Dubai’s Fakeeh University Hospital turns into global hub for advanced gene therapy

UAE—Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai is rapidly emerging as a global destination for advanced gene therapy, offering highly specialized treatments for rare genetic and neuromuscular disorders.

This development further strengthens Dubai’s growing reputation as a leading center for world-class tertiary care and medical innovation in the Middle East.

Among its pioneering achievements, Fakeeh University Hospital became the first facility in the region to administer Duvyzat (givinostat), an innovative therapy used to manage Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

DMD is a rare, inherited neuromuscular disorder that primarily affects young boys, causing progressive muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and severe cardiac and respiratory complications over time.

Early diagnosis and access to advanced treatments are critical for slowing the progression of the disease and improving both survival and overall quality of life.

Building on this milestone, the hospital is now preparing to deliver one of the world’s first intrathecal gene therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), known as ITVISMA.

SMA is a severe genetic condition characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and impaired breathing.

Gene-based therapies, when delivered early and supported by specialized multidisciplinary care, have transformed outcomes for children living with this condition.

Over the past year, Fakeeh University Hospital has treated children from several countries using gene therapy–based approaches, consistently achieving positive clinical results.

Families from around the world continue to travel to Dubai to access these advanced services, drawn by the hospital’s expertise, multidisciplinary care model, and patient-centered approach.

The hospital’s modern infrastructure and high standards of clinical safety have made it a trusted choice for families seeking hope through precision medicine.

Commenting on the program’s progress, Dr. Arif Khan, Director of the Gene Therapy Program and Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Fakeeh University Hospital, said that their gene therapy program has been developed to international standards, combining clinical excellence with rigorous safety protocols and compassionate care.

He emphasized that the positive outcomes and growing international trust reaffirm the hospital’s commitment to expanding these services further.

Dr. Khan also noted that gene therapy is rapidly advancing beyond neurology into fields such as hematology and inherited metabolic diseases, highlighting the hospital’s long-term goal of establishing a comprehensive Center of Excellence for Gene Therapy in Dubai.

Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany, Chief Executive Officer of Fakeeh University Hospital, added that the hospital’s work aligns with the UAE’s broader medical tourism strategy.

“By attracting patients from across the world for advanced, tertiary-level treatments, we are contributing to Dubai’s leadership in healthcare innovation while supporting families with access to cutting-edge therapy within a trusted, globally connected ecosystem,” he said.