The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, AstraZeneca, and Pure Health have signed a memorandum of understanding at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, United States, to establish a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases in Abu Dhabi.
The centre aims to serve as a specialised platform for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, scientific research, education, and patient care, with a focus on rare metabolic disorders, kidney diseases, and blood conditions. It will bring together physicians, researchers, and healthcare ecosystem partners to develop an integrated model for rare disease care across the region.
The centre will also seek to advance early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases, support scientific research and clinical trials, and translate medical innovations into tangible solutions that improve patient quality of life — reinforcing Abu Dhabi's standing as a global hub for life sciences and medical innovation.
Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Manaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: "The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has a well-established strategic partnership with both AstraZeneca and Pure Health, and we are pleased today to activate the Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases in partnership with them.
By leveraging Abu Dhabi's integrated healthcare and life sciences ecosystem, this partnership will help accelerate innovation in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases, elevate patient care, and strengthen Abu Dhabi's smart life sciences ecosystem."