The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2025 with PureHealth, Khalifa University, Illumina, M42, the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi to establish a collaborative framework for precision medicine and advanced therapies, according to the Emirates News Agency. The agreement, signed during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, aims to integrate genomics, artificial intelligence and digital platforms into healthcare while building local expertise. M42 and NYU Abu Dhabi are central to efforts focused on talent development, joint research initiatives and innovation in areas such as gene therapy and pharmacogenomics. The partnership supports national priorities for a more resilient healthcare system.
The memorandum will launch research and development projects in advanced therapeutics including cell-based treatments and will support the integration of precision medicine into clinical practice through genome testing, a DoH assessment found. It also calls for the creation of AI and digital platforms to analyse genomic data and deliver personalised patient care alongside education and training pathways for specialists in the field. M42 contributes its capabilities in genomics, biobanking and clinical infrastructure while NYU Abu Dhabi provides academic research strengths in life sciences. These elements are intended to accelerate the translation of discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.
M42 maintains more than 480 facilities in 27 countries with over 20,000 employees and has established a sequencing capacity of 400,000 genomes per year along with storage of more than 120 petabytes of medical data, the company reported on its website. The organisation has sequenced over 700,000 genome samples, creating one of the world’s most diverse national genomic datasets when combined with the Emirati Genome Programme. Such resources enable the partnership to pursue predictive, preventive and personalised care models. NYU Abu Dhabi has similarly positioned itself as a regional centre for interdisciplinary life-sciences research.
Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, said, “At M42, we are advancing precision healthcare by integrating genomics, AI, and supporting innovation in emerging areas such as advanced therapies. Through close collaboration with our partners, we are working to deliver more predictive, preventive, and personalised care, while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a healthier, more resilient future.” Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, described the collaboration as aligned with national priorities and expressed pride in partnering with local and international entities to deliver solutions for a healthier society.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, said, “At NYU Abu Dhabi, we are dedicated to fostering innovative research and education in the life sciences. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to advancing precision medicine and tackling complex health challenges through collaborative efforts in genomic research.” The agreement builds on Abu Dhabi’s existing health data architecture, which includes clinical records connected through the Malafi platform and newborn screening for more than 830 treatable conditions, a June 2026 Khaleej Times report indicated. Pharmacogenomics integration into electronic health records represents one practical outcome already emerging from related initiatives.
The multi-party framework also emphasises tighter coordination among regulators, academic institutions and private operators to expand licensed research capacity and elevate operational standards across the life-sciences sector. Participants will work to commercialise breakthroughs while supporting intellectual property development within the emirate. Follow-on activities are expected to include additional training programs that address gaps in genomic medicine expertise. The initiative forms part of a wider strategy to position Abu Dhabi as a global centre for biotechnology and medical innovation.
