The American University in Dubai participated in the launch of the Abu Dhabi Biobank, a major national initiative led across the M42 ecosystem in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), aimed at advancing precision medicine and transforming the future of healthcare in the UAE.
Dr. Muriel Tahtouh Zaatar, Chair of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at AUD, represented the University on behalf of its President, Dr. Kyle Long, and joined national leaders and stakeholders from across the academic, clinical, and research sectors at the launch event.
The ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health, and Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of M42 Health, underscoring the strategic national importance of the initiative.
The Abu Dhabi Biobank represents a significant step toward a more precise, proactive, and prevention-focused healthcare model. By integrating high-quality biological samples with comprehensive health data, it aims to enable large-scale research, improve disease risk prediction, and support earlier, more targeted interventions.
A key theme of the launch was the importance of connecting data across research, diagnostics, and clinical practice. Speakers and participants highlighted that the impact of innovation depends not only on data generation, but on its integration into decision-making frameworks that can accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes at scale.
The biobank is designed as a central platform connecting healthcare providers, researchers, and academic institutions, helping to reduce fragmentation and strengthen coordination across the research ecosystem. This approach supports a shift from isolated innovation toward integrated, real-world impact in healthcare.
As part of the engagement, Dr. Zaatar exchanged insights with His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori on ongoing research initiatives at AUD, including collaborative work with the Abu Dhabi Biobank and broader efforts to advance disease-focused research in the UAE. Discussions also explored opportunities to further strengthen academic and clinical partnerships.
AUD’s participation reinforces its role in supporting national research priorities and its commitment to advancing healthcare research through strategic collaboration. The University continues to support data-driven, patient-centred approaches aligned with the UAE’s long-term healthcare vision.
The launch of the Abu Dhabi Biobank marks a key milestone in strengthening the UAE’s research ecosystem, with AUD looking forward to contributing to its development and to future collaborations advancing precision medicine and improved health outcomes across the region.
