- The newly established Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster in Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen the life sciences sector within the emirate. This initiative will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as the premier international center for biotechnology, medical technology, and digital health advancements.
- The cluster is expected to add $25.6 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, create 30,000 new job opportunities, and draw in $11.5 billion in investments by 2045
Abu Dhabi has initiated an innovative life sciences cluster, strengthening its role as a worldwide center for biotechnology, MedTech, and digital health. This initiative was spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), along with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Wellness, Stamina, Lifespan, and Healthcare (WSLH) cluster aimed at fostering healthcare innovation, drawing in foreign capital, and providing enduring advantages to worldwide communities.
During Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the announcement was made about the HELM cluster, which will act as a hub for researching, developing, producing, and commercializing cutting-edge health and life sciences innovations. This includes everything from artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic tools and pharmaceutical production to genetic treatments and personalized healthcare. The cluster aims to help international firms turn pioneering scientific discoveries into practical, globally available, patient-centric products.
Thanks to its top-notch infrastructure, forward-thinking regulations, and advantageous geographical position, Abu Dhabi provides exceptional entry into international markets. Its diverse pool of skilled professionals, state-of-the-art biomanufacturing centers, and dedication to advancement render it a perfect starting point for life sciences firms aiming to expand on a global scale.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al-Zaabi, who serves as the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, , said: “ The Abu Dhabi Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster will offer both international and local partners numerous advantages such as exposure to advanced technologies, top-tier facilities, and forward-thinking regulations. Establishing this internationally competitive life sciences centre aims not just to boost economic development and variety, but also to guarantee that Abu Dhabi stays ahead in crafting pioneering health care innovations set to enhance human welfare broadly."
Developed to address the increasing worldwide requirement for sophisticated medical care, this cluster aims to confront some of the planet's key health issues such as persistent and non-infectious ailments, responsible for more than 70% of fatalities across the globe, along with the healthcare demands of elderly individuals. The initiative is capitalizing on expansion prospects within the international healthcare sector, expected to be valued at $25.3 trillion (approximately AED93 trillion) by 2045.
His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairperson of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi , stated: "The unveiling of Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster marks a significant step ahead in global healthcare delivery. It goes beyond building facilities; we're committed to nurturing human potential, achieving groundbreaking advancements in extending lifespan, and developing solutions with widespread influence. Here, innovation converges with meaningful impact."
By adopting a supportive regulatory landscape, Abu Dhabi enables businesses to swiftly introduce cutting-edge technologies into the marketplace, thus rapidly transforming the future of healthcare. The emirate’s artificial intelligence-driven healthcare infrastructure along with its pioneering approach to personalized medicine fosters an ecosystem conducive to innovation throughout all stages of development.
Given its status as host to one of the globe’s biggest national genomics initiatives, the emirate promotes research and development through insights gleaned from an exceptionally varied genetic pool, thus speeding up innovation and pushing forward the worldwide transition towards personalized medical therapies. Concurrently, Abu Dhabi is bolstering its position within the international pharmaceutical supply network, providing robust infrastructure, key connections, and enduring collaboration prospects for firms maneuvering through an ever more intricate global environment.
By 2045, the HELM cluster is expected to contribute $25.6 billion (AED 94 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, attract $11.5 billion (AED 42 billion) in investment, and create 30,000 high-value jobs, supporting the diversification of the emirate’s economy while enabling long-term global health impact.
As part of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive plan to become a global leader in cutting-edge sectors, this new cluster has been established. Following the triumphant introduction of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster in 2023 – aimed at revolutionizing smart urban transportation through sky, road, and maritime solutions – we now see the emergence of the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster in 2024, focusing on enhancing food safety and ensuring sustainable access to water.