Abu Dhabi strengthens global pharma vision with Boehringer Ingelheim partnership
New MoU positions UAE as rising global hub for pharmaceutical innovation
Abu Dhabi: As part of its broader vision to position the UAE as a regional and global hub for life sciences, health innovation, and advanced pharmaceutical industries, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The agreement was formalized during an official visit by an Abu Dhabi delegation to the United States.
This strategic partnership aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem by supporting pioneering research projects and cultivating an environment that fosters scientific excellence—further reinforcing the emirate’s status as a leading destination for life sciences and health innovation.
The MoU signing was attended by Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Osama Al Haj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma for the Near East and UAE at Boehringer Ingelheim. The agreement was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Healthcare Life Sciences Sector at DoH, and Ghaleb El Hadab, Head of Public and Government Affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Through this collaboration, researchers in Abu Dhabi will gain access to Boehringer Ingelheim’s cutting-edge research platform, OpnMe, which offers advanced scientific resources and tools designed to address complex biological challenges and accelerate medical discoveries. The platform includes specialized programs, collaborative research opportunities, and training support for emerging talent.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei emphasized the importance of the partnership, describing it as a key milestone in fostering an innovation-friendly environment and enhancing collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors. She noted that access to advanced tools would empower researchers to develop innovative medical solutions that improve quality of life and shape the future of healthcare.
Osama Al Haj added that the partnership with DoH – Abu Dhabi will help strengthen the regional scientific research community and provide innovators with access to OpnMe resources, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for societies.
Abu Dhabi: A growing hub for pharmaceutical industries
Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in life sciences, health innovation, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through substantial investments in research and innovation, the emirate is building a strong foundation to establish itself as a global pharmaceutical and healthcare innovation hub.
Key focus areas:
Research and Innovation: Abu Dhabi actively supports high-impact research initiatives, fostering a dynamic and competitive scientific ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships: The emirate is committed to forging global alliances with leading healthcare and pharmaceutical institutions to exchange expertise and co-develop innovative solutions.
Biotechnology Advancement: Investments in gene therapy, precision medicine, and advanced cancer treatments underline Abu Dhabi’s focus on next-generation healthcare technologies.
Healthcare R&D Investment: Dedicated funding has been allocated to support health research and innovation, reflecting the government’s strategic commitment to the sector.
World-Class Infrastructure: Abu Dhabi boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports scientific research and advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Personalized Medicine: The emirate is working to develop personalized healthcare models tailored to individual patient needs, thereby enhancing societal well-being.
Pharmaceutical Localization: Efforts are underway to localize pharmaceutical production, increasing self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on imports.
International Collaboration: Abu Dhabi encourages global cooperation in research and innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and scientific progress.
Notable initiatives and partnerships:
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi: Launched a Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund to support scientific advancements in life sciences.
Arshera: A global life sciences company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to developing innovative healthcare solutions.
DoH-GSK Partnership: Aims to accelerate healthcare innovation and develop cutting-edge therapies.
DoH-Hayat Biotech Collaboration: Focused on enhancing knowledge-sharing and advancing life sciences capabilities.
UAE’s pharmaceutical industry gathers global momentum
According to the InterRegional for Strategic Analysis Center in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is among the region’s most committed nations to advancing its local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. This commitment is backed by rising healthcare expenditure and a strategic push to localize pharmaceutical investments.
The center noted that Mubadala Investment Company signed a definitive agreement in March 2024 to acquire Celix Pharma, a company specializing in advanced generic drugs for emerging markets. This acquisition strengthens the UAE’s pharmaceutical ecosystem. Celix Pharma has also acquired manufacturing operations in India, Egypt, Malta, and Morocco.
The report emphasized that the pharmaceutical industry is a key driver of economic growth and industrial diversification in the UAE. In line with this, the country continues to invest heavily in establishing modern drug manufacturing facilities and research centers, while offering attractive incentives to both local and foreign investors. These efforts aim to solidify the UAE’s position as a regional pharmaceutical powerhouse and a magnet for foreign direct investment in the healthcare sector.
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