Harnessing genomic technologies is revolutionising patient care by powering the evolution of personalised and precision medicine. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a key player in this field, which focuses on tailoring treatment and prevention to an individual's genetic profile..[1] In this article, we explore the current landscape, identify future trends, and consider the potential challenges for stakeholders seeking to leverage the UAE’s commitment to advancing genomics in healthcare.

Current Landscape

In recent years, the UAE government has made significant investment in infrastructure and research, with several new initiatives launched including:

• The Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) - launched in 2019, the EGP aims to revolutionise care by building a comprehensive understanding of rare genetic disorders and developing personalised diagnostic testing and treatments. The EGP, a public-private partnership between healthcare technology company, G42, and the Department of Health for Abu Dhabi, uses genomic data gathered from Emirati citizens to map the genetic makeup of the country's population and create an Emirati 'reference genome'.   The project is set to create one of the world’s largest, most diverse genomic databases; at least 500,000 samples have been collected to date, and the country aims to invite every Emirati to participate.  The UAE Genomics Council will regulate, supervise, and guide the implementation of the EGP into the healthcare system, as the aim is to use the genomic database to improve healthcare at both the population and individual levels. 
• The National Genome Strategy (NGS) - launched in 2023, the NGS runs for 10 years and establishes a legal framework to regulate the use of genomics in healthcare and personalised medicine more broadly. The NGS addresses the challenges that arise from large-scale use of genomics technologies, such as data protection and storage, by developing legislation to support secure data infrastructure and policies to facilitate the alignment of genomic applications to public health priorities.[2]
• Federal Law by Decree No. 49 of 2023 (The Genome Law) – effective from 1 December 2023, this law establishes a comprehensive framework to regulate genomic data usage, ensuring ethical practices and individual privacy. It mandates informed consent for genomic and genetic screening, prohibits non-therapeutic genetic alterations, and supports gene therapy and scientific research under strict guidelines. The law also creates a national genomic database to manage data collection, storage, and usage, with stringent penalties for unauthorised use or disclosure.[3]

Collaboration with leading global institutions and the establishment of cutting-edge research centres is another aspect of the UAE's journey to develop the provision of precision medicine, exemplified by the partnership between Harvard Medical School and the UAE Genetic Diseases Association. Harvard researchers will analyse the genetics of familial hypercholesterolemia, and monogenic cardiac diseases by whole genome sequencing of patients from the UAE.[4] Recent investment from the pharmaceutical industry includes the opening of a Virax Biolabs regional headquarters, an AstraZeneca office in Dubai Science Park,[5] and the launch of an Illumina Solutions Centre in Dubai in 2022.[6] The Solutions Centre will provide training to researchers and clinicians on the application of genetic sequencing products to various areas of research and medicine.

Looking ahead

It is clear that the future is promising for the use of genomics in the UAE. Abu Dhabi's 2030 Healthcare Life Science Vision (2030 Vision) intends to promote the city as a world leading hub for healthcare by focusing on personalised care and precision medicine. 

In a press release that followed the announcement of a partnership between AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals (research-driven biopharmaceutical company with expertise in immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience),M42 (a tech-focused integrated healthcare company) and the Abu Dhabi Research and Innovation Centre,[7] the Centre's Executive Director commented: 

"It is with no doubt that personalised medicine and genomics hold the transformative potential to reshape the delivery of care and improve outcomes. Abu Dhabi continues to harness the power of these fields to unlock a new era of healthcare.[8] 

To support the programme, one of three Virtual Research Institutes (VRIs) launched by the Abu Dhabi government will focus solely on precision medicine.[9] VRIs enable the collaboration of researchers around the globe and accelerate the implementation of research into products and/or education. Access to health data is a prerequisite for accurate, reliable research. The UAE has considered this element of research infrastructure, launching a national health information exchange in 2023 to transform information exchange and facilitate seamless access to health information between the public and private sectors.[10]

The UAE's introduction of an expedited approval process for clinical trials has been attributed to a 48% increase in trials in Abu Dhabi in 2022 compared to the previous year.[11] The 28-day approval process for clinical trials appeals to entrepreneurs and researchers looking to bring products to market quickly, considering that the process typically takes 12 months under the US or EU regulators.[12] The UAE continues to demonstrate that it can provide the essential infrastructure to support an increase in clinical trials, including warehouses, cold storage, biobanks and research universities, alongside partnership and investment opportunities in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi life sciences parks.[13]

One example is the Robotic BioBank, based in Dubai's Healthcare City, which will hold 7 million human samples and become a crucial resource for genetic research in the region as local research groups will not have to rely on partnerships with biobanks in other countries for their samples.[14]

Rare diseases have a slightly higher incidence rate in the UAE (affecting 7% of the population compared to the global average of 2-6%) so the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company and Sanofi have partnered to enhance rare disease diagnostics, initially focusing on lysosomal storage disorders.[15] The UAE's high-quality healthcare services mean that any advances in precision medicine, particularly in relation to rare diseases, could be accessible to the public more quickly than in other countries, and both Dubai and Abu Dhabi can leverage their developed transportation and tourism infrastructure to draw medical tourists to the region.[16]

The UAE's efforts to promote medical tourism can be seen by the Precision Medicine Exhibition and Summit in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Week which both took place in May 2024. The Healthcare Week was the first event of its kind in the UAE, connecting 13,000 healthcare pioneers from 97 countries and over 270 speakers. The second Abu Dhabi Healthcare Week is scheduled for April 2025, and one of the four key pillars that will be addressed is 'Longevity and Precision Health: Personalising the Future of Medicine'.[17]

Digital-health technologies could expand medical tourism beyond the geographic borders of the UAE and deliver services to the consumer in their home, wherever they are located.[18] The number of UAE-based startups increased by 40% from 2021 to 2022,[19] with several promising healthcare apps appearing on the market including ShopDoc (a digital healthcare platform for medical tourism), Takalam (an online counselling and wellbeing portal), and Valeo Heath (a healthcare provider for home-based testing, advice and treatment).[20]

Challenges

Balancing the ethical implications of genomic research, such as consent and the potential for genetic discrimination, is crucial to the successful implementation of genomics-based healthcare initiatives. The introduction of the Genomics Law in 2023 demonstrates that the UAE acknowledges the potential risk to patients, and has taken steps to address the same, underscoring the country's commitment to advancing healthcare while upholding ethical standards and protecting individual rights. 

The integration of artificial intelligence and big data analytics will likely play a crucial role in interpreting complex genomic data, paving the way for breakthroughs in personalised medicine and public health strategies. Efficiently storing and analysing the data generated from sources like biobanks and VRIs present an opportunity for companies with expertise in AI and data management. However, capitalising on this opportunity means organisations must navigate an increasingly complex data protection regulatory landscape. Click here to access DLA Piper's comparative guide to data protection laws around the world. 

With the introduction of the UAE Protection of Personal Data Law in 2022 particular care should be taken in relation to the use of personal data in the healthcare sector, especially in circumstances where there has been a cross-border transfer of data. The highly sensitive nature of the personal data, the differences between the UAE onshore and freezone data protection frameworks, and the treatment of government data compared to other types of data has created a highly complex landscape to navigate. 

The evolution of the genomics landscape and the rapid pace of innovation in the healthcare sector undoubtedly present exciting opportunities for organisations in the UAE. However, this also poses significant challenges, both for regulators in the region to implement frameworks that keep pace with the cutting-edge medical science in development, and for organisations themselves to ensure they operate in a manner compliant with the ever-evolving regulatory and legal framework.

[1] Precision medicine| AstraZeneca

[2] National Genome Strategy - Emirates Genome Council

[3] United Arab Emirates Legislations | Legislations

[4] Research | International Center for Genetic Disease at Harvard Medical School 

[5] US-UAE Business Council 'UAE Healthcare Sector Update January 2024' 

[6] Illumina Boosts Genomics Innovation in the Emirates Through New State-of-the-Art Solutions Center

[7] DoH, M42 and AbbVie partner for personalised medicines (pharmaceutical-technology.com)

[8] Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, M42 and AbbVie enter a strategic partnership to advance personalised medicine and genomics (prnewswire.com)

[9] Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East (biospectrumasia.com)

[10] ey-ae-future-of-health-05-2024.pdf

[11] Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East (biospectrumasia.com)

[12] Abu Dhabi a Regional Life Science hub | Department of Health Abu Dhabi (doh.gov.ae)

[13] Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East (biospectrumasia.com)

[14] Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East (biospectrumasia.com)

[15] Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East (biospectrumasia.com)

[16] ey-ae-future-of-health-05-2024.pdf

[17] Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) | 15 - 17 April 2025

[18] ey-ae-future-of-health-05-2024.pdf

[19] Big Pharma Sets Sights on Middle East (biospectrumasia.com)

[20] ey-ae-future-of-health-05-2024.pdf