DoH, ADIO, and Unilabs partner to create advanced analytical lab for life sciences innovation in Abu Dhabi

UAE—The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the main regulator of healthcare in the Emirate, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) have entered into a significant partnership with Unilabs Pharma Solutions, a subsidiary of the global diagnostics leader Unilabs.

This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2025 (ADGHW), an event that serves as a major platform for healthcare innovation and international cooperation.

This agreement aims to establish a cutting-edge analytical laboratory within Abu Dhabi’s newly launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster.

 The HELM cluster is envisioned as a pioneering hub for biotechnology, medical technology (MedTech), and digital health innovation.

By developing this advanced laboratory, the partners seek to drive progress in drug development, clinical trials, and medical screening, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for life sciences and responsible healthcare innovation.

The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Carsten Hojlund, Group Chief Financial Officer at Unilabs.

The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH; Mohammed Daoud, Cluster General Manager of Unilabs Middle East; and Dr. Fatma Al Mulla, Head of the HELM cluster at ADIO.

Through this partnership, the three organizations aim to leverage their combined expertise and resources to introduce innovative treatments and solutions, not only for the UAE but also for the global community.

The laboratory is expected to operate as a greenfield project, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure to maximize the economic value of intellectual property and support high-value job creation, supply chain localization, and increased investment in advanced healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei emphasized that Abu Dhabi is strategically investing in transformative technologies, diagnostics, and treatments to enhance healthcare outcomes and foster sustainable economic growth.

She highlighted that this initiative demonstrates the Department’s proactive vision to build a dynamic, future-ready healthcare ecosystem that is adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of all communities.

Dr. Fatma Al Mulla of ADIO noted that the partnership is a prime example of embedding advanced capabilities across the life sciences value chain, creating a launchpad for innovation that starts with research and leads to real-world impact.

She stressed that by investing in early-stage analytical infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its global role in life sciences, generating valuable intellectual property, creating high-value jobs, and facilitating knowledge transfer.

Mohammed Daoud from Unilabs Middle East expressed pride in being part of this strategic project, highlighting Unilabs’ advanced pharmaceutical analysis technologies and internationally accredited laboratory tests.

 He pointed out that Abu Dhabi’s supportive environment and robust infrastructure make it an ideal location for such transformative initiatives, and he looks forward to further collaboration that will help position Abu Dhabi as a major hub for drug development in the region.

This center will mark Unilabs Pharma Solutions’ first investment in pharmaceutical solutions in the Middle East.

The announcement took place during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2025, which is held under the theme “Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.”

The event brings together over 15,000 participants and 325 exhibitors worldwide, focusing on key themes such as longevity and precision health, health system resilience and sustainability, digital health and artificial intelligence, and investment in life sciences.

 By uniting global stakeholders, ADGHW aims to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and drive investment in solutions that will shape the future of healthcare and well-being.

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