Dubai Science Park (DSP), a holistic science-focused business community, has announced that it is leveraging its new built-to-suit model to construct a new Global Research Centre for Himalaya Drug Company, a world-leading producer of over 300 cosmetics, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines and pharmaceutical-grade Ayurvedic products in over 90 countries.  Set to launch in 2021, the state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance Himalaya’s R&D capabilities at DSP to serve the GCC region.

Himalaya’s core business lies in R&D and manufacturing of high-quality pharmaceutical and personal care products for health-conscious consumers. The Himalaya Global Research Centre (HGRC) has been part of DSP’s eco-friendly Laboratory Complex since 2013, with product development, quality control and standardisation serving as priority areas of focus for the new facility.

The move, which will result in the creation of over 100 specialised jobs, aligns with the objective of the UAE Vision 2021 to shape a competitive knowledge economy. With Dubai emerging as a knowledge epicentre, overseas companies seeking to expand in the UAE and the wider region can benefit from the thriving innovative ecosystem that the emirate has to offer. Furthermore, Dubai has significantly improved its skill and talent score, attracting large numbers of professionals in diverse fields.  The emirate’s vast talent pool will support Himalaya as it vies to develop pioneering herbal research and set industry trends in the region.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of DSP and Chairing Member of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Taskforce of the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, said: “In line with our ambition to consolidate Dubai’s position as a prime destination for scientific, R&D and manufacturing activities, we are pleased to support the expansion of Himalaya, a company dedicated to enhancing its expertise in the pharmaceutical and personal care fields.”

He added: “Over the last decade, the UAE and India have continued to strengthen their long-standing ties, evidenced by the significant number of Indian firms based in Dubai. Our robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment are among the key factors that encourage these companies to establish their Middle East head offices in the UAE.”

Meraj Manal, Chairman, Himalaya Global Holdings, said: “We aim to establish Himalaya as a science-based, problem solving, head to heel brand, not only within Dubai but within the wider GCC region and surrounding international markets. Himalaya invests in markets with an in-depth and long-term approach, maintaining high ethical standards at each step of the way. The UAE is positioned as a perfect place for us to initiate this expansion.”

Neil Cabral, Executive Director of Himalaya Global LTD and CEO of the Single Family Office, said: “Himalaya is firmly committed to upholding high ethical standards of research. Dubai’s capacity to attract skilled and talented people will enable the new HGRC complex to evolve into a global think tank and boost its success in setting future trends in herbal research as well as in launching innovative and internationally competitive products. The opening of the Centre will represent an important milestone in advancing our vision of ‘Wellness in Every Home, Happiness in Every Heart’.”

He added: “DSP’s collaborative environment acts as a hub where companies can innovate and grow. It supports leaders in science, R&D, and business by providing unique facilities in a prime location that cater to industry needs. With Dubai’s business-friendly government policies and smart infrastructure, we are confident that this innovative ecosystem will give us the tools to reach new heights.”

Himalaya’s research-driven mandate endeavours to bring a global perspective to its core operations through the study and research of worldwide healthcare trends. Over the last 88 years, the company has been a leader in the research and manufacturing of pharmaceutical, personal care, baby care, nutritional and animal health products. Steering away from ‘borrowed science’ – the practice of using published literature to substantiate efficacy claims, each Himalaya product undergoes years of primary research and clinical trials before it reaches the market.

Currently home to over 350 business partners with more than 4,000 employees, DSP’s vibrant business community continues to attract leading international companies within the science sector. The ongoing expansion of Himalaya is yet another example of DSP’s sustained support for its stakeholders.