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ABU DHABI LAUNCHES MIDDLE EAST'S FIRST VACCINE DISTRIBUTION HUB
July 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi has launched the region's first vaccine distribution hub, following the arrival of the facility's first shipments.

 

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, noted that the hub is a strategic milestone in the Emirate's vision to strengthen global health security, ensure equitable vaccine access, and build resilient supply chains across the region.

 

Located in KEZAD and operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the hub was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), GSK, AD Ports Group, Etihad Cargo, and KEZAD Group.

 

It is a cornerstone of the UAE's expanding life sciences ecosystem and is designed to improve vaccine access across the region.

 

Self Photos / Files - 0698ca028db049dba8267dc6e7e443ac.jpg

 [Source: Etihad Airways]

 

The announcement cited the hub's "strategic location," its advanced cold-chain logistics infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that is both agile and supportive of innovation.

 

"This hub reflects Abu Dhabi’s model of cross-sector collaboration uniting government, biopharma, logistics, and innovation under one ecosystem," it added.

 

The activation of the hub follows a strategic agreement signed between DoH and GSK during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week in 2024 to establish regional vaccine distribution capabilities in the emirate.

 

Now realized, the facility becomes GSK's first vaccine distribution centre in the Middle East and the fourth worldwide, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's role in supporting regional health security and global supply chain resilience.

 

The hub's activation also marks one of the first major operational milestones under HELM – Abu Dhabi's Life Science Cluster: the emirate's flagship platform to drive life sciences investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

 

The announcement noted that the hub's integration under HELM demonstrates how Abu Dhabi is translating its life sciences vision into operational outcomes that drive regional impact.

 

"The operational launch of Abu Dhabi's regional vaccine hub signals our readiness to serve the region with speed, precision, and reliability. More than a logistics milestone, this reflects our long-term vision to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted partner in global health where innovation and resilience translate into timely access and measurable public health impact," said H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

 

"Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE's leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare."

 

The facility will manage a portfolio of more than 20 vaccines, including those for paediatric and adult populations, supporting lifelong immunisation strategies across multiple markets.

 

Designed for scalability, the hub can accommodate emerging vaccine technologies and increased regional demand, while maintaining the highest global quality and safety standards.

 

Boyd Chongphaisal, vice president and general manager, GSK Gulf, said the launch of the vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi represents a shared commitment to health security, innovation, and access.

 

"Through our strategic partnership with DoH and local stakeholders, we are combining scientific excellence with operational strength to ensure timely, efficient delivery of vaccines across the region."

 

"The integration of this hub under HELM further demonstrates GSK's pioneering stance and alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision for driving impactful outcomes in the life sciences sector on a regional and global scale."

 

Rafed, the operator of the facility, has deployed advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies that preserve vaccine integrity and ensure end-to-end visibility throughout the logistics process.

 

The hub is fully integrated with Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network, which connects Abu Dhabi to more than 100 international destinations and offers time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical products.

 

The facility is expected to distribute millions of doses annually, shortening delivery timelines across the region and improving the integrity of vaccine supply.

 

Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer at Etihad Airways, said the carrier's participation in the initiative reflects the company's continued investment in healthcare logistics.

 

"Our network and specialised PharmaLife product play a critical role in transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines reliably and efficiently across the region. We are proud to support Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global leader in life sciences and supply chain excellence."

 

The facility's activation significantly strengthens Abu Dhabi's life sciences value chain and supports the UAE's ambition to serve as a global hub for innovation-led, knowledge-based industries.

 

Its operational readiness will help improve vaccine access, reduce delivery lead times, and address public health needs through a more proactive and resilient healthcare model.

 
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