GSK opens vaccine distribution centre in Abu Dhabi

The British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company GSK has officially opened its new regional vaccine distribution centre in Abu Dhabi to serve the demand across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The announcement was made during the opening of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) on Tuesday (April 15).

Jonathan Symonds, Chairman of the Board of GSK, said, "The inauguration of our vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi is a key link in the global vaccine value chain. By merging our scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi’s logistical excellence and the strategic vision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, this hub will improve access to essential vaccines.”

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, brings together key partners including PureHealth’s Rafed, AD Ports Group’s Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Etihad Cargo. The launch of the vaccine hub follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and GSK during ADGHW 2024.

Located within KEZAD, the distribution centre is part of a 40,000-square-meter facility operated by Rafed, a leading healthcare procurement and logistics provider under PureHealth. With a storage capacity of 60,000 pallets, the centre is equipped to handle pharmaceutical products across a temperature range of 25°C to -80°C, supporting complex cold chain logistics.

“During the pandemic, we stored 200 million Covid-19 vaccines and delivered them to more than 40 countries,” said Theyab Rashed Al Mansoori, Chief Operating Officer of Rafed. “We did it once — now, with what we’ve learned, we’re making this the new norm.”

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is deeply aligned with Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambition to establish itself as a leading global hub for pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Through continued investment in world-class infrastructure, innovation, technology and strict adherence to international quality standards, we are committed to delivering the secure and seamless movement of critical pharmaceutical shipments across the globe, supporting better health outcomes for communities worldwide.”

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi emphasised the strategic significance of the new facility, highlighting improved access to life-saving vaccines, enhanced regional healthcare resilience, and the emirate’s growing appeal to global pharmaceutical companies.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, "Through this collaboration, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its role as a trusted global partner in public health, enabling faster access to life-saving vaccines and strengthening our readiness for tomorrow’s challenges.

“Abu Dhabi sits at the crossroads of East and West,” said Mohammed Al-Bitar, Advisor at the Department’s Research and Innovation Center. “With our advanced logistics infrastructure, cold chain capabilities, and strong collaboration among local partners, we’re making vaccine and pharma distribution seamless. We’re seeing increased interest from global companies to make Abu Dhabi their distribution hub — and even their future manufacturing base.”