Abu Dhabi, ADIO, and Masdar City to establish advanced research labs

UAE—The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), together with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), has entered into a strategic partnership with Masdar City to launch advanced health and life sciences laboratories.

This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that empowers researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the emirate’s rapidly growing life sciences sector.

The signing ceremony, attended by senior officials including Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi (Undersecretary of DoH), Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei (Executive Director of Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH), Dr. Fatma Al Mulla (Head of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine Cluster at ADIO), and Mohamed Al Breiki (Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City), marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global hub for healthcare innovation.

Under the agreement, the initiative will focus on four main pillars. First, it will develop state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure in Masdar City, equipped with the latest technologies to support advanced scientific research.

Second, it will foster collaboration by attracting top researchers and start-ups, building partnerships with academic institutions and industry leaders, and launching incubator and accelerator programs to nurture life sciences start-ups.

The initiative will  also prioritize talent development by offering training programs, workshops, internships, and research opportunities, while also organizing regular scientific conferences to showcase research and attract global expertise.

 Finally, the partnership will work to translate research into economic value by collaborating with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, promoting industry-sponsored research and clinical trials, and establishing frameworks to measure the economic impact on Abu Dhabi’s health and life sciences sector.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei emphasized that research and development are critical to driving innovation and sustainable growth in the health and life sciences ecosystem.

She highlighted that such partnerships reinforce Abu Dhabi’s mission to accelerate healthcare advancements not just locally, but globally as well.

Dr. Fatma Al Mulla added that the agreement demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s determination to shape the future of life sciences.

By creating collaborative spaces within the new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster, the city is cultivating an environment where scientific ambition can lead to practical breakthroughs that enhance health outcomes and support Abu Dhabi’s long-term prosperity.

ADIO, in collaboration with DoH and Masdar City, will also develop a strategic framework to evaluate the long-term impact of these laboratories on Abu Dhabi’s economic and healthcare priorities.

This will further reinforce the emirate’s position as a global research and innovation hub.

Additionally, ADIO will facilitate international investment partnerships and ensure that talent development initiatives contribute to a sustainable workforce.

Mohamed Al Breiki of Masdar City noted that this partnership strengthens Masdar City’s role as a cornerstone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to become a global center for life sciences and innovation.

Masdar City, already home to a growing cluster of biotechnology and research-driven companies, offers an ecosystem designed for scientific advancement, cross-sector collaboration, and talent development.

The new laboratories will be built to international sustainability standards and serve as launchpads for groundbreaking research, supporting Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy and the goals of the Falcon Economy.

This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), which is centered on the theme “Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.”

ADGHW emphasizes proactive, personalized, and holistic care, guided by four core themes: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences.

By bringing together global stakeholders, ADGHW aims to advance the future of health and well-being, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader in life sciences innovation.

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