The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various global and local leaders in the healthcare sector. This agreement aims to create a collaborative framework that will advance the future of healthcare through precision medicine and innovative therapies.

Key partners in this initiative include PureHealth, Khalifa University of Technology (KU), Illumina, M42, the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The MoU was signed during the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 (ADGHW) and is aligned with DoH’s vision of establishing one of the world’s most intelligent healthcare systems, leveraging genomic science, AI-driven insights, and collaborative innovation.

The new healthcare systems will specifically target critical areas such as oncology, rare genetic diseases, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, stated that Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of transforming health systems by utilizing science, technology, and genomics to develop a future-ready model of care.

Al Mannaei emphasized that precision medicine marks a significant shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized, preventive, and proactive healthcare model. She mentioned that through these strategic partnerships, the emirate is positioning itself as a global hub for life sciences.

Furthermore, the collaboration will concentrate on establishing genomic infrastructure and population health programs tailored to Emirati and regional populations. The initiative will also launch research and development projects focused 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.

Additionally, the partnership aims to create artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms for genomic data analysis and personalized patient care, alongside establishing educational and training pathways to cultivate local expertise in genomic and precision medicine.