Abu Dhabi has reached a major milestone in genomic research by sequencing 802,000 genomes, including 702,000 from Emirati citizens. The project, led by M42, the emirate’s largest healthcare company, is part of the Emirati Genome Programme, which aims to enhance healthcare through precision medicine and scientific innovation.
The initiative has several strategic goals. First, it seeks to improve disease prevention and treatment by identifying genetic predispositions to hereditary conditions common in the UAE. This enables early intervention and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients. Second, the program supports Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification, positioning the emirate as a global hub for biotechnology and life sciences. By attracting international pharmaceutical companies, the initiative helps reduce reliance on oil revenues. Third, the project builds a comprehensive genetic database to support cutting-edge research in genomics and related fields.
The Emirati Genome Programme operates from a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with 55 high-throughput sequencing machines, one of the largest concentrations outside the United States. These facilities allow for rapid and accurate genome sequencing, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to scientific excellence and technological advancement.
Ethical and privacy standards are strictly enforced. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi owns the anonymized data, while M42 serves as its custodian, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks and ethical guidelines. These measures protect the privacy of participants while enabling the safe use of data for research and medical applications.
Looking ahead, the program plans to expand by including expatriate populations and collaborating with international partners. This will enhance the diversity of the genetic dataset and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in global genomic research.
Officials say the Emirati Genome Programme reflects the emirate’s broader vision of integrating innovation into healthcare. By combining advanced technology, research, and ethical oversight, Abu Dhabi is setting new standards in precision medicine and genomic science, ensuring better healthcare outcomes for current and future generations.
