The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has (DoH) launched operations at the region’s vaccine distribution hub.
Operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the hub was developed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, GSK, AD Ports Group, Etihad Cargo, and KEZAD Group. It designed to improve vaccine access across the region. It leverages Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, advanced cold-chain logistics infrastructure, and a regulatory environment.
Its opening follows an agreement signed between DoH and drugs firm GSK during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week in 2024 to establish regional vaccine distribution capabilities in the emirate. The facility becomes GSK’s first vaccine distribution centre in the Middle East and the fourth worldwide.
The hub’s activation also marks one of the first major operational milestones under HELM – Abu Dhabi’s Life Science Cluster, which was officially launched in April 2025 during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. HELM brings together government, industry, and academia to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in precision health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biopharma logistics.
DoH undersecretary Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, said: “More than a logistics milestone, this reflects our long-term vision to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted partner in global health where innovation and resilience translate into timely access and measurable public health impact. Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE’s leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare.”
The facility will manage a portfolio of more than 20 vaccines, supporting immunisation strategies across multiple markets. Designed for scalability, the hub can accommodate emerging vaccine technologies and increased regional demand.
GSK Gulf vice president and general manager, Boyd Chongphaisal, commented: “Through our strategic partnership with DoH and local stakeholders, we are combining scientific excellence with operational strength to ensure timely, efficient delivery of vaccines across the region. This initiative is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position in the global value chain, strengthening its role in global health and innovation.”
Rafed, the operator of the facility, has deployed advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies that preserve vaccine integrity and ensure end-to-end visibility throughout the logistics process. The hub is fully integrated with Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife network, which connects Abu Dhabi to more than 100 international destinations and offers time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical products.
Its chief executive, Mohammad Mustafa Saeed, added: “The launch of this regional vaccine distribution hub is a tangible expression of our strategy to strengthen health systems, improve access, and build resilience across borders. By deploying advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies, we are enabling real-time, end-to-end visibility. We remain focused on supporting governments and health partners with confidence and reliability to achieve better health outcomes for communities from Abu Dhabi across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.”
The facility is expected to distribute millions of doses annually, shortening delivery timelines across the region and improving the integrity of vaccine supply.
Etihad chief cargo officer, Stanislas Brun, said: “Our network and specialised PharmaLife product play a critical role in transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines reliably and efficiently across the region. We are proud to support Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global leader in life sciences and supply chain excellence.”