Abu Dhabi launches the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster

Abu Dhabi's future just got a little healthier — and a lot more ambitious. With a green light from His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the emirate has officially launched the HELM cluster — short for Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine. It's more than a buzzword-packed initiative. HELM is set to become the beating heart of the UAE's life sciences ecosystem, driving everything from next-gen biotech to pharmaceutical production and digital health breakthroughs.

As Sheikh Khaled put it, this isn't just a policy move — it's a national priority, "fully supported by the leadership." And with a projected AED94 billion boost to GDP and 30,000 new jobs on the horizon, the stakes — and hopes — are sky-high.

How will it work?

Think of HELM as an innovation engine with four powerful gears: research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization. The cluster brings together the big players — the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and the Department of Health. Together, they're building a one-stop shop for:

• Advanced biotech labs and pharmaceutical factories
• MedTech solutions, from AI diagnostics to robotics
• Genomics and preventative care research
• A regulatory and infrastructure setup designed to fast-track innovation

HELM isn't just opening its doors to global life sciences companies — it's rolling out the red carpet. "This cluster is built to remove barriers, accelerate breakthroughs and create a seamless path from discovery to global impact," said Badr Al-Olama of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. In other words, it's plug-and-play for pioneers.

Why does it matter?

Because the world's not waiting for better medicine — it needs it now. With AI driving research and bioengineering pushing boundaries, HELM puts Abu Dhabi right where the action is. The impact? Faster drug development, smarter diagnostics, and longer, healthier lives. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori didn't mince words: "We're not just investing in infrastructure, we're investing in human potential... in breakthroughs that will redefine longevity."

And this isn't just about health. It's a power play in economic strategy. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi called the cluster "a transformational step" that blends science with business. By building a globally competitive life sciences hub, Abu Dhabi is betting on brains, not just barrels.

The context

This isn't Abu Dhabi's first rodeo. HELM is the third in a trio of mega-clusters shaping the future of the emirate's economy. First came SAVI in 2023 — pioneering autonomous vehicles and flying taxis. Then AGWA in 2024, tackling global food and water shortages. Now, HELM steps in to take on human health.

It's all part of a big-picture push: diversify the economy, attract world-class talent, and position Abu Dhabi as a global innovation hotspot. With HELM, the city isn't just keeping pace with the future — it's setting the pace.

As Al Zaabi said, "We are ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of developing breakthrough technologies that will benefit humanity at large."