On the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office announced the signing of an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to establish the first multi-omics research institute in the emirate — a step that reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for life sciences and medical innovation.
The institute will focus on accelerating genomic and precision medicine research for cancer treatment, employing an integrated approach that combines genetic, proteomic, and biological data to gain a deeper understanding of disease causes. The project aims to enhance cancer treatment outcomes and promote diversity in genomic research by leveraging Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure.
This collaboration represents a successful public-private partnership model, as it integrates early-stage discovery research into the UAE’s national scientific research ecosystem for the first time — boosting the country’s capabilities in biotechnology and personalized medicine.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated that the institute will provide high-quality data to support innovation in healthcare. Badr Al Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, emphasized that this initiative reflects the emirate’s ambitions to be a global reference in medical innovation. Meanwhile, Dr. Hisham Abdullah noted that the agreement is a strategic step toward turning scientific progress into tangible solutions for cancer treatment.
The announcement comes as part of the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week — the government’s premier platform that brings together health sector leaders to explore ways to achieve longer, healthier lives through precision medicine, AI, and sustainable healthcare systems.