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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Rewriting the health playbook: How Abu Dhabi is scaling AI and digital care
In April 2025, global health leaders, policymakers, innovators, and researchers convened for Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW)—a flagship initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the year-round global platform advances transformative solutions across health and life sciences. Health doesn't operate in a silo; it calls for critical thinking and collaboration among practitioners, policymakers, pharmaceutical leaders, researchers, and frontline healthcare workers accelerating shared health ambitions worldwide. ADVERTISEMENT The 2025 theme, 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being,' mirrors ADGHW's ambition: shifting from episodic treatment to continuous, preventive, and personalised care. The promise of digital health and AI One pressing theme that has dominated the public health discourse in the past few years is digital health and artificial intelligence (AI). Advanced technologies are unlocking new frontiers by improving access, enhancing clinical outcomes, and supporting more resilient health systems. From remote monitoring, AI-diagnostics, to telemedicine and predictive analysis, Abu Dhabi is reimagining care pathways to deliver personalised treatment while empowering providers with real-time, data-driven insights. H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi According to H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, 'Digital health allows us to tailor care to the needs of each individual while improving access across diverse communities. Whether through telemedicine platforms or data-enabled prevention strategies, our focus is on strengthening system resilience and enhancing patient outcomes.' Abu Dhabi's growing trust-based health data and technical infrastructure presents a fertile ground for innovation. Initiatives such as Malaffi, the region's first Health Information Exchange, and the Emirati Genome Program are central to this vision. While the former facilitates real-time data sharing among care providers, the latter creates a unique dataset to analyse genetic predispositions to build better individual and population-level responses in health management. India's interest in scaling population health genomics (through initiatives such as the Genome India project, which aims to map the genetic diversity of the Indian population) aligns with such frameworks in Abu Dhabi. Data governance, ethical AI usage, and consent frameworks are some of the fronts where cross-border collaboration could be envisioned. ADVERTISEMENT Innovation Through Strategic InitiativesInitiatives announced at ADGHW 2025 reflect Abu Dhabi's role as a global health innovation leader, unveiling a suite of bold new initiatives that move digital health from concept to execution. ADVERTISEMENT Notably, the launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) Cluster—a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and Hub71—signals a bold step toward advancing health life sciences, R&D, and building a robust ecosystem for medical innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotechnology. The Startup Zone and Smart Health Hackathon spotlighted emerging innovators tackling real-world health challenges through AI-powered and digital-first approaches. The inaugural ADGHW Innovation Awards were also introduced, recognising breakthroughs that are driving meaningful improvements in patient outcomes, healthcare accessibility, and system efficiency. ADVERTISEMENT A human-centred approach to innovation However, digital transformation in healthcare transcends the technological realm. It must be rooted in the realities of patients and on-ground experiences that have emerged from years of clinical practice. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, underscores its impact; 'The future of health is patient-centred. Technology is a powerful enabler, but the true impact comes when innovations align with human need.'Technologies shown at ADGHW are shifting health towards proactive and predictive models of care, helping individuals manage chronic conditions, while algorithms interpret patient data to identify health risks before they escalate. ADVERTISEMENT Building a future-ready healthcare workforceThe success of this transformation depends equally on human capital. As AI and digital tools become more embedded in health workflows, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can operate in hybrid, tech-enabled environments. 'Investing in workforce development is key to realising the benefits of digital health,' notes Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) . 'Our role is to ensure that future clinicians and allied health professionals are equipped with both clinical and digital competencies, ensuring a seamless integration of innovation into care delivery.'This is true in the context of India as well, as it seeks to upskill its healthcare workforce to adopt emerging technologies. Abu Dhabi's initiatives present a model for India's academic and public-private institutions. The focus is on supporting the development of an AI-trained workforce capable of advancing both diagnostic precision and operational efficiency. Public health, equity, and global collaboration ADGHW 2025 also steered conversations on policy innovation, to drive an actionable agenda across global collaborators. A major milestone was the launch of a Global Declaration on Longevity and Precision Health, outlining an actionable agenda to extend both lifespan and healthspan through international cooperation and innovation, placing longevity at the heart of global health priorities. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which focuses on advancing precision medicine and genomics in oncology, rare genetic disorders, and metabolic diseases, leveraging AI and collaborative research to pioneer new treatment pathways. This multi-stakeholder partnership included PureHealth, M42, Illumina, Khalifa University (KU), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD). In a world-first, Abu Dhabi unveiled the AI-powered Population Health Intelligence Framework—a learning health system designed to continuously predict, prevent, and respond to public health challenges through AI and real-time analytics.'Public health must be inclusive, data-informed, and anticipatory,' says H.E. Dr. Rached Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC). 'Through ADGHW, we are advocating for integrated approaches that connect population health strategies with emerging digital tools.'This intersection of innovation and inclusion is critical as healthcare systems globally face challenges of scale, access, and sustainability. Through these measures, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as both a contributor and convener in shaping the global health agenda. Infrastructure for impact Technology alone does not deliver transformation, it must be embedded within systems designed for agility, interoperability, and scale. Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Division Director of Digital Health at DoH, underscores that 'Our focus is on integrating digital health tools into a unified ecosystem. Whether it's through regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, or data platforms, we are building the infrastructure to support sustained impact.'ADGHW also provides the economic foundation for this transformation. By 2045, Abu Dhabi's life sciences sector is projected to contribute over AED 94 billion to GDP and generate more than 30,000 jobs. This economic vision is tightly interlinked with the health innovation agenda, making the Emirate a compelling hub for Indian health tech startups seeking Middle East expansion. From Abu Dhabi to the world As a year-round platform, ADGHW fosters a strategic bridge between global health priorities and local capacity, creating a space where data, expertise, and ambition leaders across government, academia, industry, and civil society, it presents an opportunity to co-create solutions that resonate far beyond borders, enhancing health outcomes not only for individuals but for entire communities and nations. Disclaimer: This content was authored by the content team of the ET Spotlight team. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Rewriting the health playbook: How Abu Dhabi is scaling AI and digital care
In April 2025, global health leaders, policymakers, innovators, and researchers convened for Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW)—a flagship initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the year-round global platform advances transformative solutions across health and life sciences. Health doesn't operate in a silo; it calls for critical thinking and collaboration among practitioners, policymakers, pharmaceutical leaders, researchers, and frontline healthcare workers accelerating shared health ambitions worldwide. The 2025 theme, 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being,' mirrors ADGHW's ambition: shifting from episodic treatment to continuous, preventive, and personalised care. The promise of digital health and AI One pressing theme that has dominated the public health discourse in the past few years is digital health and artificial intelligence (AI). Advanced technologies are unlocking new frontiers by improving access, enhancing clinical outcomes, and supporting more resilient health systems. From remote monitoring, AI-diagnostics, to telemedicine and predictive analysis, Abu Dhabi is reimagining care pathways to deliver personalised treatment while empowering providers with real-time, data-driven insights. ET Spotlight H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi According to H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, 'Digital health allows us to tailor care to the needs of each individual while improving access across diverse communities. Whether through telemedicine platforms or data-enabled prevention strategies, our focus is on strengthening system resilience and enhancing patient outcomes.' Abu Dhabi's growing trust-based health data and technical infrastructure presents a fertile ground for innovation. Initiatives such as Malaffi, the region's first Health Information Exchange, and the Emirati Genome Program are central to this vision. While the former facilitates real-time data sharing among care providers, the latter creates a unique dataset to analyse genetic predispositions to build better individual and population-level responses in health management. Live Events India's interest in scaling population health genomics (through initiatives such as the Genome India project, which aims to map the genetic diversity of the Indian population) aligns with such frameworks in Abu Dhabi. Data governance, ethical AI usage, and consent frameworks are some of the fronts where cross-border collaboration could be envisioned. Innovation Through Strategic Initiatives Initiatives announced at ADGHW 2025 reflect Abu Dhabi's role as a global health innovation leader, unveiling a suite of bold new initiatives that move digital health from concept to execution. Notably, the launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) Cluster—a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and Hub71—signals a bold step toward advancing health life sciences, R&D, and building a robust ecosystem for medical innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotechnology. The Startup Zone and Smart Health Hackathon spotlighted emerging innovators tackling real-world health challenges through AI-powered and digital-first approaches. The inaugural ADGHW Innovation Awards were also introduced, recognising breakthroughs that are driving meaningful improvements in patient outcomes, healthcare accessibility, and system efficiency. A human-centred approach to innovation However, digital transformation in healthcare transcends the technological realm. It must be rooted in the realities of patients and on-ground experiences that have emerged from years of clinical practice. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, underscores its impact; 'The future of health is patient-centred. Technology is a powerful enabler, but the true impact comes when innovations align with human need.' Technologies shown at ADGHW are shifting health towards proactive and predictive models of care, helping individuals manage chronic conditions, while algorithms interpret patient data to identify health risks before they escalate. B uilding a future-ready healthcare workforce The success of this transformation depends equally on human capital. As AI and digital tools become more embedded in health workflows, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can operate in hybrid, tech-enabled environments. 'Investing in workforce development is key to realising the benefits of digital health,' notes Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) . 'Our role is to ensure that future clinicians and allied health professionals are equipped with both clinical and digital competencies, ensuring a seamless integration of innovation into care delivery.' This is true in the context of India as well, as it seeks to upskill its healthcare workforce to adopt emerging technologies. Abu Dhabi's initiatives present a model for India's academic and public-private institutions. The focus is on supporting the development of an AI-trained workforce capable of advancing both diagnostic precision and operational efficiency. Public health, equity, and global collaboration ADGHW 2025 also steered conversations on policy innovation, to drive an actionable agenda across global collaborators. A major milestone was the launch of a Global Declaration on Longevity and Precision Health, outlining an actionable agenda to extend both lifespan and healthspan through international cooperation and innovation, placing longevity at the heart of global health priorities. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which focuses on advancing precision medicine and genomics in oncology, rare genetic disorders, and metabolic diseases, leveraging AI and collaborative research to pioneer new treatment pathways. This multi-stakeholder partnership included PureHealth, M42, Illumina, Khalifa University (KU), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD). In a world-first, Abu Dhabi unveiled the AI-powered Population Health Intelligence Framework—a learning health system designed to continuously predict, prevent, and respond to public health challenges through AI and real-time analytics. 'Public health must be inclusive, data-informed, and anticipatory,' says H.E. Dr. Rached Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC). 'Through ADGHW, we are advocating for integrated approaches that connect population health strategies with emerging digital tools.' This intersection of innovation and inclusion is critical as healthcare systems globally face challenges of scale, access, and sustainability. Through these measures, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as both a contributor and convener in shaping the global health agenda. Infrastructure for impact Technology alone does not deliver transformation, it must be embedded within systems designed for agility, interoperability, and scale. Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Division Director of Digital Health at DoH, underscores that 'Our focus is on integrating digital health tools into a unified ecosystem. Whether it's through regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, or data platforms, we are building the infrastructure to support sustained impact.' ADGHW also provides the economic foundation for this transformation. By 2045, Abu Dhabi's life sciences sector is projected to contribute over AED 94 billion to GDP and generate more than 30,000 jobs. This economic vision is tightly interlinked with the health innovation agenda, making the Emirate a compelling hub for Indian health tech startups seeking Middle East expansion. From Abu Dhabi to the world As a year-round platform, ADGHW fosters a strategic bridge between global health priorities and local capacity, creating a space where data, expertise, and ambition converge. For leaders across government, academia, industry, and civil society, it presents an opportunity to co-create solutions that resonate far beyond borders, enhancing health outcomes not only for individuals but for entire communities and nations.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Investing in tomorrow's health: Abu Dhabi's strategic health and life sciences agenda
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) 2025 showcased the Emirate's bold vision to transform health and life sciences into a powerhouse of innovation, investment, and economic growth. More than a hub for health delivery, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a platform for global breakthroughs, where technologists, scientists, investors, and policymakers co-create solutions backed by committed capital, agile regulation, and a unified health ecosystem. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), this year's edition was anchored around the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.' The event provided a platform for leaders in policy, technology, finance, and research to explore a new paradigm—one that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), data science, genomics, and patient-centred design to achieve better outcomes. Abu Dhabi's Evolving Model At the core of ADGHW 2025 is Abu Dhabi's focus on longevity, prevention, and precision health, driven by advanced technologies and a connected health ecosystem. The Emirate's commitment to personalised care is supported by world-class research centres, integrated data platforms, investment-friendly policies, and forward-thinking regulations. The launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine Cluster (HELM) marked a major milestone. Designed to attract international investment and talent, HELM will accelerate Abu Dhabi's transition into a global hub for biotech, MedTech, and life sciences manufacturing. By 2045, the cluster is projected to contribute AED 94 billion (USD 25.6 billion) to GDP and attract AED 42 billion (USD 11.4 billion) in investment. The cluster integrates cutting-edge laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities, and a supportive regulatory environment to fast-track innovation from lab to market. 'We are building an intelligent health system that embeds AI, genomics, and data-driven insights into every layer of care,' said H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of Department of Health. 'Our vision is globally connected, prevention-first model, delivering personalised impact at scale, supported by strategic investment, bold partnerships, and a unified ecosystem.' Live Events Abu Dhabi is cultivating a thriving life sciences sector, evolving from an import-heavy, treatment-oriented model to a regional hub for R&D, clinical innovation, and biotech scale-up. Investors are taking notice. Complementing HELM, a landmark infrastructure agreement between DoH, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Masdar City will establish state-of-the-art life sciences laboratories to enable R&D, support early-stage ventures, and foster academic–industry collaboration. The goal: translate research into commercially viable solutions and grow the life sciences economy from bench to bedside. E mbedding Intelligence in Health The Emirate's vision for health innovation includes significant investment in digital infrastructure and talent. From telehealth to AI-integrated diagnostics and predictive analytics, Abu Dhabi is embedding intelligence across the patient journey—while building a skilled workforce ready to harness emerging technologies. 'Abu Dhabi is not just adopting digital health tools—we're architects of a smart health ecosystem,' said Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Executive Director of Digital Health at Department of Health (DoH). 'By aligning regulation, education, innovation, and investment, we're creating a seamless, data-driven care environment that empowers both clinicians and patients.' Strategic Health Infrastructure Abu Dhabi's life sciences push is supported by initiatives that extend beyond innovation to include robust global logistics. A key announcement at ADGHW 2025 was the inauguration of a regional vaccine distribution hub—a major milestone in the Emirate's strategy to strengthen global health supply chains. Building on a 2024 MoU with GSK, the hub leverages Abu Dhabi's strategic location, advanced logistics infrastructure, and strong regulatory frameworks to ensure rapid, equitable access to vaccines across regional and global markets. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's integrated approach to health innovation, where infrastructure, policy, and international collaboration converge to create a future-ready health system that is agile, inclusive, and impact-driven. Life Sciences as an economic engine The life sciences sector is fast becoming a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategy. Recent projections indicate the sector will contribute over AED 94 billion to GDP by 2045 and create more than 30,000 jobs. With streamlined regulation, strong intellectual property protections, and support for public–private partnerships, Abu Dhabi offers a compelling environment for investors. Its world-class logistics and distribution networks further enhance its attractiveness as a base for pharmaceutical and MedTech companies looking to scale. Strengthening global ties India and Abu Dhabi share strategic interests in health technology and research translation. Ongoing collaborations in digital diagnostics, genomics, and health data governance create space for joint innovation, particularly relevant as both nations invest in technology-led, accessible healthcare models. Looking ahead Abu Dhabi is not just building a health system; it is building a future-ready life sciences economy. Through bold policy, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term investment, it is creating a platform where global breakthroughs are enabled and scaled responsibly. In a world seeking resilient, innovative health systems, Abu Dhabi offers a powerful and actionable model for the future of global health innovation.
TECHx
21-06-2025
- Health
- TECHx
Abu Dhabi, Abbott Partner to Boost Local Pharma Sector
Home » Smart Sectors » Healthcare » Abu Dhabi, Abbott Partner to Boost Local Pharma Sector The Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (DoH), the healthcare sector regulator in Abu Dhabi, announced a strategic partnership with global healthcare leader Abbott. The agreement was signed during the BIO International Convention held in Boston, USA. The partnership aims to localise pharmaceutical manufacturing in Abu Dhabi. It also focuses on advancing digital health solutions across the emirate. Officials revealed that the collaboration builds on Abu Dhabi's advanced life sciences infrastructure. This move supports the emirate's goal to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen supply chain resilience. It further reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering a self-sufficient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, stated that the partnership follows the recent launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in Abu Dhabi. She added that the emirate is equipped with an integrated infrastructure to support local manufacturing and R&D. She said the agreement would position Abu Dhabi as a regional healthcare hub and leader in life sciences. According to her, aligning DoH's strategic vision with Abbott's global expertise will accelerate the delivery of innovative healthcare products and solutions. The collaboration is built around four key pillars: Localising Abbott's pharmaceutical portfolio and developing biosimilars. Advancing digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets. Launching education programs to strengthen the healthcare workforce. Supporting regulatory alignment and joint R&D initiatives. Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott's established pharmaceuticals business in the Gulf, Emerging Markets and Levant, reported that this partnership will enhance healthcare resilience and innovation in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted Abbott's ongoing commitment to the UAE's healthcare system. He noted that the partnership will also include digitising life sciences product information and launching training initiatives to build local capabilities. In addition, both parties will explore opportunities for joint research and development. DoH also reported that a high-level delegation has embarked on a strategic mission to the United States from 15 to 21 June 2025. The delegation will conduct over 20 meetings with public and private sector leaders. These meetings aim to promote knowledge exchange, attract investments, and sign new agreements that accelerate advanced health solutions. Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes: Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, and PureHealth. Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, startAD, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). This announcement highlights Abu Dhabi's global ambitions in life sciences and healthcare innovation.
Filipino Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi launches personalized weight loss programme; first in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi has launched the region's first Personalised Weight Management Programme to help residents manage their weight and prevent serious health problems. The program aims to lower the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and some cancers, improving the quality of life and helping people live longer, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. An initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), this is the first program of its kind in the Middle East that combines online health tracking, insurance support, and medical care tailored to each person. 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions,' Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said. Those eligible include Thiqa insurance members aged 18 and above who are medically classified as overweight or obese. The plan includes early health checks, one-on-one coaching, diet and exercise guidance, and check-ups using the Sahatna health app.
