Dubai Science Park (DSP)
2005
400
DSP
Physical Address
Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Science Park (DSP)
A dedicated science-focused business community supporting companies in life sciences, energy, and environmental sectors with specialized infrastructure and R&D facilities
About Dubai Science Park
Established in 2005 (initially as DuBiotech before evolving into Dubai Science Park), this specialized free zone represents a strategic initiative to position Dubai as a center for scientific innovation and life sciences excellence in the Middle East. Spanning a purpose-designed campus in the Al Barsha South district, the development was conceptualized as a comprehensive science-focused ecosystem that would transform the region’s research and development landscape by attracting global scientific organizations while nurturing local innovation capabilities. The master plan follows a science-centric design that prioritizes research functionality, laboratory specifications, and collaborative environments—with specialized buildings featuring advanced technical infrastructure, controlled environments, and scientific support systems designed to facilitate sophisticated research and development across multiple scientific disciplines.
What distinguishes Dubai Science Park from conventional business zones is its specialized focus on the unique requirements of scientific enterprises and research organizations. The zone’s infrastructure includes purpose-built facilities for laboratory operations, research and development activities, scientific testing, and specialized production—with enhanced safety systems, technical utilities, and specialized scientific infrastructure supporting sophisticated research methodologies. This physical foundation is complemented by a regulatory framework specifically designed for scientific operations, with streamlined processes for laboratory establishment, research material handling, scientific collaboration, and intellectual property protection that address the unique operational requirements of research-intensive organizations.
Scientific Ecosystem
Dubai Science Park has evolved into a comprehensive scientific ecosystem that houses numerous organizations spanning the entire spectrum of life sciences—from pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology startups to medical research institutions, environmental science organizations, and scientific service providers. This concentration of scientific expertise creates a dynamic environment where research capabilities, development methodologies, and commercialization pathways converge, facilitating sophisticated scientific operations that advance knowledge and innovation across multiple disciplines and application areas.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional research organizations to encompass the full spectrum of the scientific value chain—from fundamental research and applied science to product development, clinical applications, and commercial deployment of scientific innovations. This diversity creates natural synergies where various scientific specializations complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive research programs that leverage multiple disciplines and methodological approaches. Supporting this core scientific community is a sophisticated network of ancillary providers including specialized scientific equipment suppliers, laboratory service organizations, research funding entities, and scientific consultants that enhance the functional capabilities of the research ecosystem.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DSP free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industriesEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose DSP for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Science Park (DSP) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Specialized Scientific Ecosystem
Immersion in a dedicated environment focused exclusively on life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and scientific innovation, fostering natural collaborations with complementary research organizations, scientific service providers, and specialized resources in a purpose-designed research district.
Laboratory-Optimized Infrastructure
Access to purpose-built facilities designed for scientific research, including specialized utility systems, enhanced safety features, technical infrastructure, and laboratory specifications that meet international standards for scientific operations.
Scientific Regulatory Framework
Operation under regulations specifically designed for research activities, with streamlined processes for laboratory establishment, scientific material handling, research protocols, and intellectual property protection appropriate for scientific enterprises.
Research Talent Access
Proximity to a pool of scientific professionals, researchers, laboratory specialists, and technical experts, supported by streamlined visa processes for qualified scientific personnel from around the world.
Intellectual Property Protection
Strong framework for safeguarding research innovations, scientific discoveries, and intellectual assets, with clear pathways for patent applications, technology protection, and commercialization of research outcomes.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your scientific enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international research organizations full control over research direction, scientific methodologies, and intellectual property management.
Scientific Collaboration Platform
Environment that facilitates research partnerships, scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects with academic institutions, industry partners, and research organizations across the region and globally.
Regional Market Access
Strategic positioning as a gateway to scientific and healthcare markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia regions, with established pathways for regulatory approval and market entry for scientific products and innovations.
Scientific Business Services
Access to specialized support services including laboratory maintenance, scientific equipment calibration, research material procurement, technical troubleshooting, and specialized scientific consulting tailored to research operations.
Research Funding Environment
Proximity to regional funding sources, investment networks, research grants, and financial resources specifically interested in life sciences, biotechnology, and scientific innovations with commercial potential.
Scientific Community Engagement
Regular scientific conferences, research symposia, knowledge-sharing events, and industry forums that facilitate connections with fellow researchers, potential collaborators, funding sources, and commercialization partners.
Commercialization Pathways
Established frameworks for translating scientific discoveries into commercial applications, with support for technology transfer, product development, regulatory approval, and market entry strategies for research-based innovations.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 25-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Science Park (DSP)
Scientific Consultation
1-2 days
Meet with Dubai Science Park specialists to discuss your specific research focus, scientific activities, laboratory requirements, and development objectives. This specialized consultation addresses the unique aspects of establishing scientific operations with consideration for research infrastructure, safety requirements, and technical specifications.
Research Activity Assessment
3-5 days
Conduct a preliminary review of your scientific activities, research methodologies, and development approaches to ensure alignment with Dubai Science Park's specialized focus on life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and environmental sciences.
Laboratory Requirements Analysis
5-7 days
Determine precise specifications for your research facility including laboratory configuration, safety systems, technical infrastructure, equipment requirements, and specialized scientific utilities based on your research activities and methodologies.
Site Selection & Facility Tour
1-2 days
Tour available laboratory spaces and research facilities within Dubai Science Park to identify suitable locations based on your technical requirements, safety specifications, and research needs.
Scientific Regulatory Briefing
1 day
Receive comprehensive briefing on scientific regulations, laboratory safety requirements, research material handling protocols, and compliance standards specific to your research activities within the UAE.
Company Name Reservation
3-5 days
Submit your scientific company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing research organizations in the UAE registry.
Initial Application Submission
1-2 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed scientific activities to initiate the formal review process with Dubai Science Park Authority.
Scientific Business Plan Submission
5-7 days
Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing your research focus, scientific methodologies, development activities, commercialization strategy, and growth objectives specific to your scientific operations in Dubai Science Park.
Document Submission
3-5 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, research portfolio, scientific qualifications, and laboratory specifications through the application portal.
Safety Compliance Review
5-7 days
Undergo evaluation of your laboratory safety protocols, hazardous materials management procedures, waste handling approaches, and emergency response plans to ensure alignment with Dubai Science Park safety standards.
Application Review
7-10 days
Your complete application undergoes review by Dubai Science Park authorities who evaluate scientific merit, research viability, safety compliance, and alignment with the free zone's scientific development objectives.
Initial Approval
3-5 days
Receive initial approval for your scientific establishment in Dubai Science Park, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your research and development operations.
Laboratory Lease Agreement
2-3 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected laboratory or research facility, specifying technical requirements, safety specifications, and infrastructure needs for your scientific operations.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, scientific license fee, laboratory lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the online payment portal.
License Issuance
3-5 days
Receive your Dubai Science Park business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified scientific activities and research operations.
Scientific Approvals
10-20 days
Obtain specific approvals for particular research activities, laboratory procedures, or scientific processes that require specialized authorization from relevant regulatory authorities based on your research focus.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-5 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your scientific company to sponsor visas for researchers, laboratory technicians, scientific specialists, and support personnel.
Laboratory Handover
1-2 days
Receive access to your leased laboratory facility, including basic infrastructure, utility connections, and standard configurations as specified in your lease agreement.
Laboratory Setup
20-40 days
Set up your research facility with appropriate scientific equipment, safety systems, specialized infrastructure, and technical apparatus based on your specific research requirements and scientific methodologies.
Safety Systems Implementation
10-15 days
Install and configure laboratory safety equipment, emergency response systems, containment measures, ventilation controls, and other specialized safety infrastructure essential for your scientific operations.
Utility Connections
7-14 days
Establish specialized utility connections including purified water systems, laboratory gases, enhanced electrical systems, climate control infrastructure, and other technical utilities required for your research activities.
Bank Account Opening
7-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your scientific business including research funding, equipment procurement, and operational expenses.
Staff Visa Processing
15-20 days
Begin processing employment visas for your scientific team, researchers, laboratory technicians, and support personnel, with consideration for specialized scientific qualifications and technical expertise.
Scientific Equipment Installation
15-30 days
Install, calibrate, and validate specialized scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, analytical tools, and research technologies according to manufacturer specifications and operational requirements.
Commencement of Scientific Operations
1-2 days
Begin research activities, scientific investigations, development work, and laboratory operations following completion of all setup requirements, safety verifications, and operational readiness assessments.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key scientific personnel. Additional security clearance may be required for certain research activities and laboratory operations.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back).
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (8 copies). Additional copies may be required for laboratory access cards and research facility credentials.
Scientific business plan
Comprehensive business plan detailing your research focus, scientific methodologies, development activities, commercialization strategy, and growth objectives specific to your scientific discipline and application areas.
Permitted Activities
Pharmaceutical Research & Development
Scientific research and development activities focused on the discovery, development, and improvement of pharmaceutical compounds, drug formulations, and therapeutic approaches for medical applications
Biotechnology Research
Scientific investigation and development utilizing biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof to develop products, processes, and technologies with applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial sectors
Medical Research
Scientific studies focused on understanding disease mechanisms, developing diagnostic approaches, advancing treatment methodologies, and improving healthcare interventions through systematic investigation
Laboratory Testing Services
Provision of specialized scientific testing, analysis, and evaluation services utilizing advanced laboratory equipment and methodologies for research, quality control, regulatory compliance, and product development purposes
Environmental Sciences
Research and application of scientific principles to study environmental systems, develop sustainability solutions, address ecological challenges, and advance environmental protection methodologies
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates