UAE capital’s groundbreaking initiatives in healthcare, genomics, and biotechnology set to fuel job growth and GDP expansion.
Abu Dhabi is poised to become a global leader in life sciences over the next decade, with plans to create more than 20,000 jobs in the sector by 2035. This ambitious goal comes as part of the emirate’s wider strategy to elevate its healthcare ecosystem, with projections indicating a contribution of over Dh100 billion to its GDP.
Mansoor Al Mansoori, a prominent member of The Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Department of Health, made the announcement during his keynote address at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. He emphasized that health is central to Abu Dhabi’s growth, underlining that a healthy population is the cornerstone of societal well-being and economic prosperity.
The life science sector encompasses fields like biology, biotechnology, anatomy, and astrobiology, playing a critical role in advancing healthcare and medical research. As part of this transformative vision, Abu Dhabi is not only focusing on creating jobs but also driving innovation through cutting-edge research and technology. The city is already making remarkable strides, completing the world’s largest genome project and developing the most comprehensive reference genome.
As part of this initiative, Abu Dhabi is shifting from a reactive to a proactive healthcare model—one that focuses on personalized care, prediction, and prevention. Al Mansoori explained that the city has created a holistic digital twin of its population, integrating data across multiple disciplines, including genomics and lifestyle information. This unique data-driven approach enables groundbreaking clinical applications such as personalized cardiovascular screenings and cancer medications tailored to an individual’s genetic profile.
The growth of the life sciences sector is already underway, with 25% more companies localizing their operations in the capital in 2024. Over 180 clinical studies have already been established, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for innovation in healthcare.
“Abu Dhabi does not just deliver numbers, we create enduring partnerships that shape industries and improve lives,” Al Mansoori remarked. He added that Abu Dhabi’s fast-paced, visionary approach makes it an ideal destination for those looking to shape the future of life sciences.
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi’s ambitious plans in the life science sector are set to attract more global investment, foster industry partnerships, and create thousands of high-skilled jobs, making it an exciting time for both businesses and job seekers alike.
