Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for life sciences

ABU DHABI, UAE, June 20, 2025 — During the BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the Department of Health (DoH), the regulatory body for the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, and Abbott, a leading global healthcare company, announced a significant partnership. The goal is to establish local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Abu Dhabi and promote digital health solutions. This initiative utilizes Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge life sciences infrastructure and demonstrates the emirate’s commitment to decreasing reliance on imports, enhancing the resilience of supply chains, and cultivating a sustainable and independent healthcare system.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated: “Following the recent launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in Abu Dhabi, the emirate has proven its ability to provide a comprehensive infrastructure that supports local manufacturing and R&D. This solidifies its position as a regional healthcare hub and a leader in life sciences. By combining our strategic vision with Abbott’s expertise, we aim to expedite the development and implementation of innovative healthcare products and solutions. This will reduce the time it takes to bring them to market, improve healthcare outcomes, and ensure that patients have quicker access to groundbreaking treatments. This strategy positions Abu Dhabi as a frontrunner in fostering a dynamic, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem that directly translates scientific advancements into tangible benefits for our community.”

The strategic collaboration outlines a comprehensive plan focusing on four key pillars: localizing Abbott’s pharmaceutical product line, developing biosimilars, enabling digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets, and implementing a comprehensive education and workforce development program.

Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott’s established pharmaceuticals business in the Gulf, Emerging Markets and Levant, said: “Abbott is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, with the goal of promoting healthcare resilience and innovation in Abu Dhabi. Building on Abbott’s long-term dedication to the UAE’s healthcare system, this partnership will concentrate on localizing existing pharmaceutical products and collaboratively exploring the development of biosimilars, supported by regulatory alignment. The collaboration also encompasses initiatives to digitize life science product information through electronic leaflets, in accordance with the UAE’s digital health strategy. Another essential aspect of this collaboration is the development of education programs to enhance local capabilities. Furthermore, Abbott and the Department of Health will assess opportunities for joint research and development to strengthen long-term healthcare sustainability in the UAE.”

Under the leadership of DoH, a high-level delegation is undertaking a strategic mission to the United States from June 15 to 21, 2025. The delegation is scheduled to hold over 20 strategic meetings and visits with leaders from the public and private sectors across the U.S. The aim is to facilitate knowledge exchange, explore investment opportunities, and sign new agreements that accelerate the implementation of advanced health solutions.

Representing Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes key stakeholders such as , , , , , , and , (NYUAD), , and .

Photo –
Logo –

“`