Abu Dhabi is set to establish a regional pharmaceutical logistics hub to store and distribute medicines and vaccines across the UAE and more than 10 markets in the Middle East and Africa, with operations expected to begin in January 2027.
The facility will be developed through a partnership between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), pharmaceutical company MSD, logistics provider DSV and healthcare supply chain company RAFED.
Located in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), the hub will support the re-export and regional distribution of medicines and vaccines from MSD’s portfolio. It will integrate specialised warehousing and logistics operations to facilitate the efficient movement of pharmaceutical products across regional markets.
DSV will operate the facility in accordance with MSD’s logistics, safety and quality standards, while RAFED will provide the warehousing infrastructure. The hub’s capabilities are expected to expand throughout 2027.
The initiative aims to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, improve distribution efficiency and support the reliable availability of essential medicines and vaccines across the Middle East and Africa. Abu Dhabi’s strategic location is expected to help connect global pharmaceutical supply networks with regional healthcare markets.
Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Ensuring reliable access to medicines and vaccines is fundamental to continuity of care and a resilient healthcare system.”
The project is expected to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional logistics and healthcare distribution centre while supporting the movement of pharmaceutical products across international markets.