The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi signed 22 strategic partnerships during a mission to the United States in July 2026, reinforcing its role as a global hub for intelligent life sciences through agreements spanning genomics, artificial intelligence, advanced therapeutics, and biomanufacturing. The delegation visited San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, bringing together more than 40 representatives from 16 government, healthcare, research, and industry organisations for over 30 meetings and 15 site visits.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said: "The future of life sciences will not be defined by discovery alone, but by how quickly discovery can be translated into meaningful impact for people and communities. Abu Dhabi has built a connected ecosystem where genomics, artificial intelligence, clinical research, regulation and healthcare delivery work together, enabling innovators to develop, validate and scale breakthrough technologies within a single environment."
Genomics and precision medicine collaborations
The mission delivered new agreements with Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Eli Lilly to accelerate research into genetic drivers of disease, expand AI-enabled genomics capabilities, and push innovation in obesity and Alzheimer's disease. These partnerships strengthen Abu Dhabi's push to embed precision medicine across its healthcare system, moving from treatment toward prediction and personalised care. They also illustrate how the emirate is weaving AI for Healthcare directly into clinical discovery and validation.
AI infrastructure and virtual twin technology
M42 announced a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Biobank and BioTwin to introduce Virtual Human Twin technology in the UAE. At the same time, Masdar City, M42, and Attentive Science launched Biosphere Labs, advanced research infrastructure built to speed biotechnology innovation and commercialisation. Hub71 startup BioSaphen advanced to Phase 1 clinical trials, demonstrating a clear path from concept to clinical translation within the Abu Dhabi ecosystem. The collaboration with BioTwin extends virtual twin capabilities tied to AI for Science & Research, adding a population-scale data component to biotech development.
Biomanufacturing and a California corridor
Mubadala Bio signed an agreement with Biosidus to produce biologic therapies locally, aiming to strengthen regional healthcare resilience and reduce time to treatment. Separately, DoH partnered with Biocom California to establish a life sciences corridor between Abu Dhabi and California, opening new channels for research collaboration, investment, and commercialisation.
Middle East's first eye bank
Abu Dhabi Biobank and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute will create the Middle East's first Eye Bank in Abu Dhabi. The facility is designed to strengthen regional transplantation capabilities, reduce dependence on imported donor tissue, and serve as a centre for ophthalmic research and sight-restoring care.
Underpinning much of this work is the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster run by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. It connects research, investment, commercialisation, and implementation in a single environment. The delegation also held discussions with US government agencies, academic institutions, and biotech companies on AI-enabled drug discovery, gene editing, therapies for rare diseases, and healthy longevity. Participating entities included the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, M42, Hub71, New York University Abu Dhabi, Masdar City, Khalifa University, KEZAD, PureHealth, Mubadala Bio, Arcera, and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi.
Why this matters for healthcare professionals
The partnerships signal concrete shifts in how new treatments may reach clinics. Locally manufactured biologics are positioned to stabilise supply chains. The eye bank could expand sight-restoring options in the region. The genomics and AI collaborations are likely to produce more predictive screening tools for complex conditions such as obesity and Alzheimer's. For clinicians and health system planners, Abu Dhabi's model offers a live example of an integrated ecosystem that shortens the distance between research findings and patient-level care.
Your membership also unlocks:
