DoH – Abu Dhabi, 6 entities sign landmark pact to advance precision medicine, improve patient outcomes

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), along with six major stakeholders, has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance precision medicine in the emirate.

Aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, the DoH has partnered with PureHealth, Khalifa University of Technology (KU), Illumina, M42, the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). According to the MoU, a collaborative framework will be established to shape the future of healthcare through precision medicine and advanced therapies.

Signed on the opening day of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 (ADGHW), this multi-stakeholder collaboration will focus on establishing genomic infrastructure and population health programmes tailored to Emirati and regional populations. It will focus on launching research and development initiatives in advanced therapeutics such as gene therapy and cell-based treatments and support the integration of precision medicine into clinical practice, through pharmacogenomics and genome testing.

Dr Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH – Abu Dhabi, underlined that the capital city is leading the transformation of health systems by harnessing science, technology, and genomics to build a future-ready model of care.

“Through such strategic partnerships, we are positioning the Emirate as a global life sciences hub. Together with our healthcare and academia partners, we are driving forward a bold vision to advance precision health and deliver real impact for patients and communities in the region and beyond.”

AI, digital platforms

The partnership will build artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms for genomic data analysis and personalised patient care, as well as education and training pathways to develop local expertise in genomic and precision medicine.

Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer at PureHealth said the partnership 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. Together, we are shaping a future where every individual in the UAE and beyond has access to predictive, preventive, and precisely tailored treatments – paving the way for longer, healthier lives,” Al Qubaisi noted.