Abu Dhabi Expands Global Life Sciences Ties During US Mission

Abu Dhabi has taken another major step in strengthening its position as a global centre for intelligent life sciences by signing 22 strategic partnerships and agreements during its fifth strategic mission to the United States. Led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the mission focused on expanding international cooperation in genomics, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, precision medicine, advanced therapeutics, and clinical research.

The delegation travelled across San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, bringing together more than 40 senior representatives from 16 government bodies, healthcare organisations, research institutions, and industry partners. During the visit, the delegation held more than 30 strategic meetings and engagements while completing 15 site visits with leading global healthcare and life sciences organisations.

Abu Dhabi Builds an Integrated Life Sciences Ecosystem

Abu Dhabi is developing one of the world's most connected intelligent life sciences ecosystems by combining genomics, artificial intelligence, advanced research infrastructure, real-world evidence, clinical implementation, and agile regulatory systems within a single environment.

This integrated model is designed to accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to practical healthcare solutions, helping improve patient outcomes while strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination for life sciences innovation.

DoH Highlights the Importance of Global Collaboration

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the future of life sciences depends not only on scientific discoveries but also on how quickly those discoveries can improve people's lives.

She said Abu Dhabi has created a connected ecosystem where genomics, artificial intelligence, clinical research, healthcare delivery, and regulation work together to help innovators develop, test, and expand breakthrough technologies within one environment.

Dr. Al Ghaithi added that the strategic mission to the United States demonstrates the value of international partnerships in advancing healthcare innovation. She said these collaborations strengthen Abu Dhabi's role as a living laboratory for intelligent life sciences while creating new opportunities to improve health outcomes across the UAE and worldwide.

Partnerships to Advance Precision Medicine

As part of its precision medicine strategy, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi signed strategic collaborations with Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Eli Lilly.

The partnerships will support research into the genetic causes of disease, expand AI-powered genomics capabilities, and promote innovation in the treatment of obesity and Alzheimer's disease.

These agreements support Abu Dhabi's goal of using genomics, artificial intelligence, and clinical expertise to shift healthcare from treating diseases after they occur to predicting, preventing, and delivering personalised care.

New Agreements Strengthen AI and Biotechnology

Abu Dhabi also announced several initiatives aimed at expanding its AI-enabled life sciences ecosystem.

M42 partnered with Abu Dhabi Biobank and BioTwin to introduce Virtual Human Twin technology in the UAE. The technology is expected to enhance healthcare research and innovation.

Masdar City, M42, and Attentive Science also launched Biosphere Labs, creating advanced laboratory facilities to support biotechnology research, innovation, and commercialisation.

Meanwhile, Hub71-supported startup BioSapien progressed to Phase 1 clinical trials, highlighting Abu Dhabi's ability to support biotechnology companies from early innovation through clinical development.

Mubadala Bio Expands Local Manufacturing

The mission also strengthened Abu Dhabi's capabilities in advanced biomanufacturing and biologic medicines.

Mubadala Bio signed a strategic agreement with Biosidus to expand local production of biologic therapies. The partnership aims to improve regional healthcare resilience while increasing access to advanced treatments through local manufacturing.

Abu Dhabi and California Establish Life Sciences Corridor

To encourage greater international cooperation, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi partnered with Biocom California to establish a strategic life sciences corridor between Abu Dhabi and California.

The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for research collaboration, investment, innovation, and commercialisation between two rapidly growing life sciences ecosystems.

Middle East's First Eye Bank Planned in Abu Dhabi

One of the mission's major announcements was a landmark collaboration between Abu Dhabi Biobank and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to establish the Middle East's first Eye Bank in Abu Dhabi.

The project aims to strengthen regional transplant services, reduce dependence on imported donor tissue, and create a new centre of excellence for ophthalmic research, education, and sight-restoring care.

HELM Cluster Supports Innovation

Abu Dhabi's life sciences ecosystem is supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office's Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster.

The cluster connects research, investment, commercialisation, and healthcare implementation within one integrated environment. It brings together researchers, innovators, investors, and healthcare providers to accelerate the transformation of scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.

Meetings Focus on Future Healthcare Technologies

During the mission, the delegation met with US government agencies, academic research institutions, biotechnology companies, and industry leaders.

Discussions focused on collaboration in AI-powered drug discovery, gene editing, gene therapies for rare and inherited diseases, healthy longevity, and advanced therapeutics.

The delegation represented a broad range of Abu Dhabi's healthcare and innovation ecosystem, including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, 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.