The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced a collaboration with pharma giant MSD to explore the possibility of establishing a logistics hub in Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster.
The pair said in the announcement that the new MSD regional hub would be expected to support the distribution of a broad portfolio of products across multiple regional markets.
Beyond strengthening regional supply chain resilience, the hub has been designed to improve access to innovative therapies and create the infrastructure required to support the commercialisation and scaling of next-generation health innovations across the region.
Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: "Scientific breakthroughs are emerging faster than ever, yet their ability to improve lives ultimately depends on how quickly and safely they reach the patients who need them."
"Abu Dhabi built a fully integrated model for intelligent life sciences, connecting advanced research, population genomics, resilient infrastructure and world-class distribution pathways within a single connected ecosystem."
MSD’s intention to establish its regional hub in Abu Dhabi reflects the strength of this environment and the emirate’s role as a trusted partner for global healthcare leaders.
"For patients across the region, this milestone brings life-saving therapies closer. For the world, it reinforces Abu Dhabi’s readiness to scale health innovation and impact globally.”
The collaboration, the partners state, highlights the alignment between Abu Dhabi’s supportive regulatory framework and the strategic needs of global partners aiming to eliminate vulnerabilities in their supply chains.
Through this alliance, MSD gains direct access to a highly integrated, advanced distribution ecosystem, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a secure regional launch market for next-generation medical solutions.
Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director MSD Gulf Countries, Libya and Egypt, said: "This planned collaboration reflects our shared ambition to strengthen healthcare systems across the region."
By combining MSD’s global expertise with Abu Dhabi’s advanced ecosystem, we aim to enhance resilience and improve how innovation reaches patients.
The announcement forms part of Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention 2026.
