Longevity was put under the microscope at the recent Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Longevity was put under the microscope at the recent Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Longevity was put under the microscope at the recent Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Longevity was put under the microscope at the recent Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. Chris Whiteoak / The National

How Abu Dhabi is looking 50 years into the future to shape health care


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Abu Dhabi is primed to be at the forefront of a global healthcare revolution, by embracing technology and innovation to examine the root cause of diseases before they can take hold and help people live longer.

The emirate is developing an ambitious strategy in which it will serve as a major hub for next-generation pharmaceutical production and become a driving force for precision medicine to support its growing population from birth.

The National spoke to key figures in the health sector to get a glimpse of a bold future rapidly taking shape.

Biobank breakthrough

The Abu Dhabi Biobank – in Masdar City, which will be housing the largest collection of human biomaterials in the region, from next year – is to manufacture regenerative medicine products under a partnership with US-based biotechnology company Humabiologics.

“This is very significant,” said Paul Downey, general manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank. “The signing will allow us to develop regenerative medicine materials and products to assist patients in the UAE. It moves us beyond simply storing tissues and cells – we will now manufacture and make them available for treatment within the country.”

Regenerative medicine works by repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs, in an effort to help restore the health of patients rather than merely manage symptoms.

The Biobank will now collect, process, and grow tissues and cell samples locally, creating advanced therapeutic products including organoids – miniature versions of human organs – and pioneering 3D tissue printing techniques.

“This is a new technology for the UAE,” Mr Downey said. “Previously, patients would often have to travel abroad for these types of advanced treatments. Now we are building a registry of cells that are well matched to the UAE’s diverse population, increasing the success rates of transplants and treatments.”

Abu Dhabi plans to be a production hub for regenerative medicine. Reuters
Abu Dhabi plans to be a production hub for regenerative medicine. Reuters

Unlocking the secrets of life

Leading DNA sequencing company Illumina has partnered with Abu Dhabi to push genomic science to new frontiers. Illumina has sought to drive down the cost of sequencing from $100,000 to just a few hundred dollars, making it far more accessible.

“DNA is the fundamental building block of biology,” said Jacob Thaysen, chief executive of Illumina. “If you want to understand human beings, or life overall, you need to understand DNA. It provides insights into variants that cause diseases, enabling early intervention and preventive care.”

The Department of Health and G42 have sequenced most of the Emirati population, creating one of the largest genome cohorts in the world.

“That’s incredibly important because the genomic profile here is different from Europe or the US,” said Mr Thaysen.

A new agreement with Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the emirate's Department of Health will be focused on building local capabilities in genomics and AI.

San Diego-based Illumina, which has a centre in Dubai, believes low-cost genome analysis can be made available for every newborn. Photo: Nick Donaldson / Getty Images
San Diego-based Illumina, which has a centre in Dubai, believes low-cost genome analysis can be made available for every newborn. Photo: Nick Donaldson / Getty Images

Health care designed for longevity

Abu Dhabi’s health system is being redesigned with the goal of helping its public live longer and healthier lives.

Dr Asma Al Mannaei, executive director of the health life sciences sector at the Department of Health, said longevity was central to its vision.

She said traditional healthcare models, which focus on treating illness after it arises, are no longer enough.

“We understand now that the situation in delivering healthcare does not really fit repeated crises,” Dr Al Mannaei said. “The healthcare system is witnessing a transformative change – moving from one-size-fits-all to personalised and efficient care.”

Abu Dhabi is leveraging data from the Emirati Genome Programme and cutting-edge digital infrastructure to deliver predictive, tailored healthcare solutions.

Dr Al Mannaei expects significant changes in how the healthcare industry operates around the world in the decades to come.

“Within the next 50 years, we are going to witness a transformative change, not only in Abu Dhabi but worldwide,” she said. “Health care is going to be more personalised and more toward a health-driven approach rather than a treatment-driven one.”

Dr Asma Al Mannaei, executive director of the health life sciences sector at the Department of Health. Leslie Pableo for The National
Dr Asma Al Mannaei, executive director of the health life sciences sector at the Department of Health. Leslie Pableo for The National

'From sick care to health care'

Dimitris Moulavasilis, chief executive of Abu Dhabi health tech company M42’s global patient care platform, said the capital is shifting away from reactive care toward maintaining health through early intervention.

“Today, with the massive availability of the phenotypic data from the Emirati Genome Programme, we can build population health programmes,” he said. “We are moving from sick care to health care.”

Mr Moulavasilis described a future where health care is integrated across all stages of life – from pre-birth genetic screening to predictive monitoring in old age.

“Health care is going to intervene in all stages of life, ensuring longer, healthier lives,” he said. “It’s extremely important to design population and value-based programmes. Preventive care costs a fraction of treating advanced disease."

Key investment

Hein van Eck, chief executive of Mediclinic Middle East. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Hein van Eck, chief executive of Mediclinic Middle East. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Abu Dhabi’s rapid population growth is also driving major investment in healthcare infrastructure. Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital is expanding, with Dh120 million allocated to increasing capacity and services.

The expansion will increase the hospital’s bed capacity from 220 to 270, add two new operating theatres, a hybrid theatre, a cath lab and expand maternity and neonatal services.

Hein van Eck, chief executive of Mediclinic Middle East, said: “Abu Dhabi has truly become a fantastic example to the rest of the world of how governments can push new technologies further and faster when they truly back the sector.

“It’s a big investment. We realised we needed to invest further to keep pace with the needs of our patients.

“In 50 years, the healthcare ecosystem will look completely different. Hospitals will be smaller, mainly focused on theatre complexes and ICUs, while most patients will be treated at home, remotely monitored with the latest technologies.”

However, he stressed that accessible insurance options are vital to supporting an ageing population.

“We need a safety net or a more accessible insurance model if we want to attract more elderly residents,” he said.

Laying foundations for success

Abu Dhabi's flourishing health sector is also encouraging a rise in start-up businesses.

One success story is FemTech company Ovasave, founded by Majd Abu Zant and Torkia Mahloul in 2023, a digital platform fertility platform designed to make early fertility management more accessible and affordable to all.

The company offers licensed at-home tests, egg-freezing packages and access to leading fertility clinics in the UAE, and personalised licensed supplements to support reproductive health.

“Just a few years ago, fertility services were limited and awareness was low across the region,” said Mr Abu Zant.

“Women now have more choices, more information, and greater control over their futures. Ovasave is proud to be part of this national movement, helping to make fertility care not only accessible and affordable, but a fundamental part of women's empowerment.”

Call for affordable health care

Alisha Moopen, managing director and group chief executive of Aster DM Healthcare, wants health care to remain accessible. Photo: Aster DM Healthcare
Alisha Moopen, managing director and group chief executive of Aster DM Healthcare, wants health care to remain accessible. Photo: Aster DM Healthcare

While important strides have been made, Alisha Moopen, managing director and group chief executive of Aster DM Healthcare, said it was essential that patients are not priced out of services.

“I think what the UAE, starting with Abu Dhabi, then Dubai, and now the Northern Emirates, has done over the last 10 years by making insurance mandatory has been the biggest win for healthcare in our communities,” she said.

“Health care needs to be democratised. Everyone should have access – it's a basic human right. The private sector plays a crucial role in creating sustainable models that make healthcare more affordable, scalable, and accessible.”

Ms Moopen stressed the need to instil healthy habits early in life. “We should have PE every day, just like maths, to build a lifelong discipline around health, nutrition and fitness,” she said.

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

HAJJAN
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Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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SPECS
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What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
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TO A LAND UNKNOWN

Director: Mahdi Fleifel

Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa

Rating: 4.5/5

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

25%20Days%20to%20Aden
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In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 592bhp

Torque: 620Nm

Price: Dh980,000

On sale: now

Updated: August 19, 2025, 9:48 AM`