Prime Highlights
- Abu Dhabi KEZAD-based vaccine distribution hub has officially launched with the first batch of shipments.
- The facility, which was created in collaboration with GSK, is a key pillar of HELM Life Science Cluster.
Key Fact
- The hub is capable of accommodating over 20 types of vaccines with cold-chain and smart tracking technology.
- Seamlessly integrated within Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife network, it connects to 100+ global destinations for timely medical deliveries.
Key Background
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the opening of operations of the regional vaccine distribution hub at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). The opening comes on the heels of its first official vaccine deliveries, marking the operational inauguration of regionally significant healthcare logistics hub. The hub is part of wider public-private initiative towards improved healthcare provision and vaccine availability for the Middle East and beyond.
Designed in collaboration with international pharma giant GSK, the first regional distribution center for GSK in the Middle East and only the fourth in the world, the project was launched during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2024 through an MoU signing between DoH and GSK facilitated by a number of partners like ADIO, Etihad Cargo, KEZAD Group, and AD Ports. Operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the hub is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s larger HELM initiative—a life science cluster launched to stimulate investment in biopharma and advanced health technologies.
This cutting-edge vaccine center boasts sophisticated temperature-controlled equipment and real-time monitoring facilities, which are capable of processing more than 20 infant and adult vaccine types. Completely integrated with the PharmaLife network of Etihad Cargo, it provides temperature-sensitive, compliant pharma delivery to more than 100 global destinations.
Health authorities have gone on record to say that this hub is not a logistics warehouse but rather a regional health security asset. It has end-to-end visibility, quality control, and rapid delivery, making it capable of supporting stable supply chains and equitable vaccine distribution. The facility is designed to scale with future vaccine innovation, as well as growing regional demand.
