MBZUAI and Department of Health Abu Dhabi partner to advance biomedical AI and precision healthcare

Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, have signed a landmark agreement to accelerate innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, life sciences, and healthcare. The partnership marks another step towards positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in biomedical research by harnessing AI and frontier technologies to deliver more precise, predictive, and personalized healthcare. 

Signed on October 13, 2025 at GITEX Global in Dubai, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishes collaboration on joint research across genomics, precision medicine, robotics, and AI-powered diagnostics. The collaboration will focus on driving forward breakthroughs in disease prevention, early detection, and therapeutics, as well as enhancing the ethical governance and policy integration of emerging technologies in healthcare. 

“This partnership represents a bold step towards reimagining the future of healthcare. By combining MBZUAI’s AI research strengths with DoH’s public health leadership, we aim to pioneer transformative solutions in precision medicine that directly benefit patients in Abu Dhabi and beyond,” said Professor Sami Haddadin, Vice President of Research and Professor of Robotics at MBZUAI. 

The agreement outlines several collaborative areas including: 

• Genomics and precision medicine: Joint studies using the Abu Dhabi Genome Program and Biobank; development of polygenic risk scores using population-wide data; and expansion of the Human Phenotype Project (HPP) to support AI-driven disease prediction. 
• AI in life sciences: Co-development of machine learning models for biological systems, integration of multimodal datasets, and deployment of predictive analytics in clinical settings. 
• Robotics and frontier tech: Exploration of brain-chip communication, neuroprosthetics, surgical robotics, and autonomous healthcare systems for remote diagnostics and intervention. 
• Policy and governance: Development of data-sharing frameworks and ethical AI guidelines, with MBZUAI contributing to the update of DoH’s life sciences strategy through workshops and expert consultation. 
• Talent development: The partnership will create joint training programs, internships, and innovation hubs to foster the next generation of researchers and practitioners in biomedical AI.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, said: “The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi remains committed to building a resilient and innovative healthcare sector. Through our partnership with MBZUAI, we are harnessing the power of AI and genomics to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading life sciences hub and drive digital transformation in healthcare. By focusing on personalized medicine, drug development, and data-driven care, we aim to improve patient outcomes and position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in healthcare innovation.” 

As the collaboration advances, both institutions are committed to ensuring that cutting-edge research is translated into tangible improvements in patient care. By bridging world-class AI expertise with public health priorities, MBZUAI and DoH aim to accelerate the development of next-generation healthcare solutions, delivering earlier diagnoses, more personalized treatments, and smarter health systems for the people of Abu Dhabi and the wider world.