Key Takeaways
- Abu Dhabi signed agreements with Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Sanofi to boost vaccine R&D and local pharmaceutical production.
- BI’s OpnME platform will enhance Abu Dhabi’s clinical research through shared resources and networks.
- Abbott’s partnership will localize pharmaceutical manufacturing and advance digital health initiatives in the UAE.
Strategic Mission to the U.S.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has established partnership agreements with key healthcare companies—Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), and Sanofi—during a strategic mission to the United States from June 14 to 21, 2025. This initiative coincided with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention in Boston and included visits to cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
The purpose of this mission is to reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s leadership in global healthcare innovation. Officials highlighted the emirate’s advancements in artificial intelligence, digital health, clinical research, and genomics. A total of over 20 strategic meetings are planned with public and private sector leaders in the U.S. to facilitate knowledge sharing and investment exploration.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health—Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “This mission reflects our commitment to shaping the future of health through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.” The ongoing ambition is to create a health system that effectively predicts, prevents, and resolves health issues, ultimately improving community health outcomes.
Key Agreements Signed
The first memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with BI on June 16, granting access to the OpnME platform. This platform facilitates research by connecting the research community with advanced compounds and expert networks.
Next, on June 18, an MoU with Sanofi was unveiled, aiming to leverage Abu Dhabi’s health-tech ecosystem for the development of global vaccines and enhance regional vaccine manufacturing capacity.
Finally, on June 19, Abbott committed to localizing pharmaceutical manufacturing in Abu Dhabi, enhancing its digital health solutions, and aligning with regulatory frameworks to create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Mazen Bachir, Abbott’s regional director, stated, “This partnership… will focus on localizing existing pharmaceutical products and developing biosimilars.”
These agreements collectively aim to strengthen supply chain resilience and foster self-sufficiency within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare landscape, portraying a forward-thinking approach to health innovation.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.
