Department of Health – Abu Dhabi partners with Sanofi to boost vaccine development in UAE

UAE—The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), which oversees the healthcare sector in the emirate, has entered into a new partnership with Sanofi, a global healthcare biopharma company known for its focus on research, development, and artificial intelligence.

 The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, USA, aims to accelerate the development of new vaccines and boost regional capabilities in vaccine manufacturing.

This collaboration leverages Abu Dhabi’s advanced health-tech ecosystem and research infrastructure.

By combining Sanofi’s scientific expertise with the emirate’s state-of-the-art facilities, both parties seek to set new standards for innovation, resilience, and international cooperation in healthcare.

The MoU was signed in the presence of H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, and Laurie Gery, Global Head of Business Development for Vaccines at Sanofi.

The signatories included Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, and Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Sanofi.

Dr. Al Mannaei highlighted that this partnership is designed to speed up the journey from early research to public availability of vaccines.

By utilizing advanced technologies, real-time data analysis, and conducting parallel clinical trial phases, the process of bringing new vaccines to market will be significantly shortened.

She emphasized that Abu Dhabi offers a globally connected and purpose-driven environment for research, which will drive transformative change, safeguard community health, and contribute to global health security.

Furthermore, the partnership will focus on streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing manufacturing readiness, and promoting knowledge exchange between local and international experts.

This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic goal to become a leading center for biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation, reinforcing its commitment to proactive, technology-driven healthcare solutions.

Baptiste de Clarens from Sanofi described the agreement as a promising step toward advancing global health security.

He noted that Sanofi’s experience in vaccine development will complement Abu Dhabi’s growing research and development ecosystem, and the partnership will open new opportunities for public-private collaboration in healthcare innovation.

Both organizations plan to advance clinical research and development, optimize resource allocation, and establish foundational terms for funding and access.

These efforts are intended to enhance healthcare resilience and sustainability in Abu Dhabi and beyond, ultimately expanding access to quality care for patients both locally and globally.

Leading this initiative, DoH has organized a high-level delegation on a strategic mission to the United States from June 15 to 21, 2025.

The delegation will conduct over 20 meetings and visits with leaders from both the public and private sectors across the U.S., focusing on exchanging knowledge, exploring investment opportunities, and signing new agreements to expedite the adoption of advanced healthcare solutions.

Key participants include representatives from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, startAD, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Through this comprehensive collaboration, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation, working alongside international partners to address pressing global health challenges and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

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