Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity, And Medicine Cluster Launched To Boost Life Sciences Ecosystem

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has endorsed the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster. This initiative is led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The cluster aims to enhance Abu Dhabi’s life sciences ecosystem, establishing it as a leader in medical innovation and biotechnology.

The HELM cluster was introduced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025. It will function as a comprehensive platform for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation in biotechnology. The focus will be on creating new medicines and digital health solutions. By fostering pharmaceutical manufacturing and establishing an AI hub, the cluster aims to attract global healthcare companies in advanced medical technologies.

The HELM cluster is expected to significantly boost Abu Dhabi's economy. It is projected to contribute over AED94 billion to the GDP and attract investments exceeding AED42 billion by 2045. Additionally, it aims to create around 30,000 new jobs. This initiative supports the emirate's economic diversification while solidifying its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, stated that the HELM cluster represents a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi’s economic strategy. He emphasised that it reinforces their commitment to fostering an ecosystem where scientific research intersects with commercial viability. "The cluster will provide global and local stakeholders with a wide range of solutions," he said.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi highlighted that this initiative marks a significant advancement in global healthcare delivery. He noted that they are investing not only in infrastructure but also in human potential and breakthroughs that redefine longevity. "This is where innovation meets impact," he remarked.

Badr Al Olama from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office described the HELM cluster as transformative for the life sciences industry. He mentioned that it removes barriers and accelerates breakthroughs by offering world-class infrastructure and AI-driven research. "More than an investment in healthcare," he added, "our cluster partners are investing in the future."

Building on Previous Successes

The HELM cluster follows other successful initiatives by ADIO aimed at diversifying Abu Dhabi's economy. These include the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster launched in 2023 and the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster introduced in 2024. These clusters address future mobility platforms and global food security challenges respectively.

With this new launch, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its dedication to advancing life sciences and biotechnology on a global scale. By integrating advanced scientific research into its ecosystem, it reshapes healthcare while providing innovative solutions to both regional and international challenges.

With inputs from WAM