Eli Lilly and Company and Mubadala Bio announced on 20 October 2026 a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing the localized packaging and logistics of Lilly’s GLP-1 medicines in Abu Dhabi. The companies said the agreement is intended to strengthen pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, packaging and logistics capabilities in the UAE.
The partnership was announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit (ADFHS) 2026, where it was presented by Hamad Almarzooqi, Group Deputy CEO of Mubadala Bio, and Nabil Daoud, President and General Manager, Intercontinental for Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly and Mubadala Bio said the signing was witnessed by officials including H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman of Mubadala Bio, and Tayllit Aherdan, Vice President and General Manager for Lilly Gulf.
Under the collaboration, Lilly said it will bring what it describes as global expertise in discovering, developing and delivering medicines, while Mubadala Bio will contribute capabilities through its integrated life sciences platform and international footprint. The companies stated their goal is to build advanced pharmaceutical capabilities in Abu Dhabi and enhance links across the global value chain.
Facilities planned at KEZAD site
The announcement said the effort will be supported by a 125,000 sqm site in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi. According to the companies, the site will include packaging and warehousing facilities designed to support pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, packaging and logistics, as well as serving global industry partners from the UAE.
The firms also stated that localized packaging and logistics activities will be introduced in phases and will be subject to applicable technical, quality and regulatory requirements.
Link to UAE medicines approvals and programs
Lilly and Mubadala Bio framed the deal as part of broader UAE efforts on access to innovative medicines and healthcare programs. The release pointed to an Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) approval on 3 April 2026 for Foundayo (orforglipron) for chronic weight management, described as making the UAE the second country globally to register the medicine.
The companies said treatment in Abu Dhabi was introduced for eligible patients under the Personalized Weight Management Program, launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) in June 2025. They also noted that the UAE was an early launch market for Mounjaro (tirzepetide) in August 2022 following US FDA approval.
Statements from company leaders
Nabil Daoud said the agreement represents an important step in strengthening Lilly’s long-term presence in the UAE and developing advanced pharmaceutical capabilities, adding that the companies aim to continue supporting improvements in health outcomes for patients.
Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman of Mubadala Bio, described the deal as a defining moment, saying it reflects confidence in the UAE as a trusted partner and base to serve the region and global markets. Mubadala Bio’s leadership said the collaboration is intended to build capabilities that can serve the country for decades.
Lilly executives also said the company relies on collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem. In the release, Patrik Jonsson said long-term relationships with governments and healthcare systems are described as fundamental to advancing healthcare and creating sustainable impact, while Edgardo Hernandez emphasized the role of partners in ensuring safe and reliable medicine production.
Hamad Almarzooqi said Mubadala Bio’s ambition is to build a globally connected life sciences company from Abu Dhabi and highlighted an approach that applies international quality, manufacturing and regulatory standards.
