Abu Dhabi's Department Of Health Forms Strategic Partnership To Enhance Precision Medicine And Healthcare Innovation

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has partnered with several institutions to advance healthcare through precision medicine. This collaboration involves PureHealth, Khalifa University, Illumina, M42, the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The agreement was formalised during the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei from DoH highlighted Abu Dhabi's leadership in transforming health systems using science and technology. "Abu Dhabi is leading the transformation of health systems by harnessing science, technology, and genomics to build a future-ready model of care," she stated. The initiative aims to position the Emirate as a global life sciences hub by advancing precision health.

This partnership will focus on creating genomic infrastructure and health programmes tailored for Emirati populations. It will also support research in advanced therapeutics like gene therapy and cell-based treatments. The integration of precision medicine into clinical practice through pharmacogenomics and genome testing is a key goal.

Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi from PureHealth expressed pride in this collaboration. "We are proud to be part of this landmark partnership, which represents a significant step forward in transforming precision medicine from concept to clinical reality," he said. This effort aims to make personalised care accessible across the UAE.

The collaboration will also develop AI and digital platforms for genomic data analysis. Education pathways will be established to nurture local expertise in genomic medicine. Professor Bayan Sharif from Khalifa University emphasised their commitment to innovation that aligns with national priorities.

Jacob Thaysen of Illumina believes genomic technology can transform healthcare. "At Illumina, we believe that genomic technology has the power to revolutionise healthcare," he noted. The partnership seeks to integrate genomic insights into patient care for improved outcomes.

Advancing Healthcare Innovation

M42's Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi highlighted their role in advancing precision healthcare by integrating genomics and AI. This collaboration supports Abu Dhabi’s vision for a healthier future through predictive and personalised care.

Fabio Piano from NYU Abu Dhabi reiterated their dedication to innovative research in life sciences. He stated that this partnership exemplifies their commitment to tackling complex health challenges through collaborative efforts.

Commitment to Longevity Medicine

Dr. Nicole Sirotin from IHLAD spoke about contributing to new standards in longevity medicine through advanced diagnostics and lifestyle interventions. "As the world's first regulated longevity medicine facility, we aim to contribute to establishing new global standards in healthy longevity medicine," she said.

This agreement aligns with DoH’s vision of creating an intelligent healthcare system driven by genomic science and AI-powered insights, particularly focusing on oncology, rare genetic diseases, and metabolic disorders.

With inputs from WAM