At the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and global healthcare leader Abbott signed a landmark partnership aimed at advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and digital health innovation in the UAE capital.
The agreement marks a major step toward localising healthcare production and reducing dependency on imports. It builds on Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a regional hub for life sciences, with a focus on self-sufficiency, resilience, and innovation in the healthcare sector.
Announced during a strategic visit by a high-level Abu Dhabi delegation to the United States, the partnership is centred around four key pillars: localising Abbott’s pharmaceutical portfolio, developing biosimilars, digitising life science product information through electronic patient leaflets, and expanding education and workforce development.
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, emphasised the partnership’s alignment with the emirate’s strategic vision. “Following the launch of the HELM Cluster, Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its capacity to lead in life sciences,” she said. “By combining our infrastructure with Abbott’s global expertise, we are accelerating the delivery of innovative treatments and supporting a dynamic, agile healthcare ecosystem.”
Abbott’s Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Established Pharmaceuticals, echoed the sentiment: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to healthcare resilience and innovation. Together, we aim to localise manufacturing, explore biosimilar development, and digitise patient information in line with the UAE’s national digital health strategy.”
The deal also lays the foundation for joint research and development efforts and includes educational initiatives to strengthen local capabilities in life sciences and healthcare.
The announcement came as part of a broader strategic mission to the United States led by DoH, with support from key Abu Dhabi stakeholders including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, PureHealth, KEZAD, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, and MBZUAI.
Over the course of the visit, the delegation is expected to engage in more than 20 meetings with public and private sector leaders, exploring investment opportunities and signing further agreements to support innovation, R&D, and sustainability in the healthcare sector.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global leader in life sciences and a catalyst for the region’s healthcare transformation.
