Abu dhabi: The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., to launch the Abu Dhabi - Children's National Hospital Cell and Gene Therapy Clinical Excellence Programme. This partnership represents a significant advancement in making paediatric cell and gene therapies more accessible throughout the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement includes collaborative fellowships, training programmes, and workshops designed to cultivate local expertise, thereby positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in life sciences innovation. Dr Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, emphasized that the partnership is aligned with Abu Dhabi's integrated and patient-focused healthcare approach. She stated, "By combining global expertise with local ambition, we are building a care model that is sustainable, scalable, and tailored to the needs of our youngest patients."
Michelle Riley-Brown, President and CEO of Children's National, highlighted that the collaboration builds upon a well-established partnership with the UAE and aims to accelerate the development of advanced therapies, providing new hope to children and families. The initiative seeks to advance therapies such as Virus-Specific T-cell therapies (VST) and plans to establish Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facilities, standardizing treatment protocols and optimizing clinical trial systems in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement encompasses joint biobanking, enhancements in data governance, and integration of long-term patient care. A significant aspect of the partnership includes fellowships for Emirati clinician-scientists and the co-development of specialized training in cellular immunotherapy and trial management.
The collaboration will also introduce virtual tumour board sessions and offer practical training in cell therapy manufacturing, quality control, and clinical procedures. Additional workshops will concentrate on Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) and regulatory design, fortifying Abu Dhabi's healthcare workforce.
This agreement follows a recent high-level delegation visit from Abu Dhabi to the United States from June 15th to 21st, 2025, which focused on health innovation and investment. The delegation included representatives from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, MBZUAI, and startAD.