LIFEPharma and AD Ports Group Sign MoU to Expand UAE Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
📋 Key Takeaway: LIFEPharma has signed a strategic agreement with AD Ports Group to establish a Dh700 million pharmaceutical manufacturing platform in Abu Dhabi, focusing on vaccines and oncology.
Strategic Agreement to Enhance Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
LIFEPharma, the UAE’s sole USFDA-approved pharmaceutical manufacturer, has taken a significant step in advancing the country’s healthcare sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group. This strategic agreement, unveiled during the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026 event, aims to establish a Dh700 million advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing platform at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad). The MoU was signed by key representatives, including Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director of AD Ports Group, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of VPS Health.
Under this agreement, LIFEPharma will lead the project’s technical, regulatory, and commercial development, while AD Ports will facilitate access to essential infrastructure, utilities, and government coordination. This partnership is designed to bolster the UAE’s industrial diversification agenda and enhance healthcare resilience, aligning with the national vision of ‘Make in the Emirates’ and Operation 300bn.
Expansion Plans and Economic Impact
The proposed manufacturing platform will significantly enhance the UAE’s pharmaceutical production capacity across three key areas: vaccines, oncology, and advanced injectables. The facility is set to include a Dh300 million fill and finish plant for pediatric and adult vaccines, developed in collaboration with leading global pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, a Dh200 million segment will be dedicated to manufacturing cancer treatments, while another Dh200 million will focus on peptides, biologics, and critical injectables, which are currently in high global demand.
The economic implications of this initiative are substantial. The platform is expected to generate an estimated Dh2 billion impact on the UAE’s GDP over its operational lifecycle and create over 1,000 skilled jobs, particularly benefiting Emirati talent. Furthermore, it aims to reduce the UAE’s reliance on imported medicines, thereby enhancing local healthcare capabilities.
Vision for Localized Healthcare Solutions
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil emphasized the importance of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, stating, ‘LIFEPharma started with a simple question: why should medicines that UAE families rely on… be made thousands of miles away?’ This initiative aims to provide advanced treatments closer to home, particularly for families dealing with chronic conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease, which are prevalent in the region.
The establishment of this advanced manufacturing platform represents a critical move towards strengthening the UAE’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that essential medical treatments are readily available to the population. By investing in local production capabilities, the UAE aims to not only improve healthcare outcomes but also foster industrial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the MoU between LIFEPharma and AD Ports?
The MoU aims to establish a Dh700 million advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing platform in Abu Dhabi.
What are the key areas of focus for the new manufacturing platform?
The platform will focus on vaccines, oncology, and advanced injectables.
How will this initiative impact the UAE’s economy?
It is projected to generate a Dh2 billion impact on GDP and create over 1,000 jobs.
Why is local pharmaceutical manufacturing important for the UAE?
It reduces dependence on imported medicines and enhances local healthcare capabilities.
What is the significance of the Make it in the Emirates initiative?
It promotes local manufacturing and industrial diversification in the UAE.
