The newly established biobank in Abu Dhabi is broadening its scope beyond conventional blood and DNA collection. It now includes various biological materials, such as eye samples and fertility-related tissues, aligning with a larger initiative aimed at enhancing predictive and preventive healthcare.

According to officials, the facility, inaugurated by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi in collaboration with M42, is focused on the collection, storage, and analysis of diverse human samples to gain insights into disease patterns and improve health outcomes throughout the population.

“The Abu Dhabi Biobank is capable of storing a wide variety of samples, including cord blood, stem cells, eye samples, fertility and IVF materials, as well as tumor and other human tissue samples, in both liquid and solid forms,” stated Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

She referred to the biobank as a “national asset” that integrates biological samples with vital health data, facilitating earlier disease detection and prediction. “It combines essential data and information that enables us not only to detect disease but also to anticipate the health status of our population,” she added.

From Storage to Prediction

Officials highlighted that this initiative transcends mere storage, representing a significant shift towards a healthcare system that proactively addresses illnesses rather than merely responding to them. “This is how we shape the future of health — a predictive and preventive system, grounded in data and driven by real-world impacts,” said Al Mannaei.

The facility merges biological samples with genomic and clinical data, allowing researchers and clinicians to derive insights that can influence policy and care delivery. Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, described the biobank as “the missing link” connecting healthcare providers, researchers, academia, and industry within a cohesive ecosystem.

Already Operational

Despite its official launch on Thursday, officials reported that the biobank is already operational, with samples being collected and utilized in ongoing research. “This is happening as we speak. The collection of samples and data generation are already in motion,” Al Mannaei remarked, noting that the platform is yielding “tangible outcomes.”

One notable effort is a tumor biobank that collects cancer samples to better understand the prevalence of certain cancers within the local population. “This enables us to convert that knowledge into preventive measures and targeted therapies.”

Tracking Health Over Time

A crucial aspect of the biobank is its ability to link biological samples with genetic and clinical data over time, facilitating long-term monitoring of individual health. “We are integrating genotypic data with biological samples from patients. This allows us to track individuals over time and promote research and medical innovation,” said Al Marzooqi.

The focus is on “prediction, prevention, and precision medicine,” with the objective of identifying risks early, intervening promptly, and evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Diverse Population, Global Collaboration

Samples are being gathered from across Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, encompassing both Emiratis and expatriates, thereby creating a dataset reflective of the UAE’s diverse demographic. Officials mentioned that the biobank is collaborating with academic institutions like Khalifa University and York University, as well as global pharmaceutical partners such as GSK, to develop new treatments and solutions.

Researchers and collaborators from around the world are being invited to access the data and engage in scientific discoveries.

Capacity and Safeguards

The facility, located in Masdar City, boasts the capacity to store over five million samples, supported by state-of-the-art cryogenic systems. To ensure continuity, multiple layers of protection are in place, including backup power systems, redundant liquid nitrogen storage, and secure fuel supply agreements.

“There are stringent systems implemented to secure data, with multiple backups to guarantee that information can always be retrieved if necessary,” Al Marzooqi explained.

Public Participation

The biobank includes both public and private cord blood programs. While private banking allows families to store samples for personal use, the public option facilitates free donation for research or for use by other patients. Officials indicated that residents can contribute samples to aid research aimed at enhancing disease prevention and treatment for future generations.

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