Abu Dhabi partners with University of California to launch world's first genetic surgery centres in UAE and US

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s healthcare sector regulator, has announced a landmark partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Innovative Genomics Institute to explore establishing the world’s first dedicated centres for genetic surgery — one in Abu Dhabi and another in California.

The announcement was made during a strategic visit by a delegation from Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem to the United States. The collaboration aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of genomic medicine and personalised genetic therapies, delivering transformative healthcare solutions with global impact.

This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to harness genomic science for public health, accelerating the shift toward personalised and preventive care. Leading these efforts is the Emirati Genome Program, which has successfully sequenced over 800,000 genomic samples — forming one of the world’s most diverse national genomic databases.

The program has already supported several initiatives, including a national pharmacogenomic reporting system with over 160,000 reports, enabling more tailored treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles.

Other milestones include integrating genetic testing into premarital screening, launching a newborn genetic screening program, and developing the Emirati Reference Genome platform. Over 100 Emirati physicians have received advanced training in genomics and genetic counseling, boosting national expertise in this critical field.

The new centres will focus on early diagnosis and correction of complex genetic disorders, improving treatment outcomes. They will utilise CRISPR technology and deliver personalized therapies based on each patient’s genetic makeup — marking a significant leap toward the future of precision medicine.

Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated: “This collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s deep commitment to advancing scientific innovation. Partnering with UCSF and the Innovative Genomics Institute — global leaders in gene therapy — enhances our capacity to integrate genomics-driven care into our healthcare system. This presents an opportunity to correct genetic disorders even before birth, prevent chronic illnesses, and reduce long-term healthcare costs — ultimately safeguarding public health across Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

The partnership combines Abu Dhabi’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and robust genomic data with UCSF’s global leadership in fetal and pediatric care, and the Innovative Genomics Institute’s pioneering expertise in gene editing.

Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, Director of the UCSF Stem Cell Centre, said: “We are at a turning point in medicine, with a unique opportunity to develop life-saving treatments for patients with complex genetic disorders. Our goal is to build programs that integrate multidisciplinary expertise and streamline every step — from diagnosis to safe genome surgery.”

Dr. Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular Therapy at UC Berkeley and Director of CRISPR Therapies at the Innovative Genomics Institute and Danaher, added: “This year marks a milestone: a CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment was developed and delivered on demand for an infant with a severe congenital disorder — in record time. Our mission is to make this approach the global standard of care, regardless of where a child is born.”

Abu Dhabi has also introduced Casgevy, the UAE’s first CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy, for patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. In oncology, a precision medicine program has delivered customised care to over 250 cancer patients.

In January 2025, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced that mandatory genetic screening will be included in premarital examinations for all Emirati citizens planning to marry, effective immediately.

The initiative, introduced following a resolution by the UAE Genomics Council during the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings, marks a transformational shift in national healthcare strategy. It aims to protect the health of future generations and ensure long-term well-being for Emirati families.

This step also reinforces the UAE’s leadership in genomic healthcare, advancing medical workforce development, research in genetic disease prevention, and reproductive health solutions. It further expands the role of genomics in national policy and international medical collaboration.