The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and global biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim have signed a strategic collaboration to advance research into genetic and population-level drivers of disease, strengthening the UAE’s precision medicine ecosystem.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, USA, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
The agreement was formalized by Dr. Mohamed Al Ameri, Division Director of Genome and Biobank at DoH, and Ghaleb Al Ahdab, Head of Public & Government Affairs UAE and Near East at Boehringer Ingelheim.
The partnership will focus on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, oncology, rare diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, fibrotic diseases, ophthalmology and immunological conditions.
Both organizations will work together to generate scientific insights into genetic and population-level factors influencing disease development and treatment response.
Abu Dhabi’s genomics ecosystem will serve as the foundation for the collaboration, enabling large-scale research aimed at improving understanding of disease progression and therapeutic outcomes across populations.
Dr Asma AlMannaei Executive Director of Health Life Sciences Sector – Abu Dhabi DoH
“Abu Dhabi has established a globally leading, end-to-end ecosystem for genomics and population health research. This collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim reflects our commitment to fully leverage these capabilities to better understand the determinants of disease development, progression and treatment response across our population. The knowledge we generate will inform future research, advance personalized healthcare approaches, and contribute to more effective, sustainable health outcomes for Abu Dhabi and the wider region.”
Ousama Alhaj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Near East and UAE, Boehringer Ingelheim said that, “Scientific breakthroughs increasingly emerge at the intersection of data, research, and collaboration. Abu Dhabi has strategically invested in many of the critical enablers of precision medicine, from large-scale genomics programs and advanced research infrastructure to a clear national vision for leading the future of healthcare.”
