Abu Dhabi and Abbott Team Up for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Abu Dhabi and Abbott Join Forces for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
In a significant move towards bolstering healthcare resilience, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Abbott during the BIO International Convention held in Boston. This collaboration aims to localize the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in Abu Dhabi while also advancing the region's digital health solutions.
The partnership is aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision to reduce its reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, strengthen supply chain resilience, and promote a sustainable healthcare system. The emirate is positioning itself as a global life sciences hub, ready to lead in innovations that benefit local communities and enhance health outcomes.
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, emphasized that the recent launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) Cluster demonstrates Abu Dhabi's capability to support local manufacturing and research and development. By joining forces with Abbott, a leader in global healthcare, the DoH seeks to accelerate the development and availability of innovative healthcare products. This endeavor will not only enhance market readiness but also ensure patients receive breakthrough therapies more swiftly.
The strategic collaboration will focus on four primary areas: localization of Abbott's pharmaceutical portfolio, development of biosimilars, digital transformation through electronic patient information, and educational initiatives aimed at workforce development. Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott’s established pharmaceuticals business in the Gulf and Levant, stated that this partnership builds on Abbott's long-standing commitment to enhancing the UAE’s healthcare system. This cooperation will encourage local production, as well as explore biosimilar development and digitizing product information to align with the UAE's digital health strategy.
As part of this ambitious initiative, the DoH has dispatched a high-level delegation to the United States from June 15 to 21, 2025. This mission includes over 20 strategic meetings with various public and private sector leaders, aiming to share knowledge and identify investment opportunities. The delegation features influential stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, and several educational institutions including New York University Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University.
Through this partnership, both the DoH and Abbott intend to pave the way for joint research and development initiatives to bolster long-term sustainability in UAE's healthcare landscape. This collaboration signifies a pivotal step forward, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in healthcare innovation and self-sufficiency. The alignment of their strategic visions is expected to yield innovative healthcare solutions that will positively impact the community and ensure that scientific advancements translate effectively into health benefits.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Abbott marks a new era for local pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region. By committing to these initiatives, both organizations are not only enhancing the healthcare ecosystem but also setting a precedent for future collaborations between public health authorities and global healthcare leaders. Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly on an exciting path toward becoming a major player in the global life sciences arena.