Mubadala Bio and Eli Lilly forge transformative partnership to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing in Abu Dhabi
A landmark strategic collaboration between Mubadala Bio and one of the world's foremost pharmaceutical enterprises will establish advanced packaging and logistics capabilities in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate's ascendant position within the global life sciences ecosystem.
Mubadala Bio and Eli Lilly and Company have announced a significant strategic partnership to advance the localised packaging and logistics of Lilly’s GLP-1 medicines in Abu Dhabi, representing a pivotal development in the emirate’s expanding life sciences sector. The agreement was unveiled at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026 by Hamad Almarzooqi, Group Deputy CEO of Mubadala Bio, and Nabil Daoud, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly’s Intercontinental Hub, with the signing witnessed by His Excellency Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, and other senior officials.
A Global Partnership of Complementary Strengths
This collaboration unites Lilly’s distinguished global expertise in discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines with Mubadala Bio’s integrated life sciences platform and expanding international presence. The partnership aims to establish sophisticated pharmaceutical capabilities within Abu Dhabi, harnessing international investment and expertise to enhance the emirate’s life sciences ecosystem whilst deepening its integration into the global value chain.
The venture will be supported by a 125,000 square metre facility located in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi, comprising advanced packaging and warehousing facilities that significantly strengthen pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, packaging and logistics capabilities. This infrastructure will enable both companies to serve global industry partners from the UAE whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Abu Dhabi’s Leadership in Innovative Healthcare
The announcement builds upon the UAE’s demonstrated commitment to advancing access to innovative medicines and strengthening personalised healthcare. The Emirates Drug Establishment approved Foundayo (orforglipron) for chronic weight management in April, positioning the UAE as the second country globally to register this medicine. In Abu Dhabi, the treatment became available to eligible patients through the Personalized Weight Management Program, launched by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre in June 2025. The UAE was similarly an early launch market for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in August 2022, following US FDA approval.
Building a National Life Sciences Champion
Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman of Mubadala Bio, remarked: “The agreement with Lilly is a defining moment for Mubadala Bio. By signing this agreement, we are placing the UAE at the forefront of global healthcare, strengthening the nation’s supply in key therapeutic areas and building capabilities that will serve our country for decades to come. It shows the confidence that one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies has in the UAE as a trusted partner and a base to serve the region and global markets.”
For Mubadala Bio, the collaboration consolidates its position as an Abu Dhabi-headquartered life sciences company with a progressively expanding international footprint. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and integrated capabilities spanning biopharma and pharmaceutical logistics, Mubadala Bio is advancing pharmaceutical security, expanding contract manufacturing capabilities, and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for life sciences serving international markets.
A Commitment to Innovation and Quality
Nabil Daoud, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly’s Intercontinental Hub, stated: “This agreement represents an important step in strengthening our long-term presence in the UAE and contributing to the continued development of its life sciences ecosystem. By bringing Lilly’s global medicines expertise together with Mubadala Bio’s capabilities, we have the opportunity to develop advanced pharmaceutical capabilities in the UAE, whilst continuing to support our shared ambition to improve health outcomes for patients.”
The collaboration will introduce localised packaging and logistics activities in phases, subject to all appropriate technical, quality and regulatory requirements. Through this partnership, Abu Dhabi reinforces its ambition to become a leading global life sciences hub, whilst creating high-value employment and advancing the nation’s pharmaceutical independence.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
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