Saudi Arabia commits $1.3 billion to biotech, launches Gulf's biggest vaccine plant

Following a summit in Riyadh, Saudi officials unveiled a $1.3 billion package of biotech deals, highlighted by a $130 million vaccine manufacturing plant slated to become the Gulf's biggest. The effort builds on recent moves that attracted global pharma giants such as Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson and Novo to set up regional headquarters in the capital. Neighboring Gulf states, including Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, are also investing in AI-driven drug discovery. Saudi authorities aim to expand capabilities in disease modeling, treatment design, clinical trials and local talent development, according to Bandar Alknawy of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs.