New initiative to drive advancements in longevity medicine puts genomic medicine and preventive care front and center.
Last week at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, a new initiative was announced that seeks to transform both the region’s life sciences ecosystem and its leadership in longevity science and medicine. Officially known as the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster, the initiative revolves around the creation of an economic cluster of life science facilities in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City. Its purpose is to drive advancements in longevity medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing and digital health, with a projected creation of 30,000 new jobs by 2045 and an anticipated contribution of more than $25 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP.
The implications for longevity are significant. HELM is positioned as a hub for next-generation research and innovation, bringing together advanced biotech laboratories, pharmaceutical production facilities, AI-powered diagnostics and robotics. One of its core focuses will be on genomic medicine and personalized, preventative care, aiming to accelerate the development of drugs, vaccines and personalized therapies that can extend healthy lifespans.
By integrating infrastructure, regulation and funding, the cluster seeks to remove barriers and accelerate the process of bringing scientific discovery to market. The integrated approach is intended not only to foster medical breakthroughs but also to help define how preventative care and longevity medicine are delivered at both local and international levels.
“We are not just investing in infrastructure, we’re investing in human potential, in breakthroughs that will redefine longevity, and in solutions that will reach far beyond our borders,” said Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health. “This is where innovation meets impact.”
‘Genuine commitment’ to longevity
Our Editor-in-Chief, Phil Newman was in Abu Dhabi last week and was impressed by the level of commitment being demonstrated by the region’s leadership when it comes to longevity and healthspan.
“Returning from Abu Dhabi, I’m struck by its exceptional geographic advantage for driving global longevity initiatives,” he said. “At Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the pervasive focus on longevity across exhibitions and conferences underscored the region’s genuine commitment to enhancing population-wide healthspan and lifespan.”
Newman said his conversations with government officials and financial institutions revealed a clear ambition: to establish Abu Dhabi and the broader GCC as global leaders in longevity, mirroring successful models like Singapore.
“The GCC’s ideal geographic position offers unmatched connectivity across key global markets, making it perfectly situated to leverage international research, collaboration and investment in longevity,” he added. “Given current disruptions in the US, talent and capital are increasingly likely to seek jurisdictions offering stability, innovation and opportunity – qualities Abu Dhabi clearly exemplifies.”
Last year, Abu Dhabi launched the world’s first regulatory framework specifically for longevity medicine, which Newman said was “a landmark move.”
“With licensing for Healthy Longevity Medicine Centres and evidence-based guidelines developed collaboratively by the Institute for Healthy Living Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health and the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a leading global hub in this crucial field,” he said.
Newman adds that this advantage is reinforced by the UAE’s business-friendly policies, including 100% foreign ownership in healthcare ventures, substantial tax exemptions and generous R&D grants.
“It’s no surprise that 63% of Hub71’s biotech startups have relocated from the US, UK and South Korea, attracted by better capital access and a supportive regulatory environment,” he said.
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