Abu Dhabi to open pharma hub with MSD, DSV and RAFED

Abu Dhabi is set to establish a regional pharmaceutical logistics hub to store and distribute medicines and vaccines across the UAE and more than 10 markets in the Middle East and Africa. The facility, expected to begin operations in January 2027, will be developed through a partnership between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), MSD, DSV and RAFED.

Located in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), the hub will support the re-export and regional distribution of medicines and vaccines from MSD’s portfolio. It will bring specialised warehousing and logistics operations together to improve the movement of pharmaceutical products across regional markets.

DSV will operate the facility in line with MSD’s logistics, safety and quality standards, while RAFED will provide warehousing infrastructure. The hub’s capabilities are expected to expand through 2027.

The facility is intended to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, improve distribution efficiency and support the reliable supply of medicines and vaccines across the region. Its location in Abu Dhabi will connect global pharmaceutical supply with markets across the Middle East and Africa.

Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: “Ensuring reliable access to medicines and vaccines is fundamental to continuity of care and a resilient healthcare system.”