Abu Dhabi strengthens position as global pharma and life sciences distribution hub

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Etihad Airways and AD Ports Group have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global pharmaceutical and life sciences distribution hub, leveraging its strategic location, lucrative investment opportunities and advanced logistics capabilities.

In the presence of Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the MoU was signed by Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, Khalifa Al Mahmoud, Acting Director of Investor Attraction at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Etihad Cargo, and Mansoor Al Marar, Vice President, Industrial Business Development at KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group.

In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, the MoU is a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to become a leading healthcare destination in the global healthcare landscape. The strategic partnership aims to create attractive value propositions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology companies to establish their operations in Abu Dhabi.

By capitalising on DoH's world-class regulatory framework, ADIO's attractive investment platform, Etihad Cargo's expertise in air freight, and AD Port's robust logistics infrastructure, the collaboration is set to position Abu Dhabi as a global healthcare and life-science distribution hub.

As part of the agreement, the entities will work together to ensure timely access to innovative healthcare products for patients across the region, enhancing Abu Dhabi's role in global pharmaceutical supply chains. Aligned with the Emirate's economic aspirations, the collaboration is expected to attract significant investment in healthcare and logistics, promoting sustainable economic growth and diversification within the healthcare and life sciences sectors. The MoU also includes plans to support local manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, in addition to local capability enhancement.