Poto Crdit : WAM
Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a regional healthcare innovation hub after the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) signed a new partnership with Sanofi to advance vaccine research and explore the development of a Vaccine Innovation Centre in the emirate.
The agreement was announced during the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego and builds on an earlier strategic collaboration launched between both parties in 2025.
The proposed centre will focus on next-generation vaccine technologies, including artificial intelligence-powered vaccine discovery, mRNA research, immunology, clinical development and manufacturing. The initiative aims to improve regional and global readiness for future public health challenges.
The partnership will operate under Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster, an integrated life sciences ecosystem designed to bring together scientific research, academic expertise, clinical infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and regulatory support.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said the collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building an ecosystem where healthcare innovators can develop and scale solutions that improve lives and strengthen preparedness.
She highlighted that combining AI, research and manufacturing within one ecosystem would help speed up the transition from discovery to real-world healthcare impact.
Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Vaccines, Greater Gulf at Sanofi, said vaccine innovation is being transformed by AI and mRNA breakthroughs, adding that the partnership could help accelerate access to advanced vaccines and strengthen preparedness for future health risks.
The planned centre is also expected to support the development of local scientific talent and expand Abu Dhabi’s advanced life sciences manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing its growing contribution to global health security.
