LIFEPharma Unveils AED 700 Million Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Platform in Abu Dhabi

Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

LIFEPharma, the UAE’s sole USFDA-approved pharmaceutical manufacturer and part of VPS Health, has revealed plans for an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing platform valued at AED 700 million. This announcement occurred during the inaugural day of Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026, following a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with AD Ports, the parent company of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). The signing ceremony featured prominent figures including Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of VPS Health.

The MoU represents a pivotal step towards launching the KEZAD manufacturing platform, with LIFEPharma at the forefront of technical, regulatory, and commercial development. AD Ports will play a crucial role as the preferred industrial partner, facilitating access to essential land, infrastructure, utilities, and government coordination. This collaboration is designed to bolster the UAE’s industrial diversification agenda, enhance healthcare resilience, and align with the nation’s ‘Make in the Emirates’ vision, while promoting globally competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in accordance with Operation 300bn.

Expanding Production Capacity Across Key Areas

The new KEZAD platform is set to significantly augment UAE-based production capacity across three vital streams: vaccines, oncology, and advanced injectables. The project will include a AED 300 million fill-and-finish facility dedicated to pediatric and adult vaccines, developed in collaboration with leading global pharmaceutical firms. Additionally, there will be a AED 200 million segment focused on manufacturing cancer treatments, alongside another AED 200 million allocated for producing peptides, biologics, and critical injectables that are experiencing strong global demand.

The overall impact of this platform is anticipated to be substantial, with projections estimating a contribution of AED 2 billion to the GDP over its lifecycle and the creation of over 1,000 skilled jobs, including opportunities for Emirati talent. This initiative aims to reduce the UAE’s reliance on imported medicines, thereby enhancing local healthcare capabilities.

Supporting the UAE’s Industrial Strategy

In conjunction with the platform announcement, LIFEPharma formalized a strategic financing agreement with Ajman Bank, which will provide essential funding for the project and its priority development programs. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader industrial strategy that prioritizes pharmaceuticals as a key sector, aiming for a significant increase in the industry’s contribution to the national GDP by 2031. The KEZAD platform further consolidates the integrated healthcare and pharmaceutical capabilities being developed across Burjeel Holdings and the wider VPS Health portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new LIFEPharma platform?

The platform aims to enhance local pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imported medicines.

How much is the KEZAD manufacturing platform estimated to cost?

The proposed platform is valued at AED 700 million.

What are the main areas of production for the new platform?

The platform will focus on vaccines, oncology treatments, and advanced injectables.

How many jobs is the project expected to create?

The initiative is projected to create over 1,000 skilled jobs.

Which financial institution is supporting the project?

Ajman Bank has formalized a strategic financing agreement with LIFEPharma for the project.