Abu Dhabi:Minister of State Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, who also serves as Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), recently met with Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering and Co-founder and Chairman of Moderna. Their discussions centered on investment and cooperation opportunities in the advanced pharmaceutical industries.

According to Emirates News Agency, this meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States. It aims to enhance collaboration with the private sector and global companies, particularly in priority sectors such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Discussions included topics on research and development, knowledge exchange, and bolstering pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in the UAE. The parties also focused on supporting research and clinical trials to broaden the UAE's scientific and industrial base.

They explored potential partnerships that would leverage Moderna's scientific and technological strengths alongside the UAE's competitive business environment. This initiative seeks to attract significant investments that will spur the pharmaceutical sector's growth and contribute to the development of advanced therapeutic solutions.

Al Hajeri highlighted the UAE's favorable conditions for global pharmaceutical companies, including advanced infrastructure, supportive regulatory frameworks, and investment incentives. He emphasized that these factors enhance the country's appeal for knowledge-based and technology-driven projects.

He further stated that developing national capabilities is a priority for advancing the UAE's pharmaceutical sector. International partnerships are seen as a means to build sustainable expertise, expand Emirati talent, and improve the UAE's standing in pharmaceuticals and life sciences.