Abu Dhabi's Department of Health and Abbott Partner for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
A New Era in Healthcare: The Collaboration of Abu Dhabi's Department of Health and Abbott
In a historic collaboration announced at the BIO International Convention held in Boston, the Department of Health (DoH) of Abu Dhabi and global healthcare leader Abbott have joined forces to localize pharmaceutical manufacturing in Abu Dhabi. This partnership signifies a strong commitment towards reducing reliance on pharmaceutical imports, strengthening supply chain resilience, and fostering a sustainable healthcare ecosystem in the region.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi's Position in Life Sciences
The Abu Dhabi health sector has seen significant advancements, with infrastructure designed to support the manufacturing of healthcare products and innovative healthcare solutions. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary at the Department of Health, emphasized that the emirate has established a comprehensive health ecosystem that promotes local manufacturing and research and development (R&D). This strategic partnership is set to enhance the speed and efficiency of launching innovative healthcare products that can positively impact patient health outcomes.
By merging their strategic vision with Abbott's expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the development and deployment of groundbreaking healthcare solutions. Not only will this reduce time-to-market for new therapies, but it will also ensure that patients have access to revolutionary treatments sooner than before.
A Comprehensive Strategy
The collaboration outlines a robust plan structured around four key pillars:
1. Localization of Abbott’s Pharmaceutical Portfolio: This encompasses the manufacturing of existing pharmaceutical products in the UAE, thereby improving access to necessary medications.
2. Development of Biosimilars: The partnership aims to explore the production and approval of biosimilar medications, offering more options to patients and healthcare providers.
3. Digital Transformation: There will be a focus on digitizing healthcare information systems, including the creation of electronic product brochures, in line with the UAE's digital health strategy.
4. Education and Workforce Development: Initiatives will be implemented to educate the local workforce and enhance their capabilities in the pharmaceutical field.
Mazen Bachir, the regional director for Abbott's established pharmaceuticals in the Gulf, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. He stated that Abbott is proud to enhance resilience and innovation within Abu Dhabi's healthcare landscape. This collaborative effort not only aims to localize existing pharmaceutical products but also strives to align regulatory frameworks, ultimately supporting the UAE's commitment to digital health.
A Strategic Mission to the U.S.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, a high-level delegation embarked on a strategic mission to the United States from June 15 to June 21, 2025. During this mission, the delegation is scheduled to conduct over 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the U.S. The goal is to share knowledge, identify investment opportunities, and sign new agreements to expedite the adoption of advanced health solutions.
Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem are significant players such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
With this powerful coalition, Abu Dhabi is set to strengthen its role as a regional leader in health innovations and ensure a sustainable future in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The partnership between the Department of Health and Abbott marks an essential step toward achieving significant advancements in health care quality and reliability in the UAE and beyond.
Conclusion
As this collaboration unfolds, it paves the way for a robust healthcare system that is not only self-sufficient but also positioned to respond agilely to the evolving dynamics of global health challenges. The focus on local production, innovative solutions, and workforce development signifies a transformative shift in the health sector landscape in Abu Dhabi, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
In conclusion, this partnership is a remarkable leap towards an enriched health ecosystem that promises to deliver exceptional value to the community and redefine the future of health in the emirate.