Abu Dhabi hosts global health summit to drive shift to predictive medicine

Summit explores proactive healthcare models

Under the theme “Towards Proactive, Predictive Healthcare Systems,” the gathering is expected to attract around 130 speakers and more than 175 exhibitors. The organisers say the event creates opportunities for knowledge exchange and international partnerships across healthcare, science, technology, and investment.

The summit highlights a move away from traditional models that treat illness after it appears, toward approaches that use data and advanced analytics to identify health risks early, intervene before conditions worsen, and develop more precise, personalised treatment and prevention strategies.

Discussions are focusing on how artificial intelligence, genomics, advanced diagnostics, and health data can improve disease prediction, advance precision and personalised medicine, extend healthy life expectancy, and support more resilient and sustainable healthcare systems. Investment in medical research and innovation is also high on the agenda.

White paper outlines wearable technology framework

Future Health, a global initiative from Abu Dhabi, released a new white paper titled “Integrating Wearables into the Future of Health and Wellbeing.” The paper examines how wearable technologies can support healthcare models that are more preventive, personalised, and continuous.

The white paper proposes a five-pillar framework for the next phase of wearable-enabled healthcare: technology and interoperability; data governance and privacy; enabling regulatory frameworks and supportive policies; adoption by individuals and clinical practitioners; and partnerships and ecosystem-wide innovation. Together, these pillars address the technological, regulatory, clinical, and institutional considerations required to integrate wearable technologies safely and at scale into Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.

Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said wearable technologies provide continuous insights into health and create opportunities to identify risks earlier. “Their value extends beyond individual health readings, with much of their untapped potential lying in connecting these insights to the healthcare system. This can support early intervention and help people enjoy a better quality of life for longer,” she said.

She added that Abu Dhabi has built a strong foundation for digital health and that the focus is now on translating new health insights into effective action. “Through this white paper, the Future Health initiative provides a practical framework demonstrating how wearable technologies can support this transformation at scale.”

Abu Dhabi has already laid groundwork through its Sehatna app, which integrates data from wearable devices with longitudinal health records via the Malaffi health information exchange platform. The system calculates a personalised Health Age Index, giving users a better understanding of the clinical and lifestyle factors influencing their health. Alongside e-prescriptions and the Emirati Genome Programme, these initiatives create opportunities to connect continuous health data with broader efforts to strengthen preventive and personalised care.

Gene therapy milestone announced

The summit also saw the announcement of innovative gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9 technology at Yas Clinic – Khalifa City, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre. Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Hulaiga, Consultant in Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Yas Clinic, said CRISPR is one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the modern era, recognised with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. “The technology enables highly precise DNA editing, opening up new possibilities for treating genetic diseases at their source rather than merely managing their symptoms,” he said.

Strategic partnership to boost biosimilar manufacturing

On the opening day, UAE-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Adcan Pharma and regional biopharmaceutical company MS Pharma announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing of biosimilars and other pharmaceutical products in the UAE. The partnership establishes a framework for local manufacturing, packaging, testing, and batch release of biosimilars, injectable medicines, and oral solid dosage forms. Particular emphasis is placed on biosimilars, reflecting the growing importance of advanced biological therapies for complex and chronic diseases.

Dr Foukyoun Sennis, Chief Executive Officer of Adcan Pharma, said the partnership represents a pivotal step toward strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in the UAE. Under the agreement, Adcan will become the first laboratory in the country capable of carrying out all quality-control testing procedures required for monoclonal antibodies. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the two companies aim to expand local capabilities, improve patient access to treatments, and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable pharmaceutical industry.