PureHealth obtains global AAHRPP accreditation for clinical research units in Abu Dhabi

UAE—PureHealth has earned full accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs for its SEHA and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City entities, marking a major milestone for its clinical research operations in Abu Dhabi.

The recognition confirms that both institutions meet internationally accepted standards for protecting research participants and conducting ethical, high-quality studies.

It also strengthens PureHealth’s position in the growing regional market for clinical trials and biomedical innovation.

Integrated research network

The research teams at SEHA and SSMC operate under the Abu Dhabi Health Research Centre, PureHealth’s centralized clinical research platform.

The centre coordinates research activities across 16 hospitals, primary care clinics, and advanced laboratories throughout Abu Dhabi.

ADHRC currently manages more than 200 active studies, ranging from early- and advanced-stage clinical trials to translational research that helps move discoveries from the laboratory into patient care.

A unified governance model oversees these programs, helping researchers maintain consistent standards, achieve stronger oversight, and execute more efficiently across multiple sites.

What the accreditation means

AAHRPP accreditation is widely regarded as the global benchmark for human research protection.

Institutions must voluntarily undergo an extensive peer-review process and meet standards that often exceed local regulatory requirements.

SEHA and SSMC received full accreditation for a three-year term.

As a result, PureHealth joins a select group of healthcare organizations worldwide that hold this status.

The achievement highlights the maturity of the group’s research governance systems and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading centre for life sciences and medical innovation.

Leadership Response

Shaista Asif said the group has built a globally competitive research platform that operates to the highest international standards.

She added that the latest recognition reflects the strength of PureHealth’s governance framework and supports Abu Dhabi’s growing role in global clinical research.

Asif also noted that the company remains focused on expanding its capabilities while accelerating studies that deliver meaningful outcomes for patients.

Importance for trial sponsors

AAHRPP accreditation often plays a major role when pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and research sponsors choose locations for clinical trials.

It gives independent assurance that a research institution meets accepted standards for ethics, participant safety, and operational quality.

By securing the accreditation, PureHealth improves its appeal as a preferred partner for complex regional and international studies.

Global recognition

Elyse I. Summers congratulated PureHealth on the achievement and welcomed the group into AAHRPP’s international network of accredited organizations.

She said PureHealth demonstrated a strong commitment to the rigorous standards designed to protect the people who participate in research.