Eli Lilly and Mubadala Bio Announce Landmark Partnership to Expand Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a global life sciences hub as Eli Lilly and Mubadala Bio announce a strategic partnership to localise packaging and logistics for GLP-1 medicines in the UAE.
Announced on 20 October 2026 at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit (ADFHS), the agreement marks a significant step towards expanding pharmaceutical capabilities, improving medicine supply security and attracting international healthcare investment to the emirate.
Lilly and Mubadala Bio to Develop Pharmaceutical Capabilities in Abu Dhabi
The collaboration brings together Eli Lilly’s global pharmaceutical expertise and Mubadala Bio’s integrated life sciences infrastructure to establish advanced packaging and logistics operations in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership will be supported by a 125,000-square-metre site in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), featuring pharmaceutical packaging and warehousing facilities.
These facilities will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s contract manufacturing and pharmaceutical logistics capabilities while supporting international pharmaceutical partners operating from the UAE.
The companies plan to introduce localised packaging and logistics activities in phases, subject to technical, quality and regulatory approvals.
Supporting GLP-1 Medicines and Weight Management Treatments
A key focus of the agreement is supporting the packaging and logistics of Lilly’s GLP-1 medicines, which are used in metabolic health and weight management.
The UAE has already emerged as an early market for innovative weight management treatments.
In April 2026, the Emirates Drug Establishment approved Foundayo (orforglipron) for chronic weight management, making the UAE the second country globally to register the medicine.
Abu Dhabi also introduced the treatment for eligible patients through its Personalised Weight Management Programme, launched by the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre in June 2025.
Previously, the UAE was among the early markets to introduce Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in August 2022, following its US FDA approval.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Life Sciences Industry
The partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to become an internationally competitive pharmaceutical and biotechnology centre.
By expanding local pharmaceutical infrastructure, the agreement aims to:
- Strengthen the UAE’s pharmaceutical supply security.
- Expand local packaging, logistics and contract manufacturing capabilities.
- Attract global pharmaceutical investment and expertise.
- Support high-value employment opportunities in life sciences.
- Position Abu Dhabi as a pharmaceutical hub serving regional and international markets.
Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman of Mubadala Bio, described the agreement as a defining moment for the company, highlighting its potential to strengthen national pharmaceutical capabilities and bring innovative medicines closer to patients.
Nabil Daoud, President and General Manager, Intercontinental Hub at Eli Lilly, also emphasised the importance of combining global pharmaceutical expertise with local infrastructure to support the UAE’s growing healthcare ecosystem.
Abu Dhabi’s Growing Role in Global Healthcare
With investments in biotechnology, pharmaceutical infrastructure and personalised healthcare, Abu Dhabi continues to develop its position in the global life sciences industry.
The Lilly-Mubadala Bio collaboration represents another step in this direction, connecting international pharmaceutical innovation with local industrial capabilities.
As operations are introduced in phases, the partnership is expected to contribute to the UAE’s long-term pharmaceutical development and its ambition to become a leading international centre for healthcare innovation.
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