Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have entered into a strategic agreement with Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and UAE University to accelerate the development of the emirate’s new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster. Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGW), this initiative emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a leader in AI-driven life sciences.
Transforming Abu Dhabi’s biotechnology landscape
The HELM cluster is a groundbreaking initiative led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), ADIO, and DoH, aiming to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for biotechnology, MedTech, and digital health innovation. The cluster is projected to contribute over AED94 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP and unlock 30,000 new jobs by 2045.
This partnership brings together prominent Abu Dhabi-based research, academic, and clinical institutions. They will commit resources, expertise, and infrastructure to establish the HELM cluster as a pioneering innovation hub that promotes cutting-edge research and development (R&D), commercialization, and new opportunities for growth in both academic and private sectors.
Vision for the future of health
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: “Abu Dhabi is not just investing in science, we are shaping the future of health. With the HELM cluster, we are bridging research, regulation, and real-world impact to create an ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms lives. This partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global life sciences cluster, one that attracts talent, enables breakthrough discoveries, and powers a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.”
Framework to support advanced life sciences
As part of the agreement, all parties will collaborate to develop a comprehensive, clear, and efficient framework designed to support advanced life sciences and biotechnology companies and academic institutions within the HELM cluster. This framework will facilitate their ability to commercialize products and services and integrate into global value chains, while the DoH will ensure regulatory compliance.
Advancing Abu Dhabi as a destination for innovation
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO, stated: “Abu Dhabi is advancing its role as a trusted destination for innovation, creating the conditions for globally impactful research to thrive. This agreement brings together the emirate’s strongest academic, clinical, and regulatory institutions to build an ecosystem where medical breakthroughs can move from research to real-world application faster and at scale. With the HELM cluster, we are creating an environment where companies can innovate with confidence, access global markets, and contribute to a life sciences ecosystem that’s built for the future.”
All parties will share laboratory networks and research infrastructure to enhance the scope and quality of research capabilities and output across the cluster.
Commitment to educational excellence
H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, acting vice chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, noted: “UAEU is the nation’s flagship university, and in line with its strategic vision, it is committed to leadership, excellence, and fostering knowledge that achieves a clear national impact. Collaborating with this distinguished group of experts provides us the opportunity to broaden our research excellence in key areas and prepare our students to lead the evolving medical sector.”
Translating discovery into real-world applications
Prof. Yendry Ventura, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), stated: “As a leading R&D centre in cellular therapy, ADSCC’s strength lies in translating scientific discovery into real-world therapies—driven by an elite group of scientists and clinicians from bench to bedside. Through this collaboration, we are expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships, and advancing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be at the forefront of medical innovation.”
Emphasizing talent development in life sciences
In parallel, the collaboration places a strong emphasis on talent development. The entities will work together to create specialized training programs, internships, and workshops aimed at developing local talent in the life sciences field. Collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector will further enhance the cluster, with plans to establish joint degree programs, research fellowships, and postdoctoral positions focused on human health research.
Building on long-standing collaborations
Fabio Piano, vice chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, said: “This partnership builds on our long-standing collaborations and sets the stage for more significant progress and breakthroughs. At NYU Abu Dhabi, we believe in the power of long-term commitments and global talent attraction and retention to drive progress in human health research and make a positive impact on the future of the UAE. Together, we’re enhancing our connectivity, where ideas can grow and impact on a healthy future can take shape.”
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in innovation
This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the cluster’s development, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in scientific innovation, healthcare advancement, and knowledge-based economic growth.
Held under the theme ‘Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being,’ Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is a major government initiative from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) to serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.
