Healthcare Research And Innovation Fund Abu Dhabi Opens Applications For 2026 Cycle

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is now accepting applications for the 2026 Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, developed with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an. The programme invites proposals from researchers, healthcare providers and innovators, aiming to support rigorous projects that strengthen clinical practice and public health outcomes across the Emirate.

The 2026 Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund cycle is designed to advance precision medicine, improve early disease detection and expand data-driven clinical decision-making. The fund targets high-quality studies that can move rapidly from research settings into real-world healthcare, supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic agenda and its ambition to build a stronger life sciences ecosystem.

Priority topics for the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund reflect Abu Dhabi’s future health needs and scientific priorities. Focus areas include precision medicine and omics-based diagnostics, cell and gene therapy research, cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions, behavioural and mental health disorders, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and population-level public health interventions.

Projects submitted to the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund will be assessed for scientific quality, feasibility, collaborative value and alignment with Abu Dhabi’s strategic health priorities. Reviewers will examine how proposals support integrated research across institutions, the strength of study design and the likelihood that findings can guide better clinical decisions or inform health policy across the Emirate.

The application portal for the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund is available through the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi website. Eligible organisations are requested to study the published eligibility criteria, timelines and submission requirements before uploading proposals, to ensure their projects match the fund’s expectations for quality, relevance and measurable impact within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.

Through the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an extend their collaborative approach to social priorities. The partnership seeks to channel resources towards research teams and innovators whose work can support better health and wellbeing for communities, including future generations living in the Emirate.

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The Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund places emphasis on translational research, encouraging studies that generate clear benefits within clinical environments in Abu Dhabi. Supported projects are expected to provide evidence that can be used by hospitals, clinics and policymakers, reinforcing the Emirate’s position as a growing regional centre for life sciences, data-driven care and research excellence.

Reflecting on the new Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund cycle, Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, "As we launch the 2026 cycle of the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, we reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s steadfast commitment to enabling innovation and cutting-edge research that deliver measurable and lasting value for our community. Guided by a clear vision for excellence, the Emirate is investing in a collaborative and future-ready scientific environment where innovative ideas can flourish. We look forward to supporting research that advances clinical practice, accelerates the creation of new knowledge and drives better health outcomes for all."

The previous 2024-2025 Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund round attracted more than 150 proposals from healthcare providers, academic institutions and research centres. Twelve projects received funding, targeting areas such as immunologic disorders, improved diagnostic pathways for Iron Deficiency Anaemia and innovations in cancer prevention, underlining strong interest in Abu Dhabi’s advanced research infrastructure.

Highlighting Ma’an’s role in the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, Abdullah Humaid Al Ameri, Director-General of Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, said, "As part of our objectives at Ma’an, we partner with the public, private and civil society in efforts to address social priorities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi across various sectors, including the health sector. Through this programme, we aim to support DoH’s efforts in empowering researchers and innovators who can contribute to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our future generations, in turn generating impact on communities for years to come."

The continuing Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund programme signals Abu Dhabi’s intent to expand evidence-based healthcare and life sciences research. With applications open for the 2026 cycle, stakeholders across clinical, academic and innovation sectors have a structured route to propose projects that respond to local health needs while contributing to global medical knowledge.

With inputs from WAM