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Arab Health World, Baakline AL Chouf, Baakline (2025)

18/04/2025

Smart Health Hackathon Winners announced
at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025
• With 16 teams participating in the ‘Smart Living’ and ‘The Gym of Tomorrow’ categories, breakthrough health-tech solutions were recognised at the event
• Winning teams will receive prizes of up to $5000, mentorship, and pilot opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s trusted, future-ready health ecosystem
• The ADGHW Smart Health Hackathon tasked participants with developing cutting-edge solutions to address specific health and well-being challenges
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 18 April 2025 – Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) has announced the winners of its highly anticipated Smart Health Hackathon. Held from 5 – 6 April 2025, the innovation sprint brought together talented entrepreneurs, university teams, health-tech professionals, and inventors in the UAE capital to develop pioneering solutions to critical health and well-being challenges – live, and in real-time - before an esteemed panel of industry leaders.
Participants competed across two categories: ‘Smart Living’ and ‘The Gym of Tomorrow’, showcasing their transformative ideas through live demos and pitches. The Smart Living track challenged innovators to design proactive, tech-enabled solutions that empower individuals to monitor, predict, and manage their physical and mental health using tools like artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and predictive analytics. The Gym of Tomorrow focused on reimagining fitness through immersive, personalised experiences – leveraging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), gamification, and real-time data to boost motivation and support long-term wellness.
Winning teams were selected based on creativity, feasibility, real-world applicability, and the potential for positive global impact. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to empowering innovation and digital transformation in healthcare, participants received immediate feedback from experts across healthcare, investment, and technology. The winners of the ADGHW Smart Health Hackathon include:
• Smart Living: The winning team in this category presented CloudCare, an innovative solution that utilises AI, wearable technology, and cameras to monitor the vital signs and stress levels of elderly individuals. When concerning changes are detected, the AI initiates a smart phone call to a designated family member, providing updates and actionable recommendations. The AI-powered assistant can also respond to questions and coordinate next steps, ensuring timely, informed support for the elderly.

• The Gym of Tomorrow: The winning team in this category showcased Limitless, a pioneering fitness solution designed specifically for women. Unlike most existing apps that rely on male-centric data, this AI-powered platform is tailored to women's unique physiology – including considerations for pregnancy and postnatal recovery. The system delivers real-time feedback on exercise form, provides corrective guidance, and tracks progress to help women achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “The Smart Health Hackathon is one of several initiatives that are integral to our broader vision of building one of the world’s most intelligent, trusted, and efficient healthcare systems—driven by patient-centred solutions and our commitment to excellence. These winners exemplify the creativity and forward-thinking mindset needed to redefine the future of global health. We are incredibly proud to support these promising innovators, not only through financial rewards, but also through mentorship, incubation support, and pilot opportunities to help bring their concepts to life. Initiatives like this are not just about solving today’s challenges—they’re about developing talent and nurturing the next generation of health innovation.”
In addition to a financial prize, winners will gain access to seed funding opportunities, incubation programmes, and potential pilot testing, significantly enhancing their path to commercial viability. They will also benefit from exclusive introductions to healthcare providers, investors, and health manufacturing firms within Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing life sciences ecosystem.
The competition attracted over 100 applications, including submissions from start-ups and students representing 11 different universities across the UAE. All applicants underwent a rigorous screening and matchmaking filtration process to ensure each team was equipped with the necessary skills to develop impactful solutions. Following two rounds of selection, 45 participants were chosen and organised into 16 multidisciplinary teams.
The Smart Health Hackathon reinforces Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision to lead in healthcare digitisation, innovation, and patient-centred care. DoH’s commitment to transformative innovation, cutting-edge research, and collaborative ecosystems is unlocking new frontiers in prevention, and personalised care. Backed by a proven track record of excellence, robust data infrastructure, and forward-looking policy frameworks, the emirate continues to establish itself as a global catalyst for sustainable healthcare transformation.
ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme ’Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.’ It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care.
Four core themes guided discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being.
For more information, visit www.adghw.com.
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18/04/2025

Leveraging the emirate’s advanced genomic infrastructure,
DoH, ADIO and GSK Collaborate on Oncology Multi-Omics Institute in Abu Dhabi
• The transformative initiative is set to accelerate oncology-focused genomic science and precision medicine in the region and beyond
• The institute seeks to contribute to the diversification and global representation in genomic research to ultimately improve outcomes for patients with cancer

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 15 April 2025: During Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSK, global biopharmaceutical leader, to collaborate on a Multi-omics Research Institute in Abu Dhabi. This transformative collaboration aims to accelerate oncology-focused genomic science and precision medicine, enhancing diversification and global representation in genomic research to improve cancer patient outcomes.
Multi-omics is a research approach that studies different biological molecules, such as genes, RNA, proteins, and metabolites, to understand how they interact in an organism. By combining data from these various areas, scientists can gain a more complete view of biological processes and improve insights into health and disease.
The MOU was signed in the presence of H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Sir Jonathan Symonds, Chairman of GSK and Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager of Gulf Countries at GSK.H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Hesham A. Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Global Head Oncology, Research & Development at GSK.
H.E Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “Aligned with our vision to create one of the world’s most intelligent healthcare systems, we are committed to utilising advanced technologies and scientific research to propel precision medicine and tailored therapies for communities globally. The multi-omics institute will enable the generation of high-quality omics data, supporting the development of pioneering healthcare solutions. This initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for life sciences and our commitment to international collaborations that drive preventative initiatives and oncology drug discovery.”
By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge biotechnology and genomics infrastructure, this multinational initiative will embed early-stage discovery research within the UAE for the first time, fostering scientific innovation in oncology and enhancing diversity in genomic research to ultimately benefit cancer patients.
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “The launch of a multi-omics research institute marks a defining step in Abu Dhabi’s evolution as a global centre for health innovation. By embedding discovery-stage science into our ecosystem, we are supporting critical oncology research while reinforcing the emirate’s leadership in health innovation, biotechnology, and precision medicine. Driven by a commitment to scientific excellence and cross-sector partnerships, this collaboration will translate research into long-term value, not only for Abu Dhabi, but for the future of global healthcare.”
Dr. Hesham Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Global Head Oncology, Research & Development of GSK: “This MoU is an important step toward our shared ambition of leveraging the scientific excellence in the Middle East region to generate multi-omic data that enhances translational research capabilities and accelerates oncology drug discovery. Public-private collaborations like this are crucial to improving our understanding of the biology of disease so we can make important treatment advancements for patients with cancer here in the UAE and around the globe.”
ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme ‘Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.’ It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care.
Four core themes will guide discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being.
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18/04/2025

Global Health Innovators recognised with Abu Dhabi Global Health Week Innovation Awards for transformative impact

• Winners of the ADGHW Innovation Awards 2025 addressed prenatal gene editing, robotic organ transplantation, precision drug delivery, and novel pain treatments

• Recipients include the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, BioSapien Inc., and Nobel Laureate Ardem Patapoutian

• The diverse range of applicants underscore the pivotal role in encouraging international collaboration and demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to nurturing a thriving ecosystem to redefine global health

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 April 2025: Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) today honoured exceptional individuals and institutions from around the world whose innovative contributions are advancing the future of health. Winners of the ADGHW Innovation Awards 2025 were recognised for pioneering solutions in digital health, biotechnology, and diagnostics, receiving global recognition and a share of the $200,000 prize fund.
With a total of 91 submissions received from global and local individuals and institutions, the ADGHW Innovation Awards, sponsored by e& and PureHealth, welcomed entries that address critical health challenges across digital health, pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovations, and medical devices and diagnostics. Winners were selected following a rigorous review process led by a distinguished panel of global health experts, policymakers, and technology leaders.
ADGHW Innovation Awards recipients include:
• The Individual Category was awarded to the Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Dr. Ardem Patapoutian from the Scripps Research Institute for discovering novel molecular targets involved in pain perception. His work is unlocking new therapeutic pathways to treat chronic and neuropathic pain, significantly advancing personalised medicine and neuroscience.
o Runners-up for this category include Hesham A. Abdullah from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) recognised for his impactful oncology research and contributions to healthcare innovation in the region; and Kourosh Lotfi from Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City for advancing 3D bioprinting technologies for personalised regenerative medicine.

• The Global Institute Category was jointly awarded to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for development of prenatal therapeutic gene editing technologies and the University of Pennsylvania for its pioneering work in mRNA platform technology, the foundation of several next-generation vaccines.
o Runners-up for this category include Children's National Hospital for its StrepApp, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic tool enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of paediatric care; Eli Lilly and Company for revolutionising obesity care through the first dual GIP/GLP-1 treatment, redefining approaches to metabolic diseases; and Neo Q Quality in Imaging GmbH for RadioReport Automatic AI, transforming radiology reporting through automation and precision.

• The Regional Institute Category was awarded to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre for revolutionising organ transplantation through robotic-assisted surgery. The hospital’s innovative use of robotics enhances surgical precision, reduces recovery time, and sets a new benchmark for transplant care in the Middle East and beyond.
o Runners-up for this category include amplifai health for its AI-based thermal camera to screen diabetic foot ulcers, enabling early detection and proactive care to reduce complications; Proteinea for its AI-enabled Protein Engineering Platform designed to accelerate next-generation biotherapeutic development; and Pioneera Biosciences for BestCAR, an allogeneic CAR-NK cell therapy leveraging mRNA-LNP technology to target CD19 in haematologic malignancies.

• The Local Institute Category was awarded to BioSapien Inc. for its MediChip, a novel drug delivery platform that localises treatment to targeted areas, reducing systemic side effects and enhancing efficacy. The technology represents a significant leap forward in precision therapeutics and patient-centric care.
o Runners-up for this category include New York University Abu Dhabi for LAMINATE MS, an advanced neuroimaging platform to improve diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis; Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City for CHESS-Osteoporosis, a multi-centre validation trial driving innovation in bone health screening; EpiBone, Ltd. for its AI-powered living skeletal implants, redefining bone repair and personalised orthopaedic care; and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City for advancing haematological diagnostics, enhancing AI models through multimodal data integration and clinical validation.
The award ceremony commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, who underscored the award’s pivotal role in recognising excellence, fostering innovation, and accelerating progress across the healthcare sector. The event brought together senior government officials, healthcare leaders, and industry partners, including H.E. Dr. Jaleela bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Bahrain; H.E. Dr. Mikheil Sarjveladze, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia; Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth; Dr. Patrick Horber, President, International of Novartis; and Jacob Thaysen, Chief Executive Officer of Illumina.
Commenting on the winners’ announcement, H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: “We are delighted to honour these trailblazers from around the world. Their achievements show how powerful innovation can be in changing the global health landscape and highlight what’s possible when we work together. By celebrating these breakthroughs, we’re not only recognising what’s been accomplished today, we are also paving the way for a healthier tomorrow for all, where everyone enjoys well-being and a long, healthy life.”
Submissions were evaluated based on originality, impact, scalability, and sustainability. The rigorous assessment process was overseen by a panel of esteemed experts in healthcare, digital health, and public policy including Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH; Professor Shafi Ahmed, multi-award-winning surgeon, teacher, futurist, innovator and entrepreneur; John Nosta, president of NostaLab, Lina Shadid, Middle East Health Industries Lead and Zubin Daruwalla, Asia Pacific Health Industries Lead at PwC.
“The ADGHW Innovation Awards exemplify the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges with creativity, rigour, and purpose. The diversity and ingenuity of the application submissions highlight Abu Dhabi's role in boosting an ecosystem that drives advancements in healthcare. At PwC, we are proud to support this initiative and contribute to shaping a future where innovation is both encouraged and celebrated,” stated Lina Shadid, Middle East Health Industries Lead at PwC.
The diverse group of applicants underscores ADGHW’s pivotal role in enhancing international collaboration and demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to nurturing a thriving ecosystem that drives advancement of the global health sector.
In a first for the awards, an AI assistant was also integrated into the review process, supporting the jury by surfacing patterns, providing comparative insights, and complementing human expertise during deliberations. This hybrid model reflects ADGHW’s commitment to harnessing the potential of emerging technologies to drive fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the evaluation of innovative ideas.
ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme ‘Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.’ It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care.
Four core themes will guide discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being.
🇶🇦 ̈sseldorfcity

18/04/2025

Further strengthening bilateral healthcare partnerships between both nations,
DoH Fortifies Global Healthcare Ties with Five Strategic MoUs Signed with Russian Institutions during ADGHW
• These agreements are the culmination of a strategic DoH delegation visit to Russia earlier this year
• This collaborative approach drives innovation and enhances healthcare outcomes for populations worldwide, further positioning Abu Dhabi as a global life sciences hub and an incubator for responsible healthcare innovation
• The agreements between the DoH and the five leading Russian entities seek to synergise efforts in innovative clinical trials, enhance medical research and capacity-building initiatives, underpinned by cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 April 2025: During Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed five pioneering Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Russian health and technology institutions. These agreements are the culmination of a strategic DoH delegation visit to Russia earlier this year, further strengthening the robust bilateral healthcare partnerships between both nations.
In the presence of H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and H.E Mikhail Murashko, Russian Minister of Health, the MoU was signed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) with leading Russian entities including Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), JSC “BIOCAD” Biotechnology Company, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) and I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center.
These partnerships enhance international research synergies, attract pivotal investments and foster substantial knowledge exchange. This collaborative approach drives innovation and enhances healthcare outcomes for populations worldwide, further positioning Abu Dhabi as a global life sciences hub and an incubator for responsible healthcare innovation.
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “Further driving Abu Dhabi’s vision of establishing one of the world’s most intelligent healthcare systems driven by AI, data and advanced technology, our recent delegation to Russia laid the groundwork for these strategic alliances. These partnerships exemplify our collective ambition to advance health technology, positioning both nations at the forefront of global health transformation. Abu Dhabi is leading the conversion of the regional healthcare ecosystem, through leveraging sciences and technology, we are positioning the Emirate as a global life sciences hub and incubator for responsible healthcare innovation.”
The agreements between the Department and the five leading Russian entities seek to synergise efforts in innovative clinical trials, enhance medical research and capacity-building initiatives, underpinned by cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. Through leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and fostering ongoing cooperation, the agreements aim to strengthen public healthcare systems in both nations and accelerate breakthroughs in medical research and practice.
The partnership with the MIPT focuses on advancing gene therapy innovation through cutting-edge clinical trials, enhancing non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) methodologies and fostering educational exchanges, aligning with DoH’s efforts to collaborate with global institutions in delivering innovative treatments and breakthrough solutions in the UAE and beyond . While the collaboration with BIOCAD promotes technology transfer, commercialison, and licensing of innovative health solutions, alongside exploring investment in emerging healthcare technologies.
With Sechenov University, the focus shifts to advancing academic and technical capacity, promoting collaborative research, and connecting early-career researchers with seasoned professionals to drive innovation in healthcare and research. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Skoltech fortifies strategic ties between the Emirati and Russian health research ecosystems, amplifying Abu Dhabi’s global positioning in the sector through impactful joint projects, policy alignment, and active participation in key global health events. The DoH and the Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center will focus on advancing research and clinical trials, particularly in CAR-T therapy models. Their the agreement promotes the harmonisation of infection prevention and control measures, alongside capacity building initiatives and student exchange programs, to enhance educational and practical experiences in the field of pediatric healthcare.
ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme ‘Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.’ It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care. Four core themes will guide discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being.
ADGHW 2025 offers complimentary visitor passes that grant access to the event’s Start Up Zone, live stage sessions and exhibition hall featuring 150 global leaders in health. For more information, visit www.adghw.com

18/04/2025

Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Oliver Wyman Unveil Report on Groundbreaking Potential of Genomics at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 16 April, 2025 – The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, a global management consulting firm and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYS: MMC), today released a comprehensive report titled “Genomics For Longevity” at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW). The report explores the transformative potential of genomics in enhancing clinical outcomes, driving economic growth, and supporting Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision for precision medicine.

The report unveiled under the theme “Towards longevity: Redefined health and wellbeing,” highlights Abu Dhabi’s role a pioneer in precision medicine and longevity focused healthcare.

The “Genomics For Longevity” report outlines a detailed framework and phased roadmap for integrating genomics across Abu Dhabi’s healthcare systems. It emphasises the potential of genomics to revolutionise health by providing personalised treatment plans that cater to individual genetic profiles.
The framework is centred on three strategic pillars: enabling technology, policy and governance and talent development, each designed to build a resilient and scalable genomics ecosystem.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Science Sector at DoH, commented: “In a fast-evolving field like genomics, agility and foresight are essential to ensure policies strike a balance between safety, innovation, and the constant flow of emerging evidence. This report is not just a roadmap, it is a call to action for policymakers, investors and health system leaders to shape a new era of personalized care.

By establishing a structured ecosystem, we can unlock breakthroughs in not just longer, but healthier lives, and improve population-wide outcomes.”

Sumit Sharma, Partner and Head of Health and Life Sciences for India, Middle East & Africa at Oliver Wyman added: “Abu Dhabi’s commitment to integrating genomics into its healthcare system marks a transformative step towards precision medicine. This not only positions Abu Dhabi as a leader in longevity and data-driven medical care but also promises significant economic growth and societal benefits. Our report provides a comprehensive roadmap for achieving these ambitious goals, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of global health innovation.”

Dr. Nicole Sirotin, CEO of The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) - the world’s first licensed health longevity medicine centre and a contributor to the report said: “These findings underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to integrating genomics with lifestyle precision to extend healthspan and reduce disease burden. In a region where early onset of diabetes and cancer is prevalent, personalised prevention through genomics can be transformative. The fusion of cutting-edge research and rigorous clinical practice exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s leading approach to precision, preventive healthcare.”

The “Genomics For Longevity” report further emphasis that by mapping genetic and epigenetic risk factors and intervening with precision therapies, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders could be reduced by 20–30% on a population level. These efforts are underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s robust digital infrastructure, tech-savvy population, and the Emirate’s strategic prioritization of public health.

Additionally, the Emirate Genome Program, already one of the largest population sequencing efforts in the region with 800,000 genomes sequenced, lays a strong foundation for this transformation.

The launch of the report at ADGHW reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to shaping the future of global health through science, innovation, and collaboration. As health systems around the world transition toward personalised, proactive, and predictive care, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, building a model for longevity that is scalable, sustainable, and inclusive.

For more information about this initiative or media inquiries regarding attendance at ADGHW 2025 please visit: adghw.com

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