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 through the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund. These grants aim to propel advancements in cutting-edge fields such as cell and gene therapies, precision medicine, and advanced cancer treatments, transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
This initiative follows the momentum generated during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2024. A total of 11 recipients—comprising academics, healthcare professionals, and innovators—were awarded funding to support their research and innovation projects in collaboration with DoH’s Research and Innovation Centre. These projects target critical healthcare challenges and emphasize improved patient care.
Driving Transformative Healthcare Solutions
The grant-winning initiatives address a broad spectrum of healthcare priorities, including cancer research, chronic disease management, and technological advancements. Among the projects are solutions utilizing virtual reality for breast cancer survivors, innovations in pediatric metabolic health, precision medicine approaches, and treatments for inherited eye diseases. Together, these efforts underscore the transformative power of medical research in tackling pressing healthcare issues.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, emphasized the importance of research funding, stating:
“Research funding is the foundation of progress, enabling innovators to turn ideas into life-changing solutions. These grants empower innovators to develop transformative solutions, improve patient outcomes, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global healthcare leader. By investing in research, we are building a healthcare ecosystem that is proactive, adaptive, and compassionate, designed to meet the needs of our community while shaping the future of healthcare globally. We are proud to recognise and support these visionaries as they pave the way for a healthier future.”
His Excellency Faisal Alhmoudi, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund at Ma’an, remarked:
“We are thrilled with the significant contributions towards healthcare, a vital sector that we focus on. In line with our objective of addressing social priorities in the emirate, these grants will enhance the sector and play a key role in advancing healthcare for the entire community. We remain dedicated to driving sustainable social responsibility partnerships across the public, private, and social sectors to develop social projects and initiatives that improve the quality of life for everyone in Abu Dhabi.”
A Visionary Strategy for Healthcare Innovation
The grants, unveiled at the inaugural DoH Research and Innovation Summit, align with DoH’s strategy to revolutionize the regional healthcare sector through science, technology, and collaboration. The summit convened over 200 researchers, innovators, investors, and policymakers, fostering partnerships and cultivating a dynamic ecosystem for healthcare innovation.
International participants, including entrepreneurs and scientists, joined panel discussions that explored the UAE’s research and development ecosystem. These sessions highlighted opportunities and challenges in conducting clinical trials, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and advancing groundbreaking research in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
