The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has signed a Declaration of Collaboration with Mass General Brigham's International Center for Genetic Disease (iCGD), US.

The agreement signed is intended to advance life sciences across three strategic pillars including clinical and translational research, capacity building and technology transfer and commercialisation.

Leveraging the Emirate's advanced genomics capabilities, the agreement seeks to expand research into the domain of genomic medicine and prioritised global genetic diseases in areas such as rare diseases, oncology, neurology, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The collaboration aims to enhance access to innovative solutions and treatments for patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond.

In the presence of Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Dr Alireza Haghighi, Founding Director of the International Center for Genetic Disease, the Declaration of Collaboration was signed by Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and by Dr Paul Anderson, Interim Chief Academic Officer of Mass General Brigham on behalf of iCGD and Mass General Brigham.

The research collaboration will focus on analysing whole genome sequencing data of the Emirati Genome Programme – the world's largest genomics programme – and on translational studies to develop novel therapies such as gene therapies and other effective interventions. Both parties will also explore opportunities to establish joint laboratories and genetic screening programmes in Abu Dhabi to support the discovery of genomic solutions that address international health challenges and needs.