Abu Dhabi, Abbott Partner to Boost Local Pharma Sector
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The Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (DoH), the healthcare sector regulator in Abu Dhabi, announced a strategic partnership with global healthcare leader Abbott. The agreement was signed during the BIO International Convention held in Boston, USA.
The partnership aims to localise pharmaceutical manufacturing in Abu Dhabi. It also focuses on advancing digital health solutions across the emirate.
Officials revealed that the collaboration builds on Abu Dhabi's advanced life sciences infrastructure. This move supports the emirate's goal to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen supply chain resilience. It further reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering a self-sufficient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, stated that the partnership follows the recent launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in Abu Dhabi. She added that the emirate is equipped with an integrated infrastructure to support local manufacturing and R&D.
She said the agreement would position Abu Dhabi as a regional healthcare hub and leader in life sciences. According to her, aligning DoH's strategic vision with Abbott's global expertise will accelerate the delivery of innovative healthcare products and solutions.
The collaboration is built around four key pillars: Localising Abbott's pharmaceutical portfolio and developing biosimilars.
Advancing digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets.
Launching education programs to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
Supporting regulatory alignment and joint R&D initiatives.
Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott's established pharmaceuticals business in the Gulf, Emerging Markets and Levant, reported that this partnership will enhance healthcare resilience and innovation in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted Abbott's ongoing commitment to the UAE's healthcare system.
He noted that the partnership will also include digitising life sciences product information and launching training initiatives to build local capabilities. In addition, both parties will explore opportunities for joint research and development.
DoH also reported that a high-level delegation has embarked on a strategic mission to the United States from 15 to 21 June 2025. The delegation will conduct over 20 meetings with public and private sector leaders. These meetings aim to promote knowledge exchange, attract investments, and sign new agreements that accelerate advanced health solutions.
Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes: Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, and PureHealth.
Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, startAD, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
This announcement highlights Abu Dhabi's global ambitions in life sciences and healthcare innovation.
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Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency Greg Wyler, Founder, CEO & Chief Architect, E-Space 13:15 15:05 LUNCH BREAK 15:05 15:45 Panel 'AI-Native Nations: Smarter Lives Unlocked' Moderated by Brian Lott, Group Chief Communications Officer, Mubadala Opening Remarks by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council Thomas Pramotedham, CEO, Presight Kiril Evtimov, Group CTO, G42 & CEO, Core 42 Rod Solaimani, Middle East Policy & Partnerships Lead, OpenAI 15:45 16:25 Panel 'Responsible Intelligence: Igniting The Future' Moderated Faheem Ahamed, Group CMO, G42 H.E. Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO, Emirates Foundation Andrew Jackson, Group Chief AI Officer Baroness Joanna Shields, Founder and CEO of Precognition Natasha Crampton, VP, Chief Responsible AI Officer, Microsoft 16:25 16:30 Bee:Wild documentary presentation Faheem Ahamed 16:30 17:30 BREAK 17:30 18:00 Keynote 'The AI-Physical AI Revolution: More Than Humans' Alex Kipman, CEO, Analog 18:00 18:30 Fireside Chat 'AI First Organizations: Augmented Thought Leadership' Maymee Kurian, Group Chief Human Capital & Culture Officer, G42 Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO, The Josh Bersin Company 18:30 19:00 Closing Remarks Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42 Sam Altman, Founder and CEO, OpenAI 19:00 21:00 DINNER Across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, Supercharged guests will experience the Global Food Grid - a curated culinary journey celebrating the richness of global traditions. Guests can choose between four immersive dining paths, each inspired by a different region of the world: the Middle East and India, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Performance by acclaimed composer David Chesky and his Jazz Trio band 21:00 00:00 EVENING ENTERTAINMENT 9:00 PM - 9:45 PM Raphy J, an Amsterdam-born open format DJ and music producer, will bring his global sound to the stage. With a career spanning London, New York, LA, and now Dubai, Raphy J is known for his genre-spanning performances—seamlessly mixing Pop, R&B, Afrobeats, House, Latin, Arabic, and Hindi music. His sets have lit up stages at venues like Expo 2020, Time Out Market, and the Museum of the Future. ABOUT G42 G42 is a technology holding group and a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating worldwide, G42 champions AI as a powerful force for good across industries. 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