Abu Dhabi's DoH Partners With Illumina To Advance Genomics And Precision Medicine

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance precision medicine and clinical genomics research. The MoU was signed during the BIO 2024 International Convention in the United States.

The agreement was formalised in the presence of Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, and Jacob Thaysen, Chief Executive Officer of Illumina. Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, and Steve Barnard, Chief Technology Officer of Illumina, signed the MoU.

Led by the DoH, a high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation headed by Al Mansoori visited the United States from 29th May to 5th June. The visit aimed to showcase Abu Dhabi’s partnership opportunities and explore collaborations with leading organisations in Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing, and innovation.

Genomics holds significant potential for the future of healthcare. From disease forecasting to diagnostics and drug discovery to personalised treatment, genomics is a transformative force for global health.

Leveraging Abu Dhabi’s extensive genomic data, DoH and Illumina aim to accelerate innovations in genomics and precision medicine. The focus will be on emerging genomic applications, including genome and multi-omics advanced analysis and interpretation. This initiative aims to develop new diagnostics for precision medicine that will benefit patients locally and globally.

Dr. Al Mannaei emphasised that genomics research, development, and practical application are central to DoH’s strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a global life science hub. She stated that the partnership with Illumina aims to deliver breakthroughs in personalised, predictive, and preventative programmes tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.

Workforce Development

Dr. Al Mannaei added that borderless collaboration is essential for achieving translational research and upskilling the workforce with tools that will future-proof global public health. This partnership seeks to enable a healthier future for all through shared goals and collaborative efforts.

Barnard highlighted that the MoU is a significant milestone in accelerating genomic innovation in the UAE. He noted that access to advanced sequencing technology, genomic analysis solutions, and workforce training initiatives would be crucial components of this collaboration.

With inputs from WAM