Eli Lilly and Mubadala Bio have announced a collaboration to localise the packaging and logistics of Lilly’s GLP-1 medicines in Abu Dhabi, with operations based at a 125,000 sqm facility in KEZAD that will combine packaging, warehousing and contract manufacturing capabilities.
The deal was announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026 and signed by Hamad Almarzooqi, Group Deputy CEO of Mubadala Bio, and Nabil Daoud, President and General Manager, Intercontinental, at Eli Lilly. The signing was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, among other senior officials.
“This agreement represents an important step in strengthening our long-term presence in the UAE and contributing to the continued development of its life sciences ecosystem. By bringing Lilly’s global medicines expertise together with Mubadala Bio’s capabilities, we have the opportunity to develop advanced pharmaceutical capabilities in the UAE, while continuing to support our shared ambition to improve health outcomes for patients,” Nabil Daoud, President and General Manager, Intercontinental Hub at Eli Lilly and Company said in a statement.
“The agreement with Lilly is a defining moment for Mubadala Bio. By signing this agreement we are placing the UAE at the forefront of global healthcare, strengthening the nation’s supply in key therapeutic areas and building capabilities that will serve our country for decades to come. It shows the confidence that one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies has in the UAE as a trusted partner and a base to serve the region and global markets. This is what it means to build a national life sciences champion: bringing world-class medicines closer to home, creating high-value jobs, and advancing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading global life sciences hub,” Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman of Mubadala Bio added.
“Scientific innovation has the greatest impact when it is supported by strong collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem. At Lilly, we work across markets with governments, healthcare systems and organizations that bring complementary expertise and capabilities, with a shared focus on translating innovation into meaningful progress for patients. Building these long-term relationships is fundamental to how we advance healthcare and create sustainable impact around the world,” Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President and President, Lilly International, Eli Lilly and Company further explained.
“To make safe and reliable medicines around the world. Lilly counts on strong partners like Mubadala Bio that are willing to share our commitment to innovation, safety and quality. The Mubadala Bio team shares our urgency to meeting patient demand and our responsibility to deliver high-quality medicines to the people who depend on them,” Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President, Lilly Manufacturing Operations said.
“Our ambition is to build a globally connected life sciences company from Abu Dhabi — one that partners with leading multinational pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative medicine, technologies and expertise to the UAE. By strictly applying best-in-class international quality, manufacturing and regulatory standards across our operations, we are strengthening the foundations of an internationally competitive pharmaceutical sector and advancing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading global life sciences hub,” Hamad AlMarzooqi, Group Deputy CEO at Mubadala Bio added.
The partnership sits within a broader pattern of GLP-1 drug access in the UAE. The Emirates Drug Establishment approved Lilly’s oral weight-loss drug Foundayo (orforglipron) on April 3, 2026, making the UAE the second country in the world to register the medicine.
The UAE was also an early launch market for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in August 2022, following US FDA approval. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health launched a Personalised Weight Management Program in June 2025 to support eligible patients.
Localised packaging and logistics activities under the new partnership will be introduced in phases, subject to technical, quality and regulatory requirements.
