Abu Dhabi Partners with Abbott to boost Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Health partners with Abbott to localize pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhance digital health solutions, aiming for a self-sufficient healthcare ecosystem.">
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abbott, a global healthcare leader, have forged a significant partnership to localize pharmaceutical manufacturing and advance digital health solutions in Abu Dhabi.The agreement, announced during the BIO International Convention in boston, aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem by reducing reliance on imports and enhancing supply chain resilience. This initiative aligns with the emirate’s broader strategy to become a regional hub for life sciences.
Strategic Goals of the Partnership
This collaboration leverages Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure to foster a sustainable and self-sufficient healthcare habitat. The partnership focuses on several key areas, including localizing Abbott’s pharmaceutical portfolio, developing biosimilars, implementing digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets, and establishing robust education and workforce development programs.
Did You Know? The UAE’s healthcare expenditure is projected to reach $26 billion by 2028, driven by increasing demand for quality healthcare services and advancements in medical technology. Source: Statista
Statements from Leadership
H.E.Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the emirate’s readiness to support local manufacturing and R&D following the launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster. She stated, “By integrating our strategic vision with Abbott’s expertise, we aim to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative healthcare products and solutions, reducing time-to-market, improving healthcare outcomes, and ensuring that breakthrough therapies reach patients faster.”
Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott’s established pharmaceuticals business, added, “Building on Abbott’s long-standing commitment to the UAE’s healthcare system, this partnership will focus on localizing existing pharmaceutical products, and jointly exploring the development of biosimilars, supported by regulatory alignment. The collaboration also includes initiatives to digitize life science product information through electronic leaflets in alignment with the UAE’s digital health strategy.”
key Pillars of the Collaboration
The strategic collaboration is built on four key pillars:
- Localization of Abbott’s Pharmaceutical Portfolio: Manufacturing existing pharmaceutical products within Abu Dhabi.
- Biosimilar Development: Jointly exploring the development of biosimilar medications.
- Digital Transformation: Implementing electronic patient information leaflets.
- Education and Workforce Development: Creating programs to build local capabilities.
Abu Dhabi’s Delegation to the United states
From June 15 to 21, 2025, a high-level delegation led by the DoH will visit the United States to conduct strategic meetings with public and private sector leaders. the mission aims to foster knowledge exchange, explore investment opportunities, and sign new agreements to accelerate the adoption of advanced health solutions.
Pro Tip: Partnerships between government entities and private companies are crucial for driving innovation and achieving healthcare sustainability goals.
Participating Stakeholders
The delegation representing Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem includes key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, startAD, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
Summary of Key Aspects
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partners | Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abbott |
| Objective | Localize pharmaceutical manufacturing and advance digital health solutions |
| Key Pillars | Localization, biosimilar development, digital transformation, education |
| Delegation visit | United States, June 15-21, 2025 |
Future Implications
This partnership is expected to significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional leader in healthcare innovation. By fostering local manufacturing and digital health solutions,Abu Dhabi aims to provide better healthcare outcomes for its community and contribute to the overall advancement of the healthcare sector in the UAE.
What impact do you think this partnership will have on healthcare accessibility in the region? How can other regions replicate this model for healthcare innovation?
Evergreen Insights: Background, Context, Historical Trends
The UAE has been actively investing in its healthcare infrastructure and technology to improve the quality of care and reduce dependence on foreign medical services. According to a report by Alpen Capital, the GCC healthcare market is projected to reach $99.6 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2020. Source: Alpen Capital this growth is driven by factors such as increasing population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and government initiatives to enhance healthcare services.
Abu Dhabi’s strategic focus on life sciences and healthcare innovation is part of a broader economic diversification strategy aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues. The establishment of the HELM Cluster and partnerships with global healthcare leaders like Abbott are key components of this strategy.
Frequently asked Questions
- Why is Abu Dhabi focusing on local pharmaceutical manufacturing?
- Abu Dhabi aims to reduce dependency on imports, strengthen supply chain resilience, and foster a sustainable, self-sufficient healthcare ecosystem through local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- What are the key pillars of the collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Abbott?
- The collaboration focuses on four key pillars: localization of Abbott’s pharmaceutical portfolio, biosimilar development, digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets, and a robust education and workforce development initiative.
- How will this partnership enhance Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem?
- By integrating Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision with Abbott’s expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative healthcare products and solutions, improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring faster access to therapies for patients.
- What is the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in Abu Dhabi?
- The HELM Cluster is an integrated infrastructure in Abu Dhabi that fosters local manufacturing and research and development, positioning the emirate as a regional healthcare gateway and leader in life sciences.
- What role does digital transformation play in this collaboration?
- digital transformation is a key component,with initiatives to digitize life science product information through electronic leaflets,aligning with the UAE’s digital health strategy and improving access to information for patients.
- What educational initiatives are planned as part of the collaboration?
- The collaboration includes the development of education programs to build local capabilities in the healthcare sector,ensuring a skilled workforce to support the growth of pharmaceutical manufacturing and digital health solutions.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered as medical or financial advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional or financial advisor for personalized guidance.
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