M42 to establish region’s first heavy-ion therapy facility at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

UAE—M42, a global health leader driven by AI and technology, has announced plans to construct the region’s first heavy-ion therapy facility in Abu Dhabi to improve cancer treatment in the Middle East.

This announcement, made during the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) 2025, represents a significant milestone in the emirate’s journey towards becoming a global leader in oncology innovation and care.

The new facility, to be constructed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, will bring one of the most advanced and effective cancer treatment technologies to the region.

This development is particularly crucial as there is currently no heavy-ion therapy center within a five-hour flight radius of the UAE.

It will ensure that patients from across the Middle East will now have access to world-class care closer to home.

Heavy-ion therapy is a revolutionary advancement in radiation therapy, utilizing carbon ions accelerated to nearly 70% of the speed of light.

This technology produces heavy particle beams that can target tumors with unprecedented precision.

The key advantage of this technology lies in its ability to deliver higher doses of radiation directly to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

 This results in shorter, less frequent treatment sessions, significantly reducing the overall burden on patients.

The facility’s construction is slated to begin in 2026 at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi campus, adjacent to the recently launched Fatima bint Mubarak Center, a pioneering cancer center known for its multidisciplinary approach to care.

 The heavy-ion therapy system will feature two treatment rooms: one equipped with a rotating gantry and another with a horizontally fixed beam.

The system will incorporate cutting-edge high-speed scanning irradiation technology and a compact rotating gantry equipped with superconducting magnets.

This ambitious project is the result of a strategic partnership between M42 and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS).

The collaboration combines M42’s expertise in healthcare innovation with Toshiba ESS’s technological advancements in particle therapy, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for cutting-edge cancer treatment.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42 and Chairman of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of this partnership.

He stated that introducing heavy-ion therapy to the Middle East not only enhances Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s oncology capabilities but also fills a critical gap in cancer treatment options for people in the region.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, further underscored the hospital’s commitment to advancing cancer care.

He highlighted that integrating this groundbreaking technology into their comprehensive cancer care program will elevate treatment outcomes and offer renewed hope to patients with complex and challenging cancer diagnoses.

The benefits of heavy-ion therapy are numerous and significant. It is particularly effective for treating tumours that are inoperable or resistant to conventional therapies, including large tumours and liver metastases.

 Moreover, it lowers the risk of secondary cancers, offering patients a more effective initial treatment and a safer long-term prognosis. In some cases, such as early-stage lung cancer, treatment can be completed in a single outpatient session.

With only 15 centers worldwide currently offering heavy-ion radiotherapy, the addition of this therapy to the Fatima bint Mubarak Center will position the UAE and the broader Middle East region at the forefront of global oncology services.

This development ensures that the most advanced radiation therapy will be available to patients in the UAE and beyond, marking a significant leap forward in cancer treatment innovation.

This project is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and establish itself as a leader in healthcare.

The emirate has been making significant investments in the health sector, and M42 has played a crucial role in this transformation.

Backed by Abu Dhabi’s prominent artificial intelligence firm, G42, and the $330 billion wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co., M42 has been expanding its reach through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

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