The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Novartis Middle East to explore collaboration in genomics research, scientific capacity building, and advanced therapies.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and enhancing patient outcomes across the region.
The DoH-Novartis collaboration further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s genomics ecosystem by connecting global scientific expertise with one of the world’s largest population genomics programs.
The joint efforts in research, capability building, and advanced therapies will support the translation of genomic insights into improved health outcomes for patients in Abu Dhabi and around the world.
Through this collaboration, DoH and Novartis will build on Abu Dhabi’s established strengths in genomics, precision medicine, and health innovation, supporting research relevant to the UAE population, strengthening local scientific capabilities, and advancing access to innovative therapies.
The partnership builds on Abu Dhabi’s leadership in genomics through the Emirati Genome Program, which has sequenced more than 900,000 genomes to date. These insights are creating new opportunities to advance precision medicine, support population-specific research, and accelerate the development of more targeted approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said that, “This collaboration with Novartis strengthens an ecosystem that already brings together genomics, research, healthcare delivery, and innovation within a single connected environment. By combining global scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi’s capabilities in genomics and precision medicine, we are accelerating the translation of research into solutions that can improve outcomes for patients and communities.”
Mohamed Ezz Eldin Head – GCC Cluster Novartis
“We are proud to strengthen our longstanding collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi through this strategic Memorandum of Understanding. 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. We look forward to exploring initiatives that can contribute to better health outcomes and help address the evolving needs of patients in the UAE.”
According to the statement, the signing builds on the longstanding relationship between DoH and Novartis across multiple areas, including clinical research, health technology assessment, and policy engagement in innovative treatment areas.
The MoU further reflects both organizations’ commitment to fostering scientific collaboration, strengthening local capabilities, and supporting innovation that can benefit patients in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
