Post by : Badri Ariffin

Abu Dhabi is advancing its position in global healthcare research with the debut of the Abu Dhabi Health Research Centre (ADHRC) launched by PureHealth. This initiative heralds a transformative era for clinical research, medical innovation, and precision medicine within the UAE.

The comprehensive research hub was officially introduced at the inaugural ADHRC Research Conference 2025, supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). The conference congregated global specialists, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster collaboration and propel scientific advancements.

ADHRC consolidates clinical research efforts from PureHealth’s extensive network of 16 hospitals, primary care clinics, and cutting-edge laboratories in Abu Dhabi, establishing one of the region's most advanced research environments.

This centre is a significant milestone towards Abu Dhabi’s aspiration to emerge as a global life sciences and clinical innovation hub. It is equipped to handle the entire scope of research activities, from study design and patient recruitment to regulatory management, data analysis, and scientific publication.

Featuring over 100 active research initiatives, more than 300 principal investigators, and a talented workforce of over 700 researchers, ADHRC collaborates closely with governmental agencies, international biopharmaceutical firms, and top academic institutions to align with Abu Dhabi’s healthcare goals and push forward global medical advancements.

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, indicated that the centre enhances the emirate's capacity to conduct impactful, ethically compliant clinical studies, thereby improving patient outcomes both locally and internationally, while solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a global life sciences leader.

Shaista Asif, Group CEO of PureHealth, remarked that the launch of ADHRC marks a pivotal moment in the nation's healthcare evolution, emphasizing that centralizing research capabilities under one roof will hasten the advent of groundbreaking treatments and bolster Abu Dhabi’s international reputation in medical innovation.

The centre is prioritizing impactful areas like personalized medicine, rare diseases, advanced therapies, longevity science, and innovative healthcare technologies. Its facilities include inpatient Clinical Trial Units along with the largest outpatient Clinical Trial Unit in the Middle East, which is geared to handle over 800 patient visits daily, facilitating complex and large-scale clinical trials efficiently.

ADHRC benefits from a robust network of over 2,500 specialists and consultants in various fields, encompassing artificial intelligence, oncology, neurology, and precision medicine, aimed at enhancing disease prevention, early detection, and long-term management.

PureHealth has substantial expertise in clinical research, having engaged over 100,000 research participants and contributing to upwards of 400 scientific publications annually across 22 therapeutic specialties.

A standout initiative includes the longevity programme, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Longevity 1.0 resulted in a notable 2.2-year increase in healthspan through interventions related to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle, while Longevity 2.0 currently involves over 3,000 participants.

ADHRC is also emphasizing investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze extensive health datasets, predict disease trends, and pinpoint new treatment opportunities. These technologies are enhancing research speed and the quality of scientific results, ensuring rapid translation of findings into tangible healthcare solutions.

Supported by various grants from the Department of Health, alongside recognition from both the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Department of Health, PureHealth is establishing ADHRC as a pivotal hub for clinical trials and medical research in the region, accompanying every step of the research process from conceptualization to publication.

#Global News