Abu Dhabi launches major medtech initiative

Abu Dhabi launches medtech initiative: ©AETOS Wire

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at cementing its role as a global leader in biotechnology, medtech, and digital health with the launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster. The ambitious life sciences hub, announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, is designed to drive health care innovation, attract international investment, and deliver cutting-edge solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Developed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, HELM will serve as a comprehensive platform for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of advanced health and life sciences technologies. These include AI-powered diagnostics, pharmaceutical production, gene therapies, and precision medicine.

“The Abu Dhabi Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster will provide global and local stakeholders with a wide range of benefits, including access to cutting-edge technologies, world-class infrastructure and progressive regulatory frameworks,” said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. “By creating a globally competitive life sciences hub, we are not only accelerating economic growth and diversification, but we are also ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of developing breakthrough health care solutions that will benefit humanity at large.”

According to the emirate, with a strategic geographic location, advanced biomanufacturing capabilities, and a multicultural talent base, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a vital link in the global health care ecosystem. The country’s supportive regulatory environment and AI-driven health system are expected to significantly reduce time-to-market for new treatments and technologies.

“The launch of Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster is a bold leap forward in how the world delivers health care,” said Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. “We are not just investing in infrastructure, we’re investing in human potential, in breakthroughs that will redefine longevity, and in solutions that will reach far beyond our borders.”

The HELM cluster is a key pillar in Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to become a global hub for emerging industries. It follows the rollouts of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster in 2023 and the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster in 2024.

By 2045, HELM is projected to contribute $25.6 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, attract $11.5 billion in investment, and create 30,000 high-value jobs. Its focus on chronic and non-communicable diseases, as well as aging populations, positions the cluster to make a lasting global impact in a health care market expected to reach $25.3 trillion by 2045.