The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Siemens-Mubadala Press Release - English Version

Dear Editor,

Please find attached a press release titled "Mubadala awards contract to Siemens to build and operate the first Molecular Imaging Center in the Gulf region" for use in your publication.
Mubadala - Siemens signing (L-R): 
Peter Fuchs (CEO of Siemens LLC) 
Chancellor Merkel 
HH Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi (UAE Minister of Economy) 
Minister Glos 
Waleed Al Mokkareb Al Muhairi (Chief Operating Officer of Mubadala) 
Nart Mamser (Head of Siemens Medical Solutions at Siemens LLC) 
Rudi Lamprecht (Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG)

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Web: www.orientplanet.com 


P-E

Mubadala awards contract to Siemens to build and operate the first Molecular Imaging Center in the Gulf region

Mubadala Development, an investment and development corporation wholly owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), has signed a contract with Siemens Medical Solutions to build and operate a specialist Molecular Imaging Center (MIC) in Abu Dhabi to include the Siemens PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography) diagnostic system and the Cyclotron radioisotope delivery system. 

The contract was signed by Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Chief Operating Officer, for Mubadala and Peter Fuchs, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens LLC. Also attending the signing ceremony was Her Excellency Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor and Her Highness Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, UAE's Minister for Economy.

The USD 21.7 million three-phased contract entails designing, building, and operation and maintenance of the MIC.  Scheduled to open during the second half of 2008, the facility will be the first of its kind in the region.

The first phase already began in 2006 and saw Siemens setting up a team of experts who have been working closely with Mubadala to design what will be a unique facility with the very latest and innovative molecular imaging diagnostic technology.  The contract signing marks the move into the second phase of the project, when the building of the MIC will commence.  A five-year facility management and operation contract is expected to be signed following completion of the facility construction.

The MIC will also be the first in this region to feature a Cyclotron, Siemens' particle accelerator that produces high yields of reliable radioisotope biomarkers.  These are essential for accurate PET diagnosis.  In addition to supplying Mubadala's Molecular Imaging Center, the plan is to enable other diagnostic facilities in the vicinity to also have access to this important technology.


As well as the clinical provisions, the company's standard operating system and user interface Syngo will allow seamless data sharing across all parts of the MIC and with other clinics worldwide.

The center will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical diagnostic equipment for anatomic and functional diagnosis.  

"We are excited to begin this cooperation with Siemens, a widely respected brand name in the global healthcare solutions marketplace.  Together, we will provide the healthcare sector in the region with sophisticated and unparalleled molecular imaging and diagnostic services, leveraging on the world-class facilities offered by the center, "said Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi of Mubadala Development.

PET CT is a nuclear medicine procedure that produces pictures of the body's metabolic functions.  Its capability in early detection of cancer, cardio-vascular and neurological diseases can save time and healthcare costs, therefore improving the patient experience and increasing chances of survival.

The PET CT images help physicians select more effective therapies and improve patient care, while ultimately helping to save lives.  The scan allows physicians to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they may target the diseases.  The molecular imaging centre will mainly provide diagnostic services for oncology, cardiology and neurology.

PET Molecular Imaging, is one of the fastest growing areas of imaging for both research and clinical applications.  The Siemens PET CT diagnostic system is the first solution to combine true volumetric CT with true volumetric PET.  Together, they allow the tiniest lesions to be detected at what is currently the industry's highest spatial resolution.

Images from the PET CT scanner can be acquired twice as fast as with a traditional PET CT scan with no loss in the quality of the image.  More importantly, the patients will experience increased comfort as diagnosis can be made with half the usual CT dosage.

Surpassing bids from competitors, Peter Fuchs, CEO of Siemens LLC, believes the reason Siemens was selected for the project is due to the company's extensive portfolio:  "With a comprehensive facility such as the MIC, a diverse range of solutions are required.  Siemens 


demonstrated an attractive proposition because as a key healthcare infrastructure provider, we presented a holistic approach to cater for multiple aspects of Mubadala's project seamlessly," he said.

"Siemens is a pioneer in the development of new imaging techniques and applications," explained Fuchs.  "Our portfolio of solutions includes the most sophisticated clinical imaging, as well as preclinical and biomarker solutions that will affect every stage of patient care; from prevention to diagnosis, therapy and follow-up.

"We have already developed similar facilities in the US, UK, Germany and Hungary.  So we'll be bringing in our expertise and experience of building such facilities to the MIC here.  The new imaging center in Abu Dhabi will mean that this cutting-edge diagnostic technology is now available to patients in this region."

Siemens is currently working to develop new biomarkers (substances introduced into the human body to highlight specific areas during scanning) and innovative imaging technologies.  These technologies will result in earlier detection of disease, improved disease staging and a faster therapy development process.  One result of this is that Siemens is developing clinical solutions which can be tailored to the unique physiology of individual patients.  The MIC in Abu Dhabi will be equipped with these latest technologies.

Siemens' Industrial Solutions and Services group will also be involved in the civil works and electrical engineering for the building of the MIC.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

Mubadala Development is a Public Joint Stock company established and wholly owned by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  Its mission is to invest in commercially-viable, strategic, industrial and commercial partnerships. 

The company manages a diversified portfolio of local, regional, and international investments.  International investments include the Dutch fleet management giant LeasePlan Corporation (25% stake), and a stake in nine oil exploration blocks in Libya.  Stakes are also held in the Swiss aircraft and engine services provider SR Technics (40%), the Italian luxury car manufacturer Ferrari (5%), and Piaggio Aero Industries (35%).

In the United Arab Emirates and wider Gulf region, Mubadala Development has invested in, and developed, a number of leading projects including the first GCC cross-border natural gas project, Dolphin Energy (51% majority stake), Aldar Properties, National Central Cooling Company, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Imperial College London Diabetes Center in Abu Dhabi, Injazat Data Systems, and the Mukhaizna Oil Field developments in Oman. 


Mubadala Development signed a joint development agreement with Dubai Aluminum Company (DUBAL) to develop, construct, own and operate a USD6-billion world class green-field aluminium smelter complex with 1.2-million tons capacity a year at the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi. 

Mubadala Development is also leading the development of the UAE University's new campus in Al Ain City through a public-private partnership initiative. 

Mubadala Development also prides itself on the creation of numerous strategic alliances and associated projects.  Current alliance partners include Dubai Aluminum Company (DUBAL), Rolls-Royce, and Shell.

For further information please visit www.mubadala.ae 


Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry.  The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes.  From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to molecular medicine to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices.  Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation - mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company.  Employing approximately 36,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions
 reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006.

For further information please visit:  www.siemens.com/medical 


Media contacts:

Mubadala Development Company
Abdulla Khouri
Senior Communications Manager
Mubadala Development Company
Tel: +971 2 6160100
Fax: +971 2 6160098
E-mail: akhouri@mubadala.ae 

Siemens
Marie-Claire Rees
Corporate Communications Manager
T: +971 4 366 0009
F: +971 4 366 0031
M: +971 50 456 9317
marie-claire.rees@siemens.com