The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, has allocated over AED 19 million in grants to drive advancements in healthcare research and innovation. This funding, distributed through the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, aims to accelerate progress in cell and gene therapies, precision medicine, and advanced cancer treatments, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare.
The initiative builds on the momentum generated during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2024, emphasizing collaboration between government entities, private sector stakeholders, and community supporters. The grants will directly support 11 recipients, including researchers, medical professionals, and innovators, whose work targets critical healthcare challenges while enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Projects receiving funding will focus on developing treatments for chronic illnesses, virtual reality tools for breast cancer survivors, pediatric metabolic health solutions, and therapies for inherited eye diseases. These efforts highlight the potential of cutting-edge research to deliver transformative healthcare solutions and address pressing medical needs.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, emphasized the importance of such investments, noting that research funding serves as the foundation for turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions. She reiterated that these grants align with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to create a proactive and adaptive healthcare ecosystem designed to meet local and global demands.
The grants were awarded at the inaugural DoH Research and Innovation Summit, which convened more than 200 researchers, investors, and policymakers. The summit served as a platform for fostering partnerships and building a collaborative ecosystem to support medical innovation. Keynote speaker Professor Waseem Qasim of University College London, a leading expert in gene editing and stem cell research, delivered insights into the future of cell and gene therapies.
Panel discussions during the summit addressed the research and development landscape in the UAE, including opportunities and challenges for conducting clinical trials. These sessions brought together experts from academia and industry, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for groundbreaking healthcare research and innovation.
Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund at Ma’an, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative’s impact, emphasizing its alignment with the authority’s mission to address social priorities and enhance community well-being. He highlighted Ma’an’s commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships across sectors to improve quality of life in Abu Dhabi through targeted social projects.
Through these strategic investments and partnerships, DoH and Ma’an are laying the groundwork for a resilient and forward-looking healthcare sector. Researchers and innovators are encouraged to explore future opportunities with DoH by visiting www.doh.gov.ae. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.