UAE Unveils National Genomics Masterplan to Revolutionize Healthcare with Personalized Medicine

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has given his approval to a comprehensive genomics masterplan designed to fundamentally change how the UAE delivers personalized healthcare to its citizens. This endorsement occurred during a meeting of the Emirates Genome Council at the UAE Government Annual Meetings, where the 2026-2031 National Genomics Masterplan was officially adopted. The plan signifies a crucial strategic pivot from merely collecting genomic data to actively implementing it for early disease prevention and the advancement of precision medicine.

Building upon the success of the Emirati Genome Programme, which has now enrolled one million participants and is recognized as the world's most extensive population genome initiative, the new masterplan outlines four key objectives. These include extending the programme's reach to encompass 100 percent of Emirati citizens, delivering personalized genomic reports to 900,000 participants, expanding newborn genetic screening across the nation, and reinforcing the Trusted Research Environment to foster both local and international research endeavors.

Personalized genomic reports, detailing 214 inherited genomic conditions and health traits, will become accessible via the Tamm platform starting in December 2026. Concurrently, the expanded newborn genetic screening programme will cover over 730 genes associated with more than 815 childhood genetic conditions that are amenable to early intervention.

Mansoor Al Mansoori, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and Secretary General of the Emirates Genome Council, stated that the masterplan establishes "new criteria for implementing genomics in clinical applications at the community level." He further explained that the programme's genomic database, when integrated with an AI-powered healthcare system, will enable a shift towards community-wide prevention and precision medicine.

The Trusted Research Environment, a secure digital platform designed for AI-driven data analysis, has already attracted interest from 21 research and healthcare organizations globally since its inception. This masterplan is poised to solidify the UAE's position as a leading international partner in shaping the future of healthcare through the strategic use of data, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine.