Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have joined forces with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Hub71. This partnership is part of the emirate’s newly launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster, aimed at driving the next wave of AI-driven breakthroughs in medicine.
The initiative represents a significant step in fulfilling Abu Dhabi’s vision for a dynamic life sciences landscape, according to a statement.
Accelerating innovation in AI-driven life sciences
Led by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), ADIO and DoH, the HELM cluster is poised to accelerate the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of groundbreaking medicines, biotechnologies, and therapies. The focus will be on AI-powered innovation, precision medicine, and personalized treatments.
Advancing AI-powered discovery ecosystem
Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), this partnership will enhance the cluster’s efforts to create an AI-powered discovery ecosystem designed to expedite the development of new medicines. The initiative will support the development of scalable infrastructure for managing and analyzing complex healthcare data, including clinical, genomic, and proteomic datasets. This effort leverages the expertise of Abu Dhabi-based companies in healthcare services and data management.
Fast-tracking healthcare solutions
Partners will collaborate to fast-track intellectual property (IP) development while supporting the commercialization of breakthrough healthcare solutions in the emirate. Companies interested in co-developing AI-powered discovery solutions will benefit from ADIO’s competitive business support to establish operations within Abu Dhabi’s HELM cluster and scale their innovations globally.
Insights from leadership on AI in healthcare
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated: “AI and data are today’s enablers of smarter, predictive, preventive, and more personalized care. Through the HELM cluster, we are building a globally connected ecosystem that empowers researchers, innovators, and investors to unlock the full potential of data-driven discovery. From early diagnostics to personalized therapies, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a hub where cutting-edge science meets real-world impact.”
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO, emphasized: “By integrating AI-driven research and innovation within the HELM cluster, we are not only accelerating drug discovery and precision medicine, we are advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in the digital healthcare transformation. The cluster is a launchpad for groundbreaking solutions that will shape the future of how diseases are detected, how treatment is delivered, and how health is managed worldwide. This collaboration exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s ability to bring together world-class institutions, advanced infrastructure, and progressive policies to create an environment where life sciences companies can scale, innovate, and drive lasting impact.”
Attracting startups to Abu Dhabi’s AI ecosystem
The initiative also aims to attract leading startups and scale-ups to Abu Dhabi to drive AI-powered breakthroughs. Through Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, these startups will gain access to local and global investors and cross-border partnerships in markets such as France, South Korea, and Singapore.
Supporting high-growth startups in AI-driven life sciences
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, remarked: “The HELM cluster will serve as a launchpad for high-growth startups and leading innovators to develop and scale AI-driven life sciences solutions from Abu Dhabi to the world. At Hub71, we remain committed to fostering entrepreneurship and advancing breakthrough technologies that will shape the future of global healthcare and deliver lasting impact.”
Strengthening DeepTech innovation in Abu Dhabi
Startups aligned with MBZUAI’s research priorities will gain access to cutting-edge research facilities, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a hub for DeepTech innovation. The collaboration will also play a crucial role in talent development by introducing specialized training programs, internships, and workshops in AI-powered discovery.
Cultivating future AI and biotech talent
Professor Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI’s Vice President of Research, added: “This partnership will provide unparalleled access to advanced AI research facilities and cultivate the next wave of AI and biotech talent in Abu Dhabi. As a university with AI at its core, MBZUAI is uniquely positioned to accelerate breakthroughs that integrate AI with life sciences. By working closely with startups and industry leaders, we aim to equip researchers, students, and entrepreneurs with the expertise and ecosystem needed to drive transformative innovations in precision medicine, genomics, and drug development, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global hub for AI-driven healthcare solutions.”
Addressing rising health challenges with AI
With chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes on the rise, the HELM cluster and its AI-powered discovery initiative are pivotal to the future of medicine. Through this initiative, the cluster is set to develop new treatment solutions by integrating AI-driven insights, enhancing early disease detection, and improving patient outcomes while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Held under the theme ‘Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being,’ Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is a significant government initiative from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) designed to serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.
