Abu Dhabi DoH, Ma’an raise over AED15 million to fund healthcare, research and innovation

In a landmark effort to transform the healthcare landscape, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Authority of Social Contribution (Ma'an) have successfully raised over AED15 million to support healthcare research and innovation in the Emirate.

The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi's broader vision of becoming a global life sciences hub, driven by cutting-edge scientific advancements and technologies. This achievement was highlighted during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2024 earlier this year, showcasing the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to drive positive change in healthcare.

How does it work?

The Department of Health is leveraging this funding to launch a series of initiatives aimed at solving some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. These initiatives are designed to support researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — giving them the resources they need to develop groundbreaking solutions. For example, dedicated research grants are available, offering up to AED2 million in funding to institutions and individuals working on critical projects.

Priority research areas have been identified by DoH to ensure that this support is targeted where it's needed most. These areas include advanced fields like cell and gene research, precision medicine, and cancer diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the focus extends to smart hospitals, telemedicine, longevity studies, and tackling neurodegenerative diseases — highlighting the strategic intent of DoH to shift from reactive to preventive healthcare models.

Why does it matter?

This initiative matters because it directly addresses the need for sustainable healthcare solutions in a rapidly evolving world.

As Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, notes, "DoH remains dedicated to working with its distinguished partners across the sector to further strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global life sciences hub and incubator for healthcare innovation."

By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, the initiative ensures that the future of healthcare is more effective, efficient, and accessible. It recognizes that challenges like securing funding can be a major barrier to progress, and it seeks to overcome these obstacles through strategic partnerships with local and global entities. This, in turn, will facilitate clinical trials and empower healthcare professionals to turn research into practical, life-saving applications.

The context

Abu Dhabi's healthcare ecosystem has been evolving steadily, with an increasing emphasis on research and technological innovation. The Emirate has already incubated over 85 startups, each contributing to the growing health-tech hub. The global and regional recognition of Abu Dhabi's efforts in healthcare research, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence, medical devices, and wearable technologies, speaks volumes about the strategic approach the DoH has adopted.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi's vision aligns with global healthcare trends, particularly the shift toward personalized medicine, digital healthcare platforms, and the use of big data to improve patient outcomes. The collaboration between DoH, Ma'an, and the broader healthcare community is crucial in driving these advancements forward — ensuring that the region keeps pace with global developments and even leads in certain key areas.

As Dr. Al Ghaithi mentioned, these efforts are designed to support a "robust culture of research and innovation," crucial to addressing both present and future healthcare challenges.