Abu Dhabi-Novartis partnership to boost genomic research, healthcare

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has teamed up with pharmaceutical company Novartis to strengthen collaboration in genomics research, scientific capacity building and advanced therapies.

The partnership aims to combine Abu Dhabi's growing expertise in genomics with Novartis' global scientific experience to support research, build local capabilities and improve access to innovative treatments.

The move builds on the success of the Emirati Genome Programme, which has sequenced more than 900,000 genomes, creating new opportunities for personalised healthcare and disease prevention.

Health officials say the collaboration will help turn genomic research into real-world healthcare solutions, benefiting patients in the UAE and beyond.

"Abu Dhabi has established one of the world's most comprehensive population genomics programmes, creating new opportunities to better understand disease, improve prevention and accelerate the development of more personalised approaches to care," said Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH.

"This collaboration with Novartis strengthens an ecosystem that already brings together genomics, research, healthcare delivery and innovation within a single connected environment," she added.

The MoU was signed during the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi's (DoH) visit to the Novartis Biomedical Research site in San Diego, alongside the BIO International Convention 2026.

The signing builds on the longstanding relationship between DoH and Novartis across multiple areas, including clinical research, health technology assessment, and policy engagement in innovative treatment areas.

"By combining Abu Dhabi’s ambitious vision for healthcare innovation with Novartis’ global scientific expertise, we have an opportunity to support advances in genomics research, scientific capability building, and the future of precision medicine. We look forward to exploring initiatives that can contribute to better health outcomes and help address the evolving needs of patients in the UAE," said Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Novartis GCC Cluster.