storage and logistics capacity, adding 200,000 sq.ft. of Grade-A space to support over 500 customers, including global pharmaceutical and healthcare giants like AstraZeneca and Pfizer. This expansion demonstrates the rising global interest in R&D activities within the region and aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance scientific advancement and innovation infrastructure.
Alongside IMCD’s new laboratories, other organisations are also strengthening their footprint at DSP. Swiss multinational Firmenich, the largest privately owned taste and fragrance company globally, has launched a new regional R&D facility within DSP, aimed at servicing the Middle East and Africa markets. Firmenich’s centre, featuring cutting-edge research capabilities, underscores DSP’s evolving role as a science and innovation nucleus, attracting renowned companies committed to expanding research facilities in the region. The inauguration of Firmenich’s hub was notable, attended by dignitaries including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, highlighting the importance placed on R&D growth in Dubai.
Moreover, Dubai Science Park’s infrastructure and specialised facilities are built to accommodate high-precision scientific work in diverse disciplines. The park features advanced laboratories with specialized ventilation systems exceeding global standards and clean rooms ranging from ISO Class 5 to Class 8, catering to critical fields such as genomics, biotechnology, semiconductor, and biomedical research. Recent investments include sophisticated AI-powered research equipment and quantum computing facilities, illustrating DSP’s commitment to maintaining a world-class environment for cutting-edge R&D.
The emergence of such advanced facilities at Dubai Science Park, including IMCD’s new lab hub, is expected to catalyse regional innovation, attract top-tier scientific talent, and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in sustainable and science-driven industrial development. These developments enhance Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for both multinational corporations and emerging enterprises seeking to leverage the city’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and pro-innovation ecosystem.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://focus.hidubai.com/imcd-opens-regional-lab-hub-at-dubai-science-park-to-boost-r-d-capabilities/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://dsp.ae/media/press-releases/ongoing-expansion-of-dsp-to-boost-regional-r-and-d-as-storage-and-logistics-capacity-set-for-147 – Dubai Science Park (DSP) is expanding its storage and logistics capacity by 147%, adding 200,000 sq.ft. to meet the growing demand for Grade-A spaces amid rising global interest in research and development. This expansion aims to support over 500 customers, including global leaders like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, BeiGene, and GE Healthcare, enhancing regional R&D innovation. The project aligns with national strategies such as the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and the Dubai Research and Development Programme, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for scientific advancement.
- https://www.ninjaz.ae/blog/dubai-science-park-scientific-hub/ – Dubai Science Park (DSP), established in 2005, is the first free zone in the Middle East dedicated to the scientific research sector. Located in Al Barsha South, DSP plays a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative ecosystem where scientific professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs can thrive. With a mission to support innovation and the advancement of scientific research, the park offers world-class infrastructure, including first-rate office spaces, laboratories, and research facilities designed to meet the specific needs of the scientific community.
- https://www.openadubaicompany.com/blog/dubai-biotechnology-and-research-park/ – The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a Science and Business Park dedicated to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry and is modelled on the free zone concept. DuBiotech accommodates the biotechnology industry and facilitates government funded, Research & Development (R&D). DuBiotech’s world-class infrastructure includes facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational and research institutions, manufacturing as well as organisations from supporting and convergent industries. Dubai’s flourishing international business community and strategic location serve as a gateway to the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian Sub-continent and the CIS regions, so it’s not surprising to see why Dubai is so appealing to foreign investors. The Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park is the major Life Sciences cluster in the Middle East. It is a Free Zone that provides the ultimate platform for Life Science companies, allowing them to set up their operations and access the fast growing, emerging markets of the region.
- https://dsp.ae/media/press-releases/swiss-company-firmenich-to-open-new-r-d-facility-in-dubai-science-park – Swiss company Firmenich has announced plans to build a new research and development (R&D) facility within Dubai Science Park (DSP). The 38,064 sq ft built-to-suit project, set for completion in Q4 2020, aims to support increased R&D needs as Firmenich continues to grow in the region. The facility will serve the Middle East and Africa markets and will feature a state-of-the-art research and science facility. Firmenich has been operating in DSP since 2009 and is the first strategic business partner established on site.
- https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303032709 – Firmenich, the world’s largest privately owned perfume and taste company, inaugurated its new regional hub at Dubai Science Park. The new centre further expands the company’s science and innovation capabilities and will service customers in more than 60 countries across the Middle East and Africa region. It also comprises a state-of-the-art research and science facility. The inauguration was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, Minister of Finance of Switzerland.
- https://severinuk.com/2024/10/29/exploring-dubais/ – A notable feature is the Nucleotide Lab Complex, which opened in 2023 with an investment of $50 million, dedicated to genomics and biotechnology research. The park’s infrastructure includes specialized ventilation systems capable of 30 air changes per hour, exceeding international standards by 20%. Research teams have access to advanced clean rooms rated from ISO Class 5 to Class 8, essential for semiconductor and biomedical research. The facility maintains precise temperature control within ±0.5°C and humidity levels at 45% ±5%, creating optimal conditions for sensitive experiments. DSP’s laboratory spaces feature modular designs allowing rapid reconfiguration, with individual labs ranging from 200 to 1,500 square feet. The facility’s power infrastructure provides redundant power supply with less than 10 microseconds switching time, ensuring uninterrupted research operations. A dedicated waste management system processes over 5,000 liters of chemical waste daily. Recent expansions include a $75 million investment in AI-powered research equipment, including quantum computing facilities and advanced imaging systems capable of 0.1-nanometer resolution.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is dated June 16, 2025, and no earlier versions have been identified. The content appears original and timely.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from Manuel Baumann and Valerie Diele-Braun are unique to this narrative, with no earlier matches found.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from HiDubai, a local news outlet. While it provides detailed information, the outlet’s reputation and editorial standards are not widely known, which introduces some uncertainty.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The establishment of IMCD’s lab hub aligns with the company’s previous expansion efforts in the Middle East, such as the opening of offices in Dubai in 2020. ([globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/04/30/2024821/0/en/imcd-expands-its-presence-in-the-middle-east-establishing-its-new-offices-in-dubai.html?utm_source=openai)) The facility’s focus on food and beverage, and coatings and construction sectors is consistent with regional industry needs. However, the lack of coverage from more widely recognised international news outlets warrants cautious consideration.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents original and timely information about IMCD’s new lab hub in Dubai, with unique quotes and no evidence of recycled content. However, the source’s limited recognition and the absence of corroboration from more established international outlets introduce some uncertainty. Further verification from reputable sources is recommended to confirm the details.
