The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abbott have teamed up during BIO International Convention 2025 held in Boston, aimed at manufacturing pharmaceuticals locally while advancing the region’s digital health solutions.
By harnessing Abu Dhabi’s advanced life sciences infrastructure, the partnership aims to minimize the region’s reliance on imports, enhance supply chain resilience while nurturing a sustainable, self-sufficient healthcare ecosystem.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi Undersecretary – DoH
“Following the recent launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in Abu Dhabi, the emirate proved to be equipped with a holistic, integrated infrastructure that fosters local manufacturing and R&D, positioning it as a regional healthcare gateway and leader in life sciences. 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. This approach positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in fostering an agile, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem that directly translates scientific advancements into tangible benefits for our community.”
Digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets
Education and workforce development initiative
Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott’s established pharmaceuticals business in the Gulf, Emerging Markets and Levant, stated that, “Abbott is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, aimed at advancing healthcare resilience and innovation in Abu Dhabi. 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. Another key component of this collaboration is the development of education programs to build local capabilities. Additionally, Abbott and the Department of Health will evaluate opportunities for joint research and development to strengthen long-term healthcare sustainability in the UAE.”
A high-level delegation, led by DoH, is currently on a strategic mission in the United States to carry out meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the U.S. The visit aims to exchange knowledge, explore investment opportunities and forge partnerships that accelerate the adoption of advanced health solutions.
The delegation includes key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, startAD and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
