Department of Health – Abu Dhabi" and"Novartis" They collaborate in the field of genomics research and innovation in healthcare
SAN DIEGO (CA) June 26 / WAM / The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulatory body for the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Novartis Middle East Medical Company today signed a memorandum of understanding to explore opportunities for cooperation in the fields of genomic research, building scientific capabilities, and advanced treatments, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
The memorandum of understanding was signed during the department’s delegation’s visit to the Novartis Biomedical Research Center in San Diego, on the sidelines of the 2026 Global Biotechnology Innovation Conference.
The visit program included leadership meetings and a field tour of the center, in addition to discussions about future opportunities for cooperation in the fields of genomics and biomedical research.
This cooperation strengthens the advanced genomics system in Abu Dhabi by linking global scientific expertise with one of the largest population genomics programs in the world.
Through joint efforts in the areas of scientific research, capacity building, and developing advanced treatments, this partnership will contribute to transforming insights derived from genomic science into better health outcomes for patients in Abu Dhabi and around the world.
In accordance with the memorandum, the two parties will work to build on Abu Dhabi’s pioneering achievements in the fields of genomics, precision medicine and health innovation, in a way that supports the conduct of research that meets the needs of community members in the UAE, enhances local scientific capabilities, and expands access to innovative treatments.
This partnership is based on the leadership position that Abu Dhabi has established in the field of genomic sciences through the Emirati Genome Programme, which has succeeded to date in collecting and completing the genetic sequencing of more than 900,000 genomes. This data has created new opportunities for developing precision medicine, supporting research based on population characteristics, and accelerating the development of more targeted methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannai, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has succeeded in building one of the most comprehensive population genomics programs in the world, which has provided new opportunities to understand diseases in a deeper way, enhance prevention efforts, and accelerate the development of more personalized health care methods.
She added: “This cooperation with Novartis enhances an integrated system that combines genomics, scientific research, health care delivery, and innovation within an interconnected and unified environment. By combining Novartis’ global scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi’s advanced capabilities in the fields of genomics and precision medicine, we are working to accelerate the transformation of research outputs into practical solutions that contribute to improving health outcomes for patients and communities.”
Mohammed Ezz El-Din, Regional Director of Novartis in the GCC region, said: “By combining Abu Dhabi’s ambitious vision for innovation in healthcare and Novartis’ global scientific expertise, we have the opportunity to support progress in genomic research, build scientific capabilities, and advance the future of precision medicine. We look forward to exploring initiatives that contribute to improving health outcomes and meeting the evolving needs of patients in the UAE.”
The signing of this memorandum is based on the extended relationship between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Novartis in a number of fields, including clinical research, evaluation of health technologies, and policy support related to innovative therapeutic areas.
The memorandum reflects the commitment of both sides to enhance scientific cooperation, develop local capabilities, and support innovation to benefit patients in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and beyond.
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