Fact Accreditation For Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre And Yas Clinic Khalifa City Recognises Comprehensive ADBMT Program

The Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant (ADBMT) Program, led by Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) and Yas Clinic Khalifa City, has secured accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). The recognition confirms full compliance with FACT–JACIE International Standards across transplant and cellular therapy services in Abu Dhabi.

This accreditation means the ADBMT Program is currently the only programme in the Middle East accredited for the complete set of these specialised cellular therapy services. It also reinforces ADSCC’s designation by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a Centre of Excellence for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, highlighting strong regulatory and clinical alignment.

Under the ADBMT Program, FACT accreditation covers adult and paediatric services, including both allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation. The scope spans immune effector cellular therapy, marrow cellular therapy product collection, and advanced laboratory processing activities undertaken at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre Processing and MTM laboratory.

Collection activities inspected under the accreditation include marrow product collection for direct administration and for further manufacturing, as well as apheresis-based cellular therapy product collection for similar uses. FACT has also approved cellular therapy product processing at ADSCC when minimal manipulation is required and when more complex, higher-level manipulation is performed for clinical or manufacturing needs.

FACT surveyors conducted an on-site review at ADSCC and Yas Clinic Khalifa City before granting accreditation. The assessment examined documentation, quality systems, and operational procedures, alongside a full inspection of facilities. Compliance was measured not only against FACT standards but also against U.S. FDA Good Tissue Practice regulations for tissue and cellular handling.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said, "As Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program, I am honored to guide our teams in setting the benchmark for cellular therapy in the region. This FACT accreditation reflects our strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to delivering world-class care for patients in Abu Dhabi and beyond."

Prof. Yendry Ventura, CEO of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, added, "Achieving FACT accreditation demonstrates the dedication of our teams at ADSCC to excellence in cellular product processing, research, and operational efficiency. It is a testament to the center’s position as a regional leader in cellular therapies, cell preparation, and regenerative medicine."

The accreditation strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position in specialised cellular therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, offering patients in the region access to services aligned with international standards. It also provides a structured platform for further development of clinical programmes, research activity, and collaboration within the wider Middle East healthcare ecosystem.

With inputs from WAM