How Abu Dhabi’s New Hub Aims to Reshape Vaccine Delivery
The Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, officially announces the operational launch of its vaccine distribution hub, which now welcomes its inaugural shipments.
This hub signifies a crucial step in the UAE's mission to bolster global health safeguards.
It also aims to construct more robust supply chains throughout Abu Dhabi.
Enhancing operation and trust
Launching the vaccine distribution hub is a key move for Abu Dhabi, enhancing the region’s capabilities.
The Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, responsible for regulating healthcare in the area, aims to see continuous growth.
Created in collaboration with local and international partners, the hub represents the region's commitment to ensuring equitable and reliable vaccine availability.
H.E Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, says: “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.
"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 hub aims to make vaccines more accessible across borders, enhancing the UAE’s leadership in futuristic, preventive healthcare.
With over 20 vaccines to be managed, the facility provides immunisations for both paediatric and adult populations, ensuring widespread healthcare benefits.
Collaborative framework and supply chain innovations
This hub comes into existence through concerted effort among regional leaders.
Operated by Rafed, a PureHealth subsidiary, it is a result of collaboration among DoH, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), GSK, AS Ports Group, Etihad Cargo and KEZAD Group.
Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf, comments: “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."
This collective effort lets significant investments flow into the UAE's life sciences sector and populace, aiming to dismantle healthcare barriers and enhance civic well-being.
Strategically located, the hub benefits from advanced cold-chain logistics infrastructure, fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
Through this development, Abu Dhabi showcases a partnership model that integrates varied sectors to promote efficiency and productivity, uniting government, biopharma, logistics and innovation.
Advanced distribution and connectivity
Rafed employs smart distribution technologies, maintaining vaccine quality and ensuring end-to-end visibility of the logistics process.
Mohammad Mustafa Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed, adds: "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."
With over 100 global destinations linked via Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network, time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical products are now within reach.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, says: “Etihad Cargo’s participation in this initiative reflects our continued investment in healthcare logistics.
"We are proud to support Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global leader in life sciences and supply chain excellence.”
The facility distributes millions of vaccines yearly, aided by its partners, thereby reducing delivery timeframes and enhancing supply reliability. Through these collaborations and hub logistics, the UAE's value chain experiences strengthened reliability and trust, proving the facility’s standing as an innovative and resilient healthcare model.
