NYU Abu Dhabi partners with RTW Investments to build Middle East healthcare hub

NYU Abu Dhabi and RTW Investments have joined forces to advance healthcare education and investment across the Middle East. The partnership combines RTW's global expertise in biotech investing with NYU's academic platform to create executive programs for industry leaders.

The collaboration will produce a flagship healthcare event and education program targeted for late 2026. The initiative aims to serve sovereign wealth funds, major institutions, and policymakers with specialized training on healthcare investing and emerging technologies.

"We are pleased to partner with RTW Investments, whose deep experience in biotechnology and healthcare brings valuable practical insight to this initiative," said Amol Dani, Chief Operating Officer of NYU Abu Dhabi. "By combining that expertise with NYU Abu Dhabi's executive education capabilities and academic perspective, we aim to deliver programs that help senior leaders better understand emerging developments in the sector."

How does it work?

The partnership will co-develop executive-level programs tailored specifically for senior decision-makers in the Gulf region. These programs will focus on healthcare investing, innovation strategies, and policy alignment across the GCC countries.

RTW brings its experience as a New York-based investment firm that specializes in biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. The company operates across major global markets including the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

NYU Abu Dhabi contributes its academic platform and faculty expertise. The university is the highest globally ranked institution in the UAE according to Times Higher Education, which places NYU among the top 31 universities worldwide.

Why does it matter?

The Middle East is becoming an important center for healthcare investment and innovation. This partnership addresses the growing need for informed leadership in the region's life sciences sector.

"Advancing healthcare innovation depends not only on scientific discovery, but also on sound policy, informed leadership, and sustained investment," said Roderick Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments. "This collaboration will support the development of a new cadre of leaders who can thoughtfully allocate capital and direct policy."

The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's strategic priorities, including economic diversification and knowledge development in high-growth sectors. It aims to create better connections between global capital, scientific talent, and policy frameworks.

The context

The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between NYU and RTW Investments. Both organizations share a commitment to advancing medical innovation on a global scale.

"We believe that innovation is the best medicine," said Woody Stileman, Managing Director of Business Development at RTW Investments, who leads the firm's Middle East efforts. "This partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi shows our commitment to supporting investment appetite and innovative thinking in the region."

NYU Abu Dhabi represents the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East operated by a major American research university. The institution draws students from over 120 countries who speak more than 100 languages, creating a truly international learning environment.