Abu Dhabi, UAE – As public health challenges grow more complex, so does the need for collaboration between government, industry, and communities. In the Middle East, Gilead Sciences is leading this effort by combining cutting-edge medical research with strategic partnerships and digital innovation.
In an exclusive interview, Vítor Papão, General Manager for the Middle East, Russia, and Türkiye at Gilead Sciences, sheds light on the company’s recent agreements with UAE authorities, the evolving role of public-private partnerships, and how Gilead is adapting global expertise to meet local needs.
Strengthening Clinical Research and Access through Strategic UAE Partnerships
Gilead’s recent Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi are designed to tackle critical public health issues—especially in virology and advanced oncology, including CAR T-cell therapies.
“These agreements aim to expand clinical research capacity, improve early diagnosis through data-driven strategies, and enhance access to next-generation treatments,” Papão explained. The MoUs reflect a shared vision to position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for medical innovation, building on Gilead’s ongoing partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) through initiatives like the MAAK Access Program, active since 2015.
Public-Private Collaboration as a Catalyst for Regional Innovation
Papão emphasized that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are central to accelerating medical innovation. “They enhance research infrastructure, increase clinical trial readiness, and ensure equitable access to therapies,” he noted.
In Saudi Arabia, Gilead has worked with top institutions including National Guard Health Affairs and King Faisal Specialist Hospital to advance research in virology and cell therapy. These partnerships not only accelerate timelines for treatment development but also create sustainable healthcare platforms for long-term regional impact.
UAE as a Regional Pioneer in Healthcare Transformation
The UAE’s proactive health policies and digital infrastructure make it a strategic partner in Gilead’s regional operations. The recent MoU with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) specifically targets diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, focusing on early diagnosis, prevention, and integrated care models.
“Rather than simply adopting innovation, the UAE is shaping how infectious disease care is delivered—proactively, equitably, and sustainably,” Papão said. Through awareness campaigns and scalable screening solutions, Abu Dhabi is piloting models that could be replicated across the region.
Prioritizing HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Oncology
Gilead continues to focus on diseases where scientific breakthroughs are urgently needed. In HIV, the company has introduced 11 antiretroviral therapies across the region and supported campaigns like “Behind the Myths” and “Ana Faisal” in Saudi Arabia.
In the UAE, Gilead has sponsored CME-accredited training for HIV PrEP and co-authored a regional call-to-action on integrating PrEP into national frameworks. Events like the 9th HIV Summit in Dubai brought together over 130 specialists to discuss advancements in screening, treatment, and care linkage.
On the oncology front, Gilead and its subsidiary Kite Pharma are preparing the UAE’s infrastructure for CAR T-cell therapies, integrating them into existing hematology and cancer treatment pathways.
In viral hepatitis, Gilead has led regional forums with hepatologists and public health experts to exchange data and strategies for the elimination of HBV, HCV, and HDV, and co-developed regional guidance for Hepatitis Delta diagnosis.
Adapting Global Capabilities to Local Needs
Gilead’s global R&D ambitions include delivering 10 transformative therapies by 2030, and the company has already launched over 55 products in the Middle East. But adaptation begins with listening.
“We invest in local training and awareness programs such as ‘Ready to be Cured’ for HCV and ‘HIV STAR,’ which educates frontline physicians in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar,” Papão said.
The focus is on ensuring innovation reaches the right patients, with attention to access gaps, education, and system readiness.
Policy Alignment for Faster, Fairer Healthcare Access
Papão stressed that policy alignment across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is vital to speed up drug approvals, clinical trials, and data-sharing frameworks.
At the HIV Screening and Linkage to Care (SLTC) workshop earlier this year, Gilead brought together stakeholders from across the region to propose integrating HIV screening into emergency, antenatal, and pre-marital health checks, along with expanding self-testing and revisiting consent laws.
“These are actionable strategies grounded in the region’s cultural and regulatory landscape,” Papão said. “They are not theoretical—they are meant to be implemented.”
The Growing Role of AI and Digital Tools
Emerging technologies are already reshaping Gilead’s regional efforts. Campaigns like Ana Faisal have leveraged AI-powered digital storytelling, while digital tools are being deployed to support self-testing, treatment adherence, and remote care.
“As electronic health records and national data platforms evolve, we can leverage real-world evidence to guide care more precisely,” Papão noted. “It’s not about using tech for tech’s sake. It’s about using digital tools to make healthcare more connected, earlier, and more resilient.”
Conclusion: A Future Built on Partnership and Innovation
With a strategic focus on the UAE and surrounding markets, Gilead’s work underscores the importance of local collaboration, policy innovation, and technology-enabled solutions in driving public health outcomes.
“We’re here for the long term,” Papão concluded. “By working together with governments, communities, and healthcare providers, we can transform not only how diseases are treated—but how health systems prepare for the future.”
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