In a landmark development unveiled at the BIO International Convention in Boston, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and global healthcare leader Abbott have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at localizing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UAE capital and advancing digital health capabilities.
This forward-looking partnership leverages Abu Dhabi’s robust life sciences ecosystem to enhance local production, reduce import dependency, and reinforce supply chain resilience—strengthening the emirate’s position as a hub for healthcare innovation and sustainability.
“Abu Dhabi is now firmly positioned as a regional leader in life sciences,” said H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH – Abu Dhabi. “By combining our vision with Abbott’s global expertise, we’re accelerating innovation, fast-tracking access to breakthrough therapies, and translating R&D into tangible health outcomes.”
The agreement is structured around four strategic pillars:
- Localisation of Abbott’s pharmaceutical portfolio
- Biosimilar development
- Digital transformation through the introduction of electronic patient information leaflets
- Education and workforce development to build local capabilities
Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott’s Established Pharmaceuticals Business in the Gulf, remarked: “This partnership reflects Abbott’s deep-rooted commitment to the UAE. Together with DoH, we’re investing in localisation, digitisation, and capacity-building to support a more resilient and future-ready healthcare system.”
This collaboration coincides with a high-level delegation led by DoH on a strategic mission to the United States (June 15–21, 2025). The delegation engaged in over 20 high-impact meetings with public and private sector leaders to catalyze partnerships in innovation, investment, and advanced health technologies.
Representing Abu Dhabi’s thriving innovation ecosystem, the mission includes entities such as Mubadala BIO, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, M42, Masdar City, PureHealth, KEZAD, Etihad Cargo, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, startAD, and MBZUAI.
