Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH), and RAFED convened at the LogiPharma 2025 in Lyon, this week, to showcase the emirate’s ambition to become a global pharmaceutical and life sciences distribution hub. This collaboration, aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, emphasizes healthcare innovation, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships aimed at positioning the UAE capital as a leader in medical logistics. Etihad Cargo’s IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product ensures secure transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals through real-time monitoring, thermal mapping, and dedicated cool chain facilities. The airline has seen a 49% year-on-year growth in pharmaceutical shipments and expanded its global trade lanes. Its partnership with DoH and RAFED, the region’s leading healthcare procurement platform, strengthens Abu Dhabi’s logistics ecosystem. Recent initiatives, such as the MoU with AD Ports Group, focus on local manufacturing, packaging, and distribution to meet regional healthcare demands. RAFED streamlines procurement, while DoH’s regulatory frameworks attract global biotech investments. Together, they aim to enhance patient access to advanced therapies, foster Emirati talent in healthcare logistics, and solidify Abu Dhabi’s role in global pharmaceutical supply chains.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, stated: “Leveraging Abu Dhabi’s strategic location at the gateway to the MENA region, we are offering advanced infrastructure with easy access to regional and global markets. We’re not just offering air freight, Etihad Cargo has deepened its focus on creating a smarter, more responsive cold chain for pharma customers worldwide, enabling an end-to-end, temperature-controlled ecosystem in collaboration with regulators, manufacturers and supply chain partners.”
Faisal Haji, Division Director Health Sector Innovation Department at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, added: “Through our collaboration with Etihad Cargo and RAFED at LogiPharma 2025, we are reinforcing DoH’s commitment to reshaping the region’s healthcare landscape. Our ambition is to cultivate a healthcare ecosystem where patients can benefit from the most advanced treatments and innovations in medical technology. By developing a dynamic hub for healthcare and life sciences distribution, we aim to improve patient outcomes and elevate the standard of care across the region.”
Samer Al Zamil, Chief Commercial Officer at RAFED, concluded: “Together with Etihad Cargo and the Department of Health, we are building a trusted supply chain that supports not just the UAE, but the broader region and global healthcare community. LogiPharma is a platform for showcasing what true collaboration across public and private sectors can achieve.”
