Naser Al Yammahi, Deputy CEO of Hayat Biotech, has been honoured with the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award by His Excellency Li Quang, the Prime Minister of China.
The award, the highest accolade established by the Chinese Government for foreign dignitaries, acknowledges Al Yammahi's contributions to fostering close collaboration between the UAE and China. The award has been granted to Al Yammahi for his contributions in the healthcare and industrial sectors, as well as his commitment to the international relationship between the two nations.
Among his notable contributions, Al Yammahi played a pivotal role in the introduction of the first Covid-19 inactivated vaccine in the Arab world. This significant milestone was the result of a collaborative effort between the UAE and China’s Sinopharm, involving one of the largest clinical trials globally. Al Yammahi, as part of the leadership team, played a significant role in this project; where close and effective strategic collaboration with Chinese counterparts ensured this monumental milestones success.
Al Yammahi's achievement marks him as the second UAE National to receive the Chinese Government's Friendship Award, continuing the tradition set forth by Hayat Biotech's Senior Consultant, Dr Nawla Al Kaabi. Renowned for his visionary leadership, Al Yammahi has been recognised globally, featured among Forbes' top 100 healthcare leaders in the MENA region and ranked third in Arabian Business' list of visionary leaders in the MENA healthcare sector.
Al Yammahi said: "I am truly honoured to receive this award, which represents the highlight of my career. This achievement is the culmination of the collective efforts of the amazing team I have had the privilege to work closely with. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Government for bestowing this great honour upon me, and I am grateful to the UAE’s wise leadership for entrusting me with the opprotunities that have made achieving this prestigous award possible.”
With 15 years of industrial experience in building strategic international partnerships, Al Yammahi emphasises the critical importance of close collaboration.
Al Yammahi said: "Given the UAE's expansive global reach, it is imperative to further strengthen bilateral ties. The recent signing of a Twin City agreement between Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen underscores the growing closeness between the two nations on various levels. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards enhanced cooperation and mutual benefit between the two nations, aligning with our mission and vision to support the UAE's transformative healthcare drive.”
