His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the inauguration of a regional vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) 2025. The event, organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is being held under the theme Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Wellbeing, until April 17 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
This inauguration represents a significant step towards reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in global health. Leveraging Abu Dhabi’s proximity to major global markets, the hub will enhance distribution efficiency across regional markets and strengthen global supply chains.
The launch of the vaccine hub follows the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, and GSK, a leading biopharma company, during ADGHW 2024. This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for healthcare logistics and innovation, paving the way for advancements in health services and disease prevention in the emirate and wider region.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the significance of establishing strategic partnerships to advance vaccine development, enhance research and development efforts, and support the establishment of specialised distribution centres to ensure vaccine access to all members of society, strengthening public health systems and enhancing community-level disease prevention locally, regionally and globally.
His Highness also commended efforts to establish a network of specialised centres for vaccine distribution and to support essential immunisation programmes aimed at safeguarding community health. His Highness stressed that these efforts reinforce the leadership of the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, known for their resilience and high level of preparedness in responding to various health crises and emergencies.
During the inauguration ceremony, His Highness was accompanied by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); Her Excellency Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'This hub is more than a logistics achievement, it is a cornerstone of a resilient, future-ready health system. Through this collaboration, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its role as a trusted global partner in public health, enabling faster access to life-saving vaccines and strengthening our readiness for tomorrow’s challenges. It reflects our vision to lead with purpose, act with urgency, and drive impact where it matters most.'
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said:
“The inauguration of this vaccine distribution hub marks a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to become a global epicentre for health innovation and resilient supply chains. It reflects our strategic commitment to diversifying the economy through high-impact sectors like life sciences, while reinforcing the emirate’s role as a trusted partner in advancing global health equity. Through synergistic public-private partnerships, we are creating a future-ready ecosystem that not only responds to today’s challenges but also anticipates the needs of generations to come.'
Sir Jonathan Symonds, Chairman of the Board of GSK, said: 'GSK is dedicated to advancing health security through innovative partnerships. The inauguration of our vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi is a key link in the global vaccine value chain. By merging our scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi’s logistical excellence and the strategic vision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, this hub will improve access to essential vaccines. This collaboration underscores our commitment to protecting communities and building a healthier future, demonstrating how collective efforts can enhance regional health resilience and make a positive impact.'
With the combined strengths of Abu Dhabi’s advanced logistics capabilities and GSK’s global scientific expertise, the hub will play a crucial role in strengthening drug and vaccine security to foster resilience in the healthcare sector and promote equitable access and improve patient outcomes across the region.
Highlighting the power of public-private collaboration in addressing global health challenges, the event was attended by senior representatives of key partners including GSK, Rafed, PureHealth, ADIO, AD Ports Group, AD Airports, Etihad Airways and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. The collective presence from the emirate’s ecosystem underscores the strong collaborative effort behind this milestone and reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing global health.
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