Latest news with #AbuDhabiGlobalHealthcareWeek


Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
GSK Regional Vaccine Distribution Hub in Abu Dhabi receives first shipments
21 July 2025 11:20 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the operational launch of the region's vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi, following the arrival of the facility's first in Abu Dhabi and developed in partnership with leading global and regional stakeholders, the hub is a strategic milestone in the emirate's vision to strengthen global health security, ensure equitable vaccine access, and build resilient supply chains across the in KEZAD and operated by Rafed, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the hub was developed in collaboration with the DoH, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), GSK, AD Ports Group, Etihad Cargo, and KEZAD is a cornerstone of the UAE's expanding life sciences ecosystem and is designed to improve vaccine access across the hub leverages Abu Dhabi's strategic location, its advanced cold-chain logistics infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that is both agile and supportive of innovation. This hub reflects Abu Dhabi's model of cross-sector collaboration, uniting government, biopharma, logistics, and innovation under one activation of the hub follows a strategic agreement signed between DoH and GSK during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week in 2024 to establish regional vaccine distribution capabilities in the realised, the facility becomes GSK's first vaccine distribution centre in the Middle East and the fourth worldwide, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's role in supporting regional health security and global supply chain hub's activation also marks one of the first major operational milestones under HELM – Abu Dhabi's Life Science Cluster, which was officially launched in April 2025 during Abu Dhabi Global Health the emirate's flagship platform to drive life sciences investment, innovation, and global collaboration, HELM brings together government, industry, and academia to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a preferred global partner in precision health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biopharma logistics. The hub's integration under HELM demonstrates how Abu Dhabi is translating its life sciences vision into operational outcomes that drive regional impact. Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, 'The operational launch of Abu Dhabi's regional vaccine hub signals our readiness to serve the region with speed, precision, and reliability. More than a logistics milestone, this reflects our long-term vision to position Abu Dhabi as a trusted partner in global health where innovation and resilience translate into timely access and measurable public health impact. Through this hub, we are making vaccines more accessible to communities across borders and strengthening the UAE's leadership in preventive, future-ready healthcare.'The facility will manage a portfolio of more than 20 vaccines, including those for paediatric and adult populations, supporting lifelong immunisation strategies across multiple markets. Designed for scalability, the hub can accommodate emerging vaccine technologies and increased regional demand while maintaining the highest global quality and safety President and General Manager, GSK Gulf, Boyd Chongphaisal, said, 'The launch of our vaccine distribution hub in Abu Dhabi represents a shared commitment to health security, innovation, and access. Through our strategic partnership with DoH and local stakeholders, we are combining scientific excellence with operational strength to ensure the timely, efficient delivery of vaccines across the region. The integration of this hub under HELM further demonstrates GSK's pioneering stance and alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision for driving impactful outcomes in the life sciences sector on a regional and global scale. This initiative is also a testament to Abu Dhabi's position in the global value chain, strengthening its role in global health and innovation.'Rafed, the operator of the facility, has deployed advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies that preserve vaccine integrity and ensure end-to-end visibility throughout the logistics process. The hub is fully integrated with Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network, which connects Abu Dhabi to more than 100 international destinations and offers time-sensitive, temperature-controlled freight services tailored for pharmaceutical Executive Officer of Rafed, Mohammad Mustafa Saeed, said, 'As a PureHealth company, Rafed is committed to delivering healthcare excellence through world-class pharmaceutical logistics. The launch of this regional vaccine distribution hub is a tangible expression of our strategy to strengthen health systems, improve access, and build resilience across borders. By deploying advanced cold-chain and smart distribution technologies, we are enabling real-time, end-to-end visibility. We remain focused on supporting governments and health partners with confidence and reliability to achieve better health outcomes for communities from Abu Dhabi across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.'The facility is expected to distribute millions of doses annually, shortening delivery timelines across the region and improving the integrity of vaccine Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, Stanislas Brun, said, 'Etihad Cargo's participation in this initiative reflects our continued investment in healthcare logistics. Our network and specialised PharmaLife product play a critical role in transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines reliably and efficiently across the region. We are proud to support Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global leader in life sciences and supply chain excellence.'The facility's activation significantly strengthens Abu Dhabi's life sciences value chain and supports its ambition to serve as a global hub for innovation-led, knowledge-based industries. Its operational readiness will help improve vaccine access, reduce delivery lead times, and address public health needs through a more proactive and resilient healthcare model.


Al Etihad
15-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Zayed Higher Organization and Sakina partner to deliver specialised mental health services for People of Determination
15 May 2025 13:20 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its continuous efforts to develop care and rehabilitation services provided to various categories of People of Determination, Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO) has partnered with Sakina, a subsidiary of PureHealth, to collaborate in providing specialised healthcare and therapeutic agreement was announced on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week held at ADNEC Centre Abu was signed on behalf of Zayed Higher Organisation by His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the organisation, and on behalf of Sakina by Dr Zain Alyafei, Chief Executive Officer of Sakina. The signing ceremony was attended by several leaders from both the agreement, Zayed Higher Organisation will provide important information regarding the needs of People of Determination and their families, facilitate access to targeted psychological services through coordination with Sakina, and organise awareness activities and events to promote mental health awareness among is committed to providing specialised psychological services for beneficiaries. These include comprehensive assessments, training ZHO staff on the basics of psychological support and handling specific cases, ensuring confidentiality of personal data, and adhering to professional ethical standards. Sakina will also provide group or individual psychological support sessions, coordinate therapy groups with families, design suitable psychosocial rehabilitation programmes, and facilitate their implementation based on best addition, they will provide psychiatric follow-ups and medication prescriptions through licensed Excellency Al Humaidan said, "At Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, we are keen to develop strategic partnerships with specialised entities to deliver integrated services that meet the needs of our beneficiaries. The agreement with Sakina reaffirms our commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare for People of Determination, which enhances our efforts to empower and integrate them into society and ensures them a dignified life. This strategic partnership will contribute to offering specialised healthcare tailored to the needs of our beneficiaries." Dr. Alyafei said, "At Sakina, we are committed to developing specialised care models based on the latest global best practices in mental health. This strategic partnership with Zayed Higher Organisation marks an important step toward delivering effective and comprehensive support to People of Determination and their families, within a therapeutic environment that meets their needs and upholds both scientific and human values."


Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Genomics, AI shape future of personalised, preventive healthcare in UAE
18 Apr 2025 00:27 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The UAE has been making significant strides towards personalised, preventive healthcare — and behind the major projects in the sector are collaborations with global institutions and innovators. Genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing a central role in shaping the future of health and enhancing patient-centred care, experts and delegates at the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) told Aletihad on Thursday. 'Genomics is a fundamental part of biology; understanding our genome helps us identify risks for diseases like cancer and heart conditions. It also shows us which medicines work best for each individual, said Jacob Thaysen, CEO of Illumina, an American biotech company. Illumina has been at the forefront of sequencing the entire UAE population's DNA, a groundbreaking project aimed at creating personalised health profiles. 'Now, our focus is on turning these insights into real steps to improve health and longevity,' Thaysen said. 'By understanding polygenic risk scores, people can take action to avoid diseases like cancer.'The UAE is the first country in the world to implement such a large-scale genomic project, Thaysen said. 'It is setting the stage for the future of healthcare worldwide.'Pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company is also among those who have established strong ties with UAE health authorities, particularly the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.'We focus on three main therapeutic areas: diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, and oncology, particularly cancer,' said Nadim Hasbani, Head of Corporate Affairs Strategy, Middle East and Turkey areas at Eli Lilly and firm signed two partnerships with the DoH in 2024. 'The first is focused on Alzheimer's, to establish a Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. The second MoU addresses obesity, exploring alternative solutions like medications instead of relying solely on surgery.'Meanwhile, healthcare provider Mediclinic — another participant at the ADGHW — is focused on promoting a healthcare system built around wellness. 'Prevention is better than cure. Mediclinic is absolutely committed to prevention and to ensuring a balanced healthcare ecosystem,' said Barry Bedford, COO for UAE at Mediclinic Middle East. Explaining the role of AI and technology in this mission, he said: 'AI can help us predict and prevent conditions—but we still need that compassionate human interaction between doctor and patient. Itis critical that we do not take the compassion out of healthcare.'


Asharq Al-Awsat
17-04-2025
- Health
- Asharq Al-Awsat
KFSHRC's Organ Transplant Center of Excellence Wins Innovation Award
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) Organ Transplant Center of Excellence (OTCoE) has received the Innovation Award in the Regional Institute Category at the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) 2025, in recognition of its pioneering contributions to transplant innovation and regional impact on patient care. Consultant of Transplant, Hepatobiliary, and Pancreatic Surgery Dr. Yasser Al Nemary accepted the award on behalf of OTCoE during the ADGHW ceremony held at the ADNEC Center in Abu Dhabi. Since 2011, OTCoE has performed more than 6,600 organ transplants, including kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas procedures, reaching a record high with 1,096 organ transplants. It has also achieved several surgical firsts, including the world's first fully robotic liver transplant and the region's first robotic pancreas transplant performed on a type 1 diabetes patient, SPA reported. With over 5,000 kidney transplants completed and 500 successful paired kidney exchanges under its pioneering Kidney Paired Donation Program, OTCoE is a regional and global reference for multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered innovation. "This award affirms our drive to transform organ transplant through innovation and precision, powered by a team relentlessly committed to advancing patient care," said OTCoE Executive Director Dr. Dieter Broering. The ADGHW Innovation Awards celebrate transformative achievements in healthcare, spotlighting institutions that improve patient outcomes, expand access, and drive progress through innovation. For the third consecutive year, KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world's top 250 Academic Medical Centers. According to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings, it is recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East. Additionally, it was included in Newsweek magazine's World's Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025.


Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Burjeel Holdings, Hippocratic AI partner to advance generative AI healthcare agents
Burjeel Holdings today announced a strategic partnership with Hippocratic AI, the company that pioneered the first safety-focused generative AI healthcare agents, to transform healthcare delivery through safe, scalable, and empathetic AI. The initiative kicked off during the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week. The collaboration will see Hippocratic AI's generative AI healthcare agents, built for patient-facing non-diagnostic clinical tasks, deployed across Burjeel Holdings' hospitals, medical centres, and physiotherapy clinics in the UAE and Oman. By integrating Hippocratic AI's cutting-edge AI capabilities, Burjeel Holdings aims to transform the patient engagement experience, providing personalised and compassionate clinical conversations that address patient needs. Their introduction aligns with the Group's commitment to integrating advanced technology in healthcare while maintaining a human-centric approach. John Sunil, Group Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Holdings, said, "At Burjeel Holdings, we believe that the future of healthcare lies in the perfect harmony between cutting-edge technology and personalised care. Our partnership with Hippocratic AI is a testament to our ongoing mission to leverage AI to improve patient experience, efficiency, reduce wait times, and ultimately provide better health outcomes for our patients." What sets these agents apart is their ability to engage in natural, safety-focused, human-like conversations. Through the integration of Hippocratic AI's multilingual, empathy-driven agents, Burjeel Holdings will deliver real-time, culturally aware support across a wide range of patient touchpoints, including appointment scheduling, patient education, health risk assessments, and follow-up check ins. These advanced agents are capable of sustained, multi-turn dialogue, enabling them to provide consistent, compliant, and compassionate communication that enhances both the patient experience and care continuity. Munjal Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of Hippocratic AI, said, "This partnership supports our shared mission of achieving healthcare abundance. Our empathic genAI agents are designed to create a more compassionate and effective patient experience. Together, we will tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve." Key highlights of the partnership include the deployment of multilingual AI agents, including Arabic and the Emirati dialect, ensuring effective communication with the region's diverse patient population. The collaboration will also deliver customised regional generative AI agents tailored for cultural alignment and local relevance, enhancing the quality and empathy of patient interactions. In addition, AI agents will be deployed across key specialities such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and orthopaedics, supporting both clinical and administrative tasks to help streamline operations and elevate the patient experience. The partnership focuses on expanding the deployment of these genAI healthcare agents across Burjeel Holdings' facilities, ensuring that healthcare providers can access the latest advancements in technology and patient support. Incorporating AI technologies into the complex care environment aligns with Burjeel Holdings' commitment to transforming healthcare delivery across critical areas. This collaboration reflects a shared vision: harnessing safety-focused generative AI to support healthcare systems, ease staffing challenges, and deliver hyper-personalised, compassionate care - advancing the collective goal of healthcare abundance.