Abu Dhabi has launched an ambitious precision medicine initiative through a landmark partnership between the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and six major healthcare and technology organizations. The memorandum of understanding, signed during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, establishes a collaborative framework aimed at transforming healthcare delivery through genomics and advanced therapeutics.
The strategic alliance brings together DoH, PureHealth, M42, Illumina, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi. The partnership was formalized in the presence of senior government officials and industry leaders, including H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, and executives from all participating organizations.
Comprehensive Precision Medicine Framework
The multi-stakeholder collaboration will focus on several key areas designed to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in precision healthcare. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: "Abu Dhabi is leading the transformation of health systems by harnessing science, technology, and genomics to build a future-ready model of care. Precision medicine represents a pivotal shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to deeply personalised, preventive, and proactive healthcare."
The partnership will establish genomic infrastructure and population health programmes specifically tailored to Emirati and regional populations. Research and development initiatives will focus on advanced therapeutics including gene therapy and cell-based treatments, while supporting the integration of precision medicine into clinical practice through pharmacogenomics and genome testing.
Technology Integration and AI Development
A significant component of the collaboration involves building artificial intelligence and digital platforms for genomic data analysis and personalized patient care. Jacob Thaysen, Chief Executive Officer of Illumina, highlighted the technological foundation: "At Illumina, we believe that genomic technology has the power to revolutionise healthcare. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to facilitate groundbreaking advancements in precision medicine, ensuring that cutting-edge genomic insights are integrated into patient care for better health outcomes."
The initiative will also develop education and training pathways to build local expertise in genomic and precision medicine, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer and capacity building within the emirate.
Building on Established Genomic Infrastructure
The new partnership leverages Abu Dhabi's existing genomic capabilities, particularly the Emirati Genome Programme, which has collected and sequenced over 430,000 genome samples. This positions the capital at the forefront of genomics research and provides a substantial foundation for the expanded precision medicine initiatives.
H.E. Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer at PureHealth, described the partnership's significance: "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. By joining forces with visionary institutions, we are accelerating the integration of genomics, AI, and personalised care into everyday healthcare."
Focus on Critical Health Areas
The collaboration specifically targets critical healthcare areas including oncology, rare genetic diseases, and metabolic disorders. This targeted approach reflects Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to establish one of the world's most intelligent healthcare systems driven by cutting-edge genomic science and AI-powered insights.
Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost of Khalifa University, emphasized the practical application focus: "At Khalifa University, we are not only focused on generating new scientific knowledge, but we are also committed to ensuring knowledge directly improves lives. Through this collaboration, we will help build a robust genomics and advanced therapeutics ecosystem tailored to the UAE's unique needs."
Regional and Global Impact
The initiative extends beyond local healthcare transformation, with partners expressing commitment to advancing precision medicine regionally and globally. Dr. Nicole Sirotin, CEO of The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi, noted: "As the world's first regulated longevity medicine facility, we aim to contribute to establishing new global standards in healthy longevity medicine by integrating our expertise in advanced diagnostics and personalized lifestyle interventions."
The partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi Global Health Week's theme of 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being,' emphasizing community-driven health with a proactive approach centered on preventive, personalized, and holistic care. The initiative represents a significant step in Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to position itself as a global life sciences hub while delivering tangible benefits to patients and communities in the region and beyond.
