Pharma Logistics Winter University concluded its inaugural session in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together over 40 participants, including students from the University of Antwerp. It also featured Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife Champions and key representatives from dnata and Kuehne+Nagel.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Etihad Cargo, Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp, and Khalifa University co-founded the event. It featured an immersive five-day programme designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.
The programme was held from 3–7 February 2025 at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi. It blended academic instruction with practical site visits. These included tours of RAFED, ADCAN Pharma, and Etihad Cargo’s state-of-the-art pharma hub at Zayed International Airport. Participants gained first-hand insights into the region’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem. They also explored the latest innovations in pharma supply chain solutions.
The programme featured a comprehensive series of sessions covering key aspects of pharmaceutical logistics. Participants explored the patient-centric healthcare ecosystem and gained insights into the roles of supply chain stakeholders and logistics modes. Sessions highlighted the UAE’s significant investments in life sciences infrastructure, cold chain management monitoring, and advanced control tower technologies. Other key topics included the latest developments in the UAE and global life sciences sectors. It also covered quality management practices and logistics certification processes. The discussion also covered the complexities of distribution, warehousing, and last-mile logistics.
Emerging areas like cell and gene therapy, oncology, and vaccines received special focus. This reflects their growing importance in shaping the future of pharma logistics. Participants who successfully completed the programme earned 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTS). They also received a micro-credential certificate, reinforcing their academic and professional credentials.
The Pharma Logistics Winter University provided a unique platform for students, management trainees, and junior professionals. They addressed real-world logistics challenges through workshops, case studies, and expert-led discussions. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing were at the forefront. This reinforced the programme’s mission to drive innovation and inspire future leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, reflected on the success of the program and its long-term vision, stating: “With this inaugural edition, we have seen firsthand the value of industry-academic collaboration in preparing the next generation of pharma logistics leaders. By bringing together academic institutions, industry experts, and young talent, we are not only addressing current workforce challenges but also equipping the sector with highly skilled professionals who can navigate its evolving complexities. As a global collaborative platform, Pharma.Aero is committed to strengthening and expanding this initiative in the years ahead, fostering innovation, driving sustained impact, and further solidifying a worldwide network of expertise.”
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said:“The successful completion of the programme reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing healthcare logistics and innovation in pharmaceutical supply chains. As the healthcare sector regulator, we proudly support initiatives that strengthen the Emirate’s position as a global leader in life sciences. Now set to become an annual event, we look forward to continuing our role in shaping the future of pharma logistics. By equipping professionals with the expertise to drive advancements in critical areas like cold chain management, cell and gene therapy, and oncology, we reaffirm our commitment to a resilient, forward-thinking healthcare ecosystem”
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is proud to have co-founded the Pharma Logistics Winter University. This initiative highlights the carrier’s commitment to developing the next generation of pharmaceutical logistics leaders and driving innovation in cold chain management. Etihad Cargo remains dedicated to collaborating with industry partners to support Abu Dhabi’s development as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences.”
Professor Dr Roel Gevaers, Chair of the Pharma Logistics Winter University, commented: “As Chair of the Pharma Logistics Winter University, I am extremely proud of the very first edition held in Abu Dhabi. This event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our key partners: Pharma.Aero, Etihad Cargo, the Department of Health, Khalifa University, and Rafed. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with an approval rating of 5.97 out of 6 on content and organization, confirms the event’s success. As a result, we have signed an MOU with all involved parties to continue organizing the Pharma Logistics Winter University until at least 2030, ensuring a lasting impact on pharma logistics education and innovation in the UAE.”
Professor Ernesto Damiani, Dean, College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Director, Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), Khalifa University, added: “The Pharma Logistics Winter University was a key opportunity to bring advanced topics in pharma logistics to the attention of international practitioners and decision makers. I am proud of the contributions of Khalifa University’s top AI and cybersecurity experts to the Pharma Logistics Winter School’s team effort of advancing pharma logistics technology and ensuring security in pharma management. Even more, I enjoyed the quality of the interaction with the participants, achieving a benchmark for industry excellence.”
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The week-long programme culminated in a gala event. The event celebrated an incredible week of learning, collaboration, and innovation in the pharma logistics industry. The gala brought together industry leaders, academics, and regulators, and was also attended by special guests Consul Sarah Gerard from the Embassy of Belgium and Samer Al Zamil, Chief Commercial Officer at RAFED UAE. Participants were awarded certificates for successfully completing the five-day programme.
Looking ahead, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been announced. It will continue hosting the Pharma Logistics Winter University annually in Abu Dhabi for the next five years. The programme plans to expand to accommodate up to 80 participants and develop a full-year master’s programme within two years. The future of pharma logistics education in Abu Dhabi looks brighter than ever.
The success of this year’s programme further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences. It is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.
Pharma Logistics Winter University (PLWU) will be held from 3-7 February 2025, supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi. This transformative initiative aims to cultivate future global leaders in pharmaceutical logistics through a comprehensive and immersive five-day programme tailored for regional and international students, management trainees and junior professionals.
This pioneering programme is co-founded by Etihad Cargo, Pharma.Aero, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the University of Antwerp, and Khalifa University. Together, these partners bring unmatched expertise to create a platform that bridges academic learning with industry application. Abu Dhabi’s central location ensures access to global and regional markets, fostering an environment where innovation and talent flourish.
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global hub for life sciences and healthcare, driven by its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and visionary investments. The Pharma Logistics Winter University builds on the success of the 2022 edition of the Pharma Logistics Masterclass, also held in Abu Dhabi. While the Masterclass focuses on specialized industry-level knowledge and senior professionals, the PLWU will be an annual initiative hosted exclusively in Abu Dhabi, offering a dedicated platform for developing young talent, students and management trainees within pharmaceutical logistics. This new programme complements the Pharma Logistics Masterclass by providing a more structured, immersive educational experience that addresses the emirate’s broader vision of creating a thriving healthcare and life sciences ecosystem. By integrating academic and practical training, talent retention and innovation, the Pharma Logistics Winter University complements the emirate’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the sector.
Designed to bridge academic learning with industry application, the Winter University delivers both industry-relevant insights and a high level of expertise. Students and professionals will evaluate cutting-edge technological advancements shaping pharma logistics. During the five-day immersive programme, participants will learn to identify and address the challenges of managing pharmaceutical products, optimize logistics networks for timely and safe deliveries, and develop risk mitigation strategies. They will explore the crucial role of cold chain management, assess best practices, and analyze successful and unsuccessful case studies to extract key lessons. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to evaluate the latest innovations and technological advancements shaping the future of pharma logistics.
The Winter University offers participants:
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General at Pharma.Aero, said: “Pharma.Aero, as a permanent business partner together with the University of Antwerp, welcomes Khalifa University, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, to announce its strong support for the inaugural PLWU, set to launch in early February 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
“This international initiative unites academic students, post-graduates and young professionals in a unique program designed to identify emerging talent and foster long-term job retention across the pharma logistics industry. By emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and internal multidisciplinary synergy — the very essence of Pharma.Aero’s mission — this programme sets a new standard for professional development in the field. Through strategic support of our members such as Etihad Cargo and by advocating for the evolving needs of the industry, Pharma.Aero reaffirms its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and talent development on a global scale,” Van Gelder added.
H.E. Dr. Rashed Alsuwaidi, the Acting Director General of Healthcare Regulatory at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “The inaugural of Winter University reinforces Abu Dhabi’s dedication to driving innovation and nurturing future leaders in unique fields, specifically pharmaceutical logistics. As the healthcare sector regulator, we proudly support initiatives that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare and life sciences. This programme aligns with our vision of fostering a resilient and forward-thinking health ecosystem by equipping professionals with the tools to drive meaningful change and addressing critical challenges like cold chain logistics.”
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is proud to co-found this transformative programme, which reflects the carrier’s dedication to fostering innovation and talent in pharmaceutical logistics. Through collaboration with industry-leading partners, Etihad Cargo aims to support Abu Dhabi’s development as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences and ensure the right talent is in place for the future.”
Professor Dr Roel Gevaers, Professor at the University of Antwerp and Chair of the Pharma Logistics Winter University, said: “After the very successful Pharma Logistics Masterclass in Abu Dhabi in 2022, I am very proud that we will organize the first-ever Pharma Logistics Winter University in Abu Dhabi in February 2025. This winter University is a formal course worth three lecture credits and is addressed to Master’s and Bachelor’s students and Management Trainees. This course again underlines the strong relationship between Belgium and Abu Dhabi and their value as powerhouses of pharma knowledge worldwide. We are also very proud as University of Antwerp that this course is not a one-time event: It will be organized yearly in Abu Dhabi.”
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Professor Ernesto Damiani, Dean, College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Director, Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), Khalifa University, said: “As a leading research-intensive higher education institution focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, Khalifa University is pleased to collaborate with partners in Europe and in the UAE to host the immersive 5-day Winter University. The initiative is in line with the UAE’s vision to create a life sciences and healthcare ecosystem and Khalifa University’s mandate to develop human capital that will be crucial to the country and the region in this field. We believe the expertise and the synergy resulting from this industry-academia collaboration will benefit the larger global community in general.”
The participants will earn 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTs) and a micro-credential certificate upon successfully completing the programme, reinforcing their academic and professional credentials. The programme is open to master’s students, junior professionals, and management trainees from diverse fields such as supply chain, transportation, and pharmacy.
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