The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has partnered with Sanofi, a leading biopharmaceutical company, to develop new global vaccines and enhance vaccine manufacturing capabilities in the region. This collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed at the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, USA. Attendees at the signing included Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Laurie Gery, Global Head of Business Development, Vaccines at Sanofi.

The partnership aims to utilize Abu Dhabi’s health-tech ecosystem and advanced research infrastructure alongside Sanofi’s research and development expertise. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s objective to position the emirate as a significant center for bio- and pharmaceutical innovation. Both organizations will work together to improve regulatory processes, enhance manufacturing readiness, and promote knowledge sharing among local and international experts.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, stated that the collaboration aims to speed up the development of new global vaccines. She emphasized that this initiative seeks to reduce the timeline from early research to public availability by leveraging advanced technologies, real-time data analysis, and conducting parallel clinical trial phases.

She further noted, “By combining Sanofi’s global scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, we set new benchmarks for resilience, innovation and international partnerships. Abu Dhabi offers a globally connected, purpose-driven environment for leading research, and together we will drive transformative change that will safeguard the health and well-being of our community while contributing to global health security.”

In addition to vaccine development, DoH and Sanofi are collaborating in other healthcare areas. In 2022, the two entities agreed to focus on four strategic healthcare priorities, which include hematology and oncology, rare metabolic diseases, diabetes management, and vaccines.

Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Sanofi, expressed that the memorandum signed with DoH is a positive step towards enhancing global health security. He highlighted their mutual interest in addressing global health challenges through scientific partnerships and noted that this agreement would allow them to explore how Sanofi’s vaccine development experience could benefit Abu Dhabi’s expanding research and development ecosystem.