Full Breakdown
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health Secures Three International Partnerships to Accelerate Gene-Editing and Precision-Medicine Research
6/27/2026, 12:31:18 PM
Strategic MoUs at BIO 2026
On 26 June 2026, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) signed MoUs with Arbor Biotechnologies, Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis at BIO International Convention in San Diego. The deals pair Abu Dhabi’s population-scale genomics platform with each partner’s gene-editing, biopharma pipeline, or precision-medicine expertise, and will fund joint research, clinical development, technical training and workshops targeting rare and complex diseases.
Genomics Infrastructure and the Emirati Genome Program
The Emirati Genome Program has sequenced over 900,000 genomes, providing a data foundation for population-health research. This resource is embedded in an integrated life-science ecosystem that links biobanks, research institutes and regulators. The Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office coordinates research, investment and commercialization across partners such as ADIO, M42, Hub71, NYU Abu Dhabi, Masdar City, Khalifa University, KEZAD, PureHealth, Mubadala Bio, Arcera and the Institute for Healthier Living.
Official Statements & Responses
DoH’s Undersecretary described gene editing as a means to treat the underlying causes of rare diseases and said the Arbor agreement expands research and clinical capacity. The Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector called the Boehringer Ingelheim partnership a concrete step toward personalised medicine. Novartis’s regional head noted that merging Abu Dhabi’s vision with Novartis’s expertise will strengthen genomics research and speed precision-medicine pipelines. Arbor’s CEO expressed confidence that Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure will enable rapid translation of genomic insights into therapeutic candidates.
Impact on Precision Medicine
The MoUs position Abu Dhabi as a hub for gene-editing and precision therapies, aiming to shorten the path from genetic discovery to clinical trial and deliver curative options for inherited and chronic diseases across the Gulf.
Next Steps
All three agreements include scientific exchange, joint workshops and technical-training programmes starting later in 2026. The partners will seek joint funding through the HELM Cluster to support early-stage therapeutic development and biomanufacturing capacity. Ongoing evaluation will map regulatory pathways and scale successful candidates within Abu Dhabi’s public-health system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Gene editing represents one of the most promising advances in modern medicine, with the potential to address the underlying causes of rare and inherited diseases.” — H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary, DoH
- “Dr Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the collaboration reflects the emirate's commitment to advancing population health research and strengthening personalised medicine.” — Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Health Life Sciences Sector, DoH
- “Boehringer Ingelheim said the partnership will help address unmet medical needs by combining advanced research, data and innovation to improve patient outcomes and support the future of healthcare in the UAE and the wider region.” — Boehringer Ingelheim spokesperson
- “By combining Abu Dhabi’s ambitious vision for healthcare innovation with Novartis’ global scientific expertise, we have an opportunity to support advances in genomics research, scientific capability building, and the future of precision medicine.” — Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Novartis GCC Cluster
