DuBiotech - advancing the business of science

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. A member of Dubai Holding, DuBiotech will accommodate the biotechnology industry and facilitate government funded 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. The headquarters for DuBiotech will be based in the Bio Head Quarters Building while the laboratories will be located in the Nucleotide Complex. So far, 26 companies have signed up to be Business Partners of DuBiotech. The expected completion date of the first phase of the project is beginning of 2010. Why DuBiotech? 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. DuBiotech aims to facilitate a rich environment for networking and collaboration within the biotech community by offering products such as office space, laboratory space, land area for manufacturing and R&D operations. The presence of hotels, retail, a hospital, schools, safety and security measures, and residential facilities ensure a quality lifestyle within the park. Our business partners benefit from 100% foreign ownership, repatriation of profits and tax-free operations. Fast-track administration with no red tape promises hassle-free company licensing and visa procedures. The regulatory environment DuBiotech regulations will be developed in accordance with international standards set by regulatory organizations such as the FDA, WHO and ICH which govern all sectors of the life sciences industry, including Biotech, Pharmaceutical, Diagnostic and Medical devices. DuBiotech is committed to developing and enforcing regulations for health & safety, GMP, GLP, quality control and assurance, waste management, environmental issues, and bioethics. The Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) - bridging research, education and industry Through its Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) and government support, DuBiotech will endeavour to fund research that focuses on medical, environmental and agricultural issues relevant to the Gulf region. Currently, DuBiotech is in the process of developing the grant policy, application process, and funding mechanisms of the FRI, where grant proposals will be reviewed on their scientific merit, economic impact, and potential regional benefits. Joint ventures between DuBiotech and biotechnology companies will be considered by DuBiotech’s science investment committee. DuBiotech partnerships In an effort to focus on developing world class R& D infrastructure and a dynamic business environment, DuBiotech has partnered with leading national and international institutions such as: RTI International, Frankfurt Biotechnology Innovation Centre (FIZ), CUH2A, DOHMS (Department of Health and Medical Services, Government of Dubai), UAE University and CERT (Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training). Companies interested in partnering with DuBiotech contact: info@dubiotech.com DuBiotech Offerings

• Executive offices: Fully furnished spacious office units with access to a business centre and meeting rooms. This product is ideal for international companies setting up in Dubai.
• Hot desks: Fully-equipped workstations each with a PC and high-speed internet connection. Perfect for start up companies with small operational requirements.
• Commercial office space: Core and shell office space in varying sizes.
• Laboratory space Shell laboratory modules designed to offer facilities such as DI/RO water, access to compressed gas lines and a vacuum system. These lab modules allow flexibility of design ranging from clean rooms to analytical operations. Fitted out laboratory modules provide a fume hood, wet and dry bench, and a small office area, in addition to facilities offered by the shell laboratory modules.
• Leasable Land Area Land available for various activities in dedicated zones such as manufacturing units, R&D facilities, training centres, warehousing facilities, headquarter buildings, etc.
• Park Facilities

• Park Infrastructure
  • Regulatory framework for operation of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical companies and laboratories
  • On site district cooling system
  • Waste management system
  • Gas distribution network
  • Space for Vivarium
• Education: Academic / research institutions focusing on Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Training institutes to provide programs on continuing education
• Convention centre – to host regional and international events

Free Zone Benefits
DuBiotech is one of many Free Zones created in Dubai over the past decade. Companies operating from DuBiotech enjoy the same business benefits, which have been instrumental in the success of hundreds of companies that have established business operations in Dubai.

Companies operating from DuBiotech enjoy a one-stop-shop service experience, to facilitate ease of entry into the region and incorporation within this diverse and rapidly developing market, in addition to specific benefits that relate to the biotech industry.

As part of a Free Zone, DuBiotech partners also enjoy:

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of profits
• 100% tax free operations
• Single window for government services
• Long- term lease
• Partners can avail of easy company incorporation
• Special customs exemptions
• Fast-track visa services

Vithul V Murali 
Al Zaeim Corporate Services 
Dubai Mobile : +971 50 55 73 538

Email  :Vithul@a2zconsultus.com

Skype : Vithul.murali

Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah - Your Gateway to Global Business

General Information Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) was established by an Emiri decree issued in November 12, 1995. HFZ is fast becoming one of the cornerstones of the United Arab Emirates industrial development. As the Next Generation Free Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone is ensuring that its management is flexible and dynamic besides being an investor oriented free zone. Hamriyah Free Zone is challenged to provide competitive incentives and unique opportunities to establish businesses in a tax free environment with full company ownership, exemptions from all commercial levies and repatriation of capital and profits. The free zone manages an area of approximately 22 million square meters of prime industrial and commercial land and a 14 meter deep water port which includes scope for expansion. Location Hamriyah Free Zone is located in the emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah is the only one of seven emirates with ports on the Arabian Gulf’s west and east coasts with direct access to the Indian Ocean, and an International Airport. Sharjah offers extensive transportation links to the Gulf states, Indian subcontinent and the emerging markets in Asian and African nations. These services are made possible by the "Sharjah link". Business Incentives * 100% Tax free environment * 100% Company ownership * 100% Exemption from all commercial levies * 100% Repatriation of capital and profits Additional Advantages * Land lease for 25 years renewed for similar period. * Availability of a 14 meter deep water port & a 7 meter deep inner harbor adjacent to it. * Pre-built warehouses and office units for lease. * Exclusively designed and furnished Executive office suites. * International Business Center with conferencing, internet and telecommunication facilities. * On-site accommodation for investor's personnel including recreation center and health club. * Highly developed infrastructure, telecommunications links and an access to three sea ports * Seaports on both coasts in addition to Sharjah International Airport. * Abundant and inexpensive energy (Electricity: $0.05 per KWA, Water: $8.17 per 1000 gallons) * Liberty for personnel recruitment and economical workforce. * Affordable cost of living. Through the Emiri Decree establishing the Hamriyah Free Zone, investors are guaranteed security of investment and full repatriation of profits and capital. Activities Allowed by the Free Zone Almost any activity is permitted by HFZ as long as the activity is environmentally friendly and in accordance with local rules. Though it is preferred, companies do not have to add value to their products. Investors can ship goods in and out of HFZ without necessarily adding any value at all. Facilities for lease (Units & Prices) Pre-built warehouses, factories and offices are available for investors to take advantage of, and for those who require tailor-made facilities there are industrial plots available for lease. Staff accommodation is also available onsite with a choice of senior or junior suites. Land for lease - Tailor made development The strategic plan for future development of HFZ’s prime property envisions the building of a range of industrial plots ranging in size from 5,000 sq. m. and upwards in multiples of 5,000 sq. m. These plots can be developed by investors to suit their exact requirements, and up to 60% of the land that is leased can be developed. Land Leasing Terms:Although the minimum lease term is five years, investors do have the option of leasing their plot of land for a maximum of 25 years, and then later renewing the same lease for a further 25 years. Lease rates are normally fixed for the first 5 years with a rent review at the end of this period. Warehouses, Factories and Office UnitsHFZ’s customer-oriented approach allows customers the freedom to develop their factories, office infrastructure, warehouses, and other buildings in a custom fit manner. However, for those investors who require ready-made, immediately available warehousing space, HFZ provides the investor with a choice of pre-built buildings in sizes of 614 m2, 416 m2 and 275 m2.

Vithul V Murali 
Al Zaeim Corporate Services 
Dubai Mobile : +971 50 55 73 538

Email  :Vithul@a2zconsultus.com

Skype : Vithul.murali

Visas in the UAE

There are several different types of visa available. The most commonly used are Visit visas, tourist visas and residency visas for ex-pats.

Visit Visa: Visit visas valid for 30 days will cost Dh500. This cannot be renewed. A person wishing to stay for an extended period must obtain a visit visa valid for 90 days that costs Dh1,000.

Citizens of the certain countries (listed in the next paragraph) can get a 30-day visit visa free of charge upon arrival, entitling them to stay for 60 days: Britain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

After this period a visitor can extend the visit visa by a further two months by leaving the country and returning. This can be done twice. When the third visit visa expires the person must leave the UAE for at least a month before returning.

For residents of other countries, the visa must be sponsored by an individual, such as a relative, or an establishment. The application is submitted by the sponsor with all required documents.

Tourist Visa: It is available for tourists sponsored by tour operating companies and hotels. It is issued for 30 days for a fee of Dh100 and an additional Dh10 for delivery. This may be renewed only once.

Student Visit Visa: Will cost Dh1,000. To obtain this, a person must be registered in one of the universities in the UAE and must obtain health insurance. Additionally, a refundable deposit of Dh1000 must be paid.

Special Mission Entry Visa: This is issued for a non-renewable 14 days for a fee of Dh100. Commonly known as a transit visa, it is collected by the visitor upon arrival. It is issued to businessmen and tourists sponsored by a company or commercial establishment or a hotel licensed to operate in the UAE.

Mission Visa: The newly added type of visa, it is issued for the purpose of temporary work in the country. It is issued for a maximum of 180 days. It costs Dh200.

It has been introduced to facilitate Labour Ministry's Temporary Work Permit. An applicant must obtain the permit from the Labour Ministry first to get the visa.

Transit Visa: It is issued to travellers transiting through UAE airports. It issued for 96 hours and must be sponsored by an airline operating in the UAE. The visitor must have a valid ticket for onward flight. There is a charge of Dh100.

Multiple Entry Visa: It is an option for businessmen who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here.

This multiple visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and costs Dh1,000. However, each visit must not exceed 30 days. The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while he is here.

Residence Visa: A residence visa is required for those who intend to enter the UAE to live indefinitely with a person who is already a resident. It is issued to the immediate kin of a resident for three years for a fee of Dh300.

The residence permit becomes invalid if the resident remains more than six months at a time out of the country.

Parents of residents are issued residence visas after special approval with a renewable validity of one year for a fee of Dh100 for each year. A refundable deposit of Dh5,000 has to be paid for each parent.

Investor Visa: It is issued to an expatriate investor in partnership with a local. The foreign investor must hold a minimum stake of Dh70,000 in the share capital. Like the residence visa, it is issued for three years for a fee of Dh300.

Employment Visa: Employment Visa or Permit is issued by the Immigration Department to a foreign national who wishes to work for a company in the UAE upon the approval of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

It allows the holder to enter the UAE once for a period of 30 days and is valid for two months from the date of issue.

When the employee has entered the country on the basis of the employment visa, the sponsoring company will arrange to complete the formalities of stamping his residence.

Visit visa for medical purposes: Those wishing to undergo treatment must take visit visa for treatment purpose that costs Dh1,000 for 90 day duration. This can be renewed for a similar period at Dh500.

Visit visa for events: Those visiting to attend conferences or exhibitions can obtain a visa for this purpose at Dh100.

A Dh1,000 refundable deposit and proof of health insurance will be mandatory for all visas. Documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor, including address in home country.

Quick list: Types of visas and fees

Short Entry (visit) Visa: 500 (1 month)
Long Entry (visit) Visa: 1,000 (3 months)
Multiple Entry Visa: 2,000
Entry Visa for Study: 1,000
Renewal of Study Visa: 500
Entry Visa for Medical Treatment: 1,000
Renewal of Medical Treatment Visa: 500
Entry Visa for Expos and Conferences: 100
Tourism Entry Visa: 100
Renewal of Tourism Visa: 500
Entry Visa for GCC State Residents: 100
Renewal of GCC State Resident's Visa: 500
Entry Visa for GCC State Resident's Companions: 100
Renewal of GCC State Residents Companions'Visa: 200
Mission Entry Visa: 200
Transit Entry Visa: 100

Regulations in the UAE are complicated and subject to change. Check with your local UAE Embassy or write to me.

Vithul V Murali 
Al Zaeim Corporate Services 
Dubai Mobile : +971 50 55 73 538

Email  :Vithul@a2zconsultus.com

Skype : Vithul.murali

Courtesy : Gulfnews

Is it possible to appoint more than one manager in the company? Is it a must that the manager should be one of the partners?

We are setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) company and we have some queries in this regard: A) Is it possible to appoint more than one manager in the company? B) Is it a must that the manager should one of the partners? C) Is it possible to determine a certain period for the employment of such manager? If no period has been determined, what is the legal period for the manager’s employment in this event? D) Is 51 per cent for the local sponsor a must even if he is not the real partner?

Article No.235 of the Commercial Companies Law states the following: A limited liability company shall be managed by one manager or more [who] shall be selected from the partners or otherwise, provided that they shall not exceed five. Managers shall be appointed in the Memorandum of Association the company or in a separate contract for specific period or without limitation. Article No. 236 of the same law states that if a manager is appointed in a Memorandum of Association without limitation of a specific period, in such an event, such manager shall remain in the company for the duration of the company unless the Memorandum of Association provides for the possibility to remove the same. Finally, the requirement of 51 per cent of the company shares for the local sponsor is a must as per the law. Finally, after attesting the memorandum, I advise the questioner to sign a side agreement mentioning that the local sponsor is not the real partner.

Vithul V Murali 
Al Zaeim Corporate Services 
Dubai Mobile : +971 50 55 73 538

Email  :Vithul@a2zconsultus.com

Skype : Vithul.murali

courtesy : Gulfnews