Abu Dhabi has officially launched operations at its new regional vaccine distribution hub following an agreement signed in 2024. This marks a strategic step in bolstering global health security and supply chain resilience. The facility is located in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) and operated by PureHealth subsidiary, Rafed. Jointly developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office, GSK, AD Ports Group, Etihad Cargo, and KEZAD Group, the hub’s advanced cold-chain logistics and innovative regulatory framework leverage Abu Dhabi’s geographic advantages to improve vaccine access regionally and support lifelong immunization strategies. It is the GSK’s first vaccine distribution center in the Middle East and the fourth internationally. The hub is also a flagship achievement of HELM, Abu Dhabi’s Life Science Cluster, designed to accelerate investment and innovation in biopharma and precision health.
More than 20 vaccine types will be managed at the facility, using cutting-edge technologies to maintain product integrity and end-to-end visibility. Fully integrated with Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife network, it can distribute millions of doses annually to more than 100 destinations, speeding up delivery and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a center for innovation-driven healthcare and logistics.
H.E Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “The operational launch of Abu Dhabi’s regional vaccine hub signals our readiness to serve the region with speed, precision, and reliability. […] Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE’s leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare.”
Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf, commented: “The launch of our 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.”
Mohammad Mustafa Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed, said: “The launch of this regional vaccine distribution hub is a tangible expression of our strategy to strengthen health systems, improve access, and build resilience across borders. By deploying advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies, we are enabling real-time, end-to-end visibility.” Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, stated: “Etihad Cargo’s participation in this initiative reflects our continued investment in healthcare logistics. Our network and specialized 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.
