Latest news with #NouraKhamisAlGhaithi
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
DoH, OECD to advance regulatory excellence in Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector
23 May 2025 11:55 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a strategic agreement with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to advance healthcare regulatory excellence in Abu new phase of the partnership will see the OECD conduct a comprehensive study to assess and support DoH's regulatory reform journey. The project aims to enhance Abu Dhabi's healthcare regulatory framework by integrating Good Regulatory Practices (GRP), improving transparency, strengthening accountability, and fostering high-quality, sustainable healthcare for future Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said, "A modern, high-performing healthcare system depends on robust regulation. By embedding evidence-based practices and international benchmarks, we are creating a more efficient and resilient regulatory environment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and providers alike.'This partnership with the OECD is a critical step in strengthening the regulatory foundation. It reinforces the department's commitment to world-class healthcare that is safe, transparent, and accountable, she newly launched Phase II builds on the foundation laid in 2019, when Phase I of the project focused on evaluating and enhancing DoH's policy framework, building institutional capacity, and embedding evidence-based decision-making. Since then, DoH has implemented many of the OECD's recommendations, resulting in greater predictability, optimised resource allocation, and improved regulatory II will include a review of progress made on GRP reforms since 2019, the delivery of targeted technical assistance to reduce compliance costs, and the development of a robust public consultation OECD will also assess DoH's regulatory performance using the Indicators of Regulatory Policy and Governance (IREG) framework, which evaluates key areas such as regulatory impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and post-implementation review. An OECD in-person mission to Abu Dhabi will evaluate how existing healthcare regulations are reviewed and implemented, ensuring the new framework supports both current needs and future ambitions.
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an and DoH recognise Contributors During ADGHW
Abu Dhabi: The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, the Abu Dhabi Government's official channel to receive social contributions, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, recognised esteemed contributors for their support to key health projects that address social priorities in Abu Dhabi. The recognition event took place during the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 (ADGHW) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The contributors were recognised by Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and His Excellency Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an, in the presence of global and regional industry experts and partners. Through the strength of their long-standing collaboration, the Authority and DoH have supported various projects in healthcare, in areas such as medical research and development, lifesaving dialysis treatments, covering health insurance cost, and supporting families in grief. These initiatives aim to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes and underscores both parties' commitment of working together to enhance the well-being of the individuals in the city of Abu Dhabi. The list of contributors honoured included leading organisations, including the Gates Foundation, M42, Pure Health, e&, United Al Saqr Group, Mubadala Investment Company, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. In addition, global pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, Novartis, Roche, Janssen, Eli Lilly, MSD, Bayer, Ipsen, Sanofi, Sobi, and Pfizer were also honored. A number of individual contributors were also honored, including the late Hamad Suhail Al Khaili, Mr. Salem Al Shuebi, Sheikh Hamad Sultan Al Darmaki and His Excellency Khalifa Nasser Al Suwaidi, in recognition of their role in supporting major healthcare projects and driving innovation and medical research. As part of its efforts to support social initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social priorities in Abu Dhabi, the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an connects the government, private entities, social enterprises, and non-profits to raise and deploys funds towards partner-led initiatives to create long-lasting impact and enhance the quality of life for members of the Abu Dhabi community. ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.' It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care. Four core themes will guide discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being. Contributions can be made quickly and easily via or through the dedicated mobile app which is available on both Apple and Android devices, in addition to bank transfers or via ATM machines. About the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an Established in 2019 by the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi (DCD), The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an is the Abu Dhabi government's official channel to receive social contributions through a unified platform, dedicated to uniting community efforts and fostering a culture of giving by collecting contributions, directing them towards social priorities, empowering social enterprises, and promoting volunteering to build a cohesive community. The Authority supports projects that address social priorities in the health, education, environment, infrastructure, and social services, aiming to nurture a collaborative and active community by connecting individuals and entities in the public, private, and civil society spheres to support their communities. Contributions made to the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an are transparently deployed in full to social projects led by key partners meaning benefactors can maximise the impact their funds have in driving community engagement and providing access to essential resources, programmes, and funding for organisations across Abu Dhabi to achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development goals.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's top innovation centres partner to boost AI-powered life science discovery under new health, endurance, longevity, and medicine (HELM) cluster
Strategic partnership aimed at accelerating healthcare innovation, attracting top-tier talent and advancing medical research and commercialisation efforts Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a major step toward realising Abu Dhabi's vision for a thriving life sciences landscape, The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have partnered with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Hub71 under the emirate's newly launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster to power the next wave of AI-driven breakthroughs in medicine. Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Department (ADDED), ADIO and DoH, the HELM cluster is set to accelerate the research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of groundbreaking medicines, biotechnologies and therapies, with a focus on AI-powered innovation, precision medicine and personalised treatments. Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), this partnership will advance the cluster's efforts to develop an AI-powered discovery ecosystem that aims to accelerate the development of new medicines. The initiative provides support to develop scalable infrastructure for managing and analysing complex healthcare data, including clinical, genomic and proteomic datasets, leveraging Abu Dhabi-based companies' expertise in healthcare services and data management. Partners will also work together to fast-track intellectual property (IP) development while supporting the commercialisation of breakthrough healthcare solutions in the emirate. Companies seeking to co-develop AI-powered discovery solutions will benefit from ADIO's competitive business support to establish operations within Abu Dhabi's HELM cluster and scale globally. H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: 'AI and data are today's enablers of smarter, predictive, preventive and more personalised care. Through the HELM cluster, we are building a globally connected ecosystem that empowers researchers, innovators, and investors to unlock the full potential of data-driven discovery. From early diagnostics to personalised therapies, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a hub where cutting-edge science meets real-world impact.' H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'By integrating AI-driven research and innovation within the HELM cluster, we are not only accelerating drug discovery and precision medicine, we are advancing Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in the digital healthcare transformation. The cluster is a launchpad for groundbreaking solutions that will shape the future of how diseases are detected, how treatment is delivered and how health is managed worldwide. This collaboration exemplifies Abu Dhabi's ability to bring together world-class institutions, advanced infrastructure and progressive policies to create an environment where life sciences companies can scale, innovate and drive lasting impact.' The initiative also aims to attract leading start-ups and scale-ups to Abu Dhabi to drive AI-powered breakthroughs. Through Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, start-ups and scale-ups will gain access to local and global investors and cross-border partnerships in markets such as France, South Korea and Singapore. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: 'The HELM cluster will serve as a launchpad for high-growth startups and leading innovators to develop and scale AI-driven life sciences solutions from Abu Dhabi to the world. At Hub71, we remain committed to fostering entrepreneurship and advancing breakthrough technologies that will shape the future of global healthcare and deliver lasting impact.' Startups aligned with MBZUAI's research priorities will gain access to cutting-edge research facilities, further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for DeepTech innovation. The collaboration will also play a pivotal role in talent development by introducing specialised training programmes, internships and workshops in AI-powered discovery. Professor Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI 's Vice President of Research, added: 'This partnership will provide unparalleled access to advanced AI research facilities and cultivate the next wave of AI and biotech talent in Abu Dhabi. As a University with AI at its core, MBZUAI is uniquely positioned to accelerate breakthroughs that integrate AI with life sciences. By working closely with startups and industry leaders, we aim to equip researchers, students and entrepreneurs with the expertise and ecosystem needed to drive transformative innovations in precision medicine, genomics and drug development to further reinforce Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global hub for AI-driven healthcare solutions.' With chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes on the rise, the HELMcluster and its AI-powered discovery initiative are pivotal to the future of medicine. Through this initiative, the cluster is set to develop new treatment solutions by integrating AI-driven insights, enhancing early disease detection and improving patient outcomes while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare innovation. Held under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being', Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is a major government initiative from Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) to serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration within Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector. About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development and public-private partnerships ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. About the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH): The DoH is the regulatory body of the healthcare sector at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in healthcare by monitoring the health status of the population. DoH defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system. In addition, DoH shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforces standards, and encourages adoption of world-class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate. DoH also drives programmes to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums and reimbursement rates of the health system. About Hub71: Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring homegrown tech companies in any sector by providing access to global markets, a capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent governed by forward-thinking regulation. Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors. Through Hub71's entrepreneurial infrastructure, value-add programs, enabling services and support packages, founders can build, and scale widely adopted technologies with purpose and impact. Hub71 is on a mission to introduce new minds and technologies to Abu Dhabi, finding new ways to build globally enduring technology companies and sustain the nation's continuous economic development. About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI): MBZUAI is a graduate research university focused on artificial intelligence, computer science, and digital technologies across industrial sectors. The university aims to empower students, businesses, and governments to advance artificial intelligence as a global force for positive progress. MBZUAI offers various graduate programs designed to pursue advanced, specialized knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, including computer science, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. For more information, please visit
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
ADIO and DoH partner with ADSCC, NYU Abu Dhabi and UAEU to advance life sciences R&D in new Health, endurance, longevity, and medicine (HELM) cluster
Strategic partnership to fast-track biomedical innovation and position Abu Dhabi as a leader in life sciences research Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have signed a strategic agreement with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and UAE University to accelerate the development of the emirate's new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster. The HELM cluster is a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), ADIO and DoH that aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for biotechnology, MedTech and digital health innovation. The cluster is projected to contribute over AED 94 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP and unlock 30,000 new jobs by 2045. Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGW), the partnership unites prominent Abu Dhabi-based research, academic and clinical institutions to commit resources, expertise and infrastructure to establish the HELM cluster as a pioneering innovation hub that promotes cutting-edge research and development (R&D), commercialisation and new opportunities for growth in the academic and private sectors. H.E. Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: 'Abu Dhabi is not just investing in science, we are shaping the future of health. With the HELM cluster, we are bridging research, regulation and real-world impact to create an ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms lives. This partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global life sciences cluster, one that attracts talent, enables breakthrough discoveries, and powers a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.' As part of the agreement, all parties will work together to develop a comprehensive, clear and efficient framework to support advanced life sciences and biotechnology companies and academic institutions operating within the HELM cluster. This framework will facilitate their ability to commercialise products and services and integrate into global value chains while removing unnecessary barriers to innovation, while the DoH will ensure regulatory compliance. H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'Abu Dhabi is advancing its role as a trusted destination for innovation, creating the conditions for globally impactful research to thrive. This agreement brings together the emirate's strongest academic, clinical and regulatory institutions to build an ecosystem where medical breakthroughs can move from research to real-world application faster, and at scale. With the HELM cluster, we are creating an environment where companies can innovate with confidence, access global markets and contribute to a life sciences ecosystem that's built for the future.' All parties will share laboratory networks and research infrastructure to enhance the scope and quality of research capabilities and output across the cluster. H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, noted: 'UAEU is the nation's flagship university, and in line with its strategic vision, it is committed to leadership, excellence and fostering knowledge that achieves a clear national impact. Collaborating with this distinguished group of experts provides us the opportunity to broaden our research excellence in key areas and prepare our students to lead the evolving medical sector.' Prof. Yendry Ventura, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), stated: 'As a leading R&D centre in cellular therapy, ADSCC's strength lies in translating scientific discovery into real-world therapies —driven by an elite group of scientists and clinicians from bench to bedside. Through this collaboration, we are expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships and advancing Abu Dhabi's ambition to be at the forefront of medical innovation.' In parallel, the collaboration places a strong emphasis on talent development. The entities will collaborate on the development of specialised training programmes, internships and workshops to develop local talent in the life sciences field. Collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector will further enhance the cluster, with plans to create joint degree programmes, research fellowships and postdoctoral positions focused on human health research. Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, said: 'This partnership builds on our long-standing collaborations and sets the stage for more significant progress and breakthroughs. At NYU Abu Dhabi, we believe in the power of long-term commitments and global talent attraction and retention to drive progress in human health research and make a positive impact on the future of the UAE. Together, we're enhancing our connectivity, where ideas can grow and impact on a healthy future can take shape.' This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the cluster's development, further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in scientific innovation, healthcare advancement and knowledge-based economic growth. Held under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being', Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is a major government initiative from Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) to serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration within Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector. About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
ADIO, DoH partner with Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, NYU Abu Dhabi, and UAE University to advance life sciences R&D
17 Apr 2025 17:41 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have signed a strategic agreement with Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and UAE University (UAEU) to accelerate the development of the emirate's new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) HELM cluster is a ground-breaking initiative spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), ADIO, and DoH that aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for biotechnology, MedTech and digital health innovation. The cluster is projected to contribute more than Dh94 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP and unlock 30,000 new jobs by during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGW), the partnership unites prominent Abu Dhabi-based research, academic, and clinical institutions to commit resources, expertise, and infrastructure to establish the HELM cluster as a pioneering innovation hub that promotes cutting-edge research and development (R&D), commercialisation, and new opportunities for growth in the academic and private Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Abu Dhabi is not just investing in science, we are shaping the future of health. With the HELM cluster, we are bridging research, regulation and real-world impact to create an ecosystem where innovation thrives and transforms lives. This partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global life sciences cluster, one that attracts talent, enables breakthrough discoveries, and powers a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.'As part of the agreement, all parties will work together to develop a comprehensive, clear and efficient framework to support advanced life sciences and biotechnology companies and academic institutions operating within the HELM cluster. This framework will facilitate their ability to commercialise products and services and integrate into global value chains while removing unnecessary barriers to innovation, with DoH ensuring regulatory Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'Abu Dhabi is advancing its role as a trusted destination for innovation, creating the conditions for globally impactful research to thrive. This agreement brings together the emirate's strongest academic, clinical and regulatory institutions to build an ecosystem where medical breakthroughs can move from research to real-world application faster, and at scale. With the HELM cluster, we are creating an environment where companies can innovate with confidence, access global markets and contribute to a life sciences ecosystem that's built for the future.'All parties will share laboratory networks and research infrastructure to enhance the scope and quality of research capabilities and output across the Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU, said: 'UAEU is the nation's flagship university, and in line with its strategic vision, it is committed to leadership, excellence and fostering knowledge that achieves a clear national impact. Collaborating with this distinguished group of experts provides us the opportunity to broaden our research excellence in key areas and prepare our students to lead the evolving medical sector.'Prof. Yendry Ventura, Chief Executive Officer of ADSCC, said: 'As a leading R&D centre in cellular therapy, ADSCC's strength lies in translating scientific discovery into real-world therapies —driven by an elite group of scientists and clinicians from bench to bedside. Through this collaboration, we are expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships and advancing Abu Dhabi's ambition to be at the forefront of medical innovation.'The collaboration also places a strong emphasis on talent development. The entities will collaborate on the development of specialised training programmes, internships, and workshops to develop local talent in the life sciences field. Collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector will further enhance the cluster, with plans to create joint degree programmes, research fellowships, and postdoctoral positions focused on human health Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, said: 'This partnership builds on our long-standing collaborations and sets the stage for more significant progress and breakthroughs. At NYU Abu Dhabi, we believe in the power of long-term commitments and global talent attraction and retention to drive progress in human health research and make a positive impact on the future of the UAE. Together, we're enhancing our connectivity, where ideas can grow and impact on a healthy future can take shape.'This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the cluster's development, further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in scientific innovation, healthcare advancement, and knowledge-based economic growth. Held under the theme Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being, Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 is a major government initiative from Department of Health – Abu Dhabi that serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration within Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
