Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) and the Energy and Environment Park (EnPark) on Sunday said its new business partners rose a combined 20 per cent in the year to July, underlining the Tecom Investment free zones' popularity as a regional springboard for businesses.

Forty-five new businesses joined the communities of DuBiotech and EnPark, located in Dubai's burgeoning growth corridor, Al Barsha South, in the year ended July 31. The number of companies in both business parks now totals 269.

World renowned names such as Pfizer, Amgen, PepsiCo, Bayer, ThermoFisher, and First Solar are located within the free zone, providing an innovative community for all businesses looking to utilise the best in class infrastructure and cutting edge research and development facilities. The free zones support both start-ups and international firms looking for a regional base for their Middle East or global operations.

In response to continued year-on-year increases in new business partners, plans were revealed last year for a new DuBiotech Headquarters to be completed in 2016. The development will consist of two iconic high-rise towers and provide over half a million square feet of office space.

Marwan Abdulaziz, executive director of DuBiotech and EnPark said: "New business partner growth at DuBiotech and EnPark continues to rise steadily each year. Our business community is as active and vibrant as ever. The 45 new business partners we welcomed in the past year is a testament to our state of the art facilities and world class business communities. I expect demand to remain strong as the opening of our new Headquarters in 2016 grows closer."

Tecom Investments announced last year an investment of Dh4.5 billion as part of a broader Dubai National Innovation Strategy. DuBiotech and EnPark both support Dubai's goal of becoming one of the most innovative cities in the world by providing a dynamic and vibrant community for business partners to operate in.