Abu Dhabi DoH hosts inaugural Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum

Abu Dhabi's healthcare leaders have set their sights on a future where living longer doesn't just mean adding years, but adding vitality. At the first-ever Healthy Longevity Innovation Forum, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) pulled together the brightest minds in medicine, policy, and research. Heavyweights from the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the IHLAD Board, and global thought leaders gathered under one roof to hash out how to push the boundaries of aging well.

Dr. Nicole Sirotin, the passionate CEO of IHLAD, put it plainly: "Research is critical to the success and growth of our community. We currently lack sufficient evidence in diagnostics and therapeutics for healthy longevity." The message? There's no time to waste.

What happened?

The forum wasn't just a talk-fest — it was a masterclass in action. At the heart of the discussions were trailblazing approaches like:

• Advanced longevity medicine: Think personalised treatments that target aging itself, not just its symptoms.
• Digital biomarkers and precision health: Cutting-edge tech to track health in real-time, spotting trouble before it starts.
• AI-powered healthcare: From early screening programs like IFHAS to personalised plans through the Sahatna health app.

Dr. Rashed Alsuwaidi from the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre captured the essence of this bold approach, saying, "Abu Dhabi is redefining healthy longevity with a personalised, data-driven approach to health."

Global experts like Dr. Eric Verdin, Professor Andrea Maier, and Professor Evelyne Bischof led high-energy sessions, diving into everything from genomics to digital health tools. Public panels gave the crowd a front-row seat to the future, discussing how these shiny new tools can become everyday essentials for better living.

Why does it matter?

Because living longer should mean living better. That was the resounding call throughout the forum. No one wants extra years weighed down by illness. The ambition is clear: turn healthcare from reactive to proactive.

Dr. Fayeza Alyafei of DoH hit the nail on the head: "Healthy longevity is a cornerstone of our strategic vision for the future of healthcare in the Emirate." It's about:

• Stopping diseases before they start
• Empowering people with tools to take charge of their health
• Building a healthcare ecosystem where wellness is the default

And let's not forget the big picture. The forum is tightly aligned with the Healthy Longevity Vision 2030, a bold promise to "give to the world more than we take from the world." It's not just about local impact — it's about Abu Dhabi stepping confidently onto the global stage as a leader in longevity research.

The context

We're at a tipping point. Around the world, populations are aging at breakneck speed. Traditional healthcare models — built for treating sickness, not maintaining health — are straining under the pressure.

Abu Dhabi is flipping the script. By weaving together research, innovation, and public health strategy, they're building a blueprint for others to follow. The forum's launch signals that this isn't a future pipedream — it's already happening.

Dr. Sirotin summed it up beautifully: "IHLAD, in partnership with DoH, is fostering high-level collaboration to co-create the future of health." The momentum is real, and the stakes couldn't be higher. If Abu Dhabi succeeds, it won't just mean longer lives — it'll mean fuller, richer, healthier ones.