Abu Dhabi recorded a series of significant medical and scientific milestones during the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the rapid advancement of its healthcare ecosystem and reinforcing its position as a regional and global hub for medical innovation.
These achievements were realised under the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions and international partners.
Among the أبرز breakthroughs, Yas Clinic Khalifa City, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, successfully administered the first gene therapy treatment for haemoglobin disorders in the UAE using CASGEVY, based on CRISPR-Cas9. The milestone marks a pioneering step in advanced genetic medicine within the country.
Advanced Medical Breakthroughs
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City achieved a major milestone by performing the first heart biopsy on a child who had undergone a heart transplant, as part of the visiting physicians programme, enhancing specialised paediatric care within the UAE.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi carried out several first-of-their-kind procedures in the country. These included robotic-assisted breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap technique for a breast cancer survivor, as well as stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) using robotic technology—marking a significant advancement in diagnosing and treating complex epilepsy cases. The hospital also successfully performed a remote robotic nephroureterectomy between the UAE and Pakistan, expanding access to advanced surgical care across borders.
In another regional first, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performed a basivertebral nerve ablation using the Intracept procedure, representing a notable advancement in pain management across the Middle East and North Africa.
In the field of laboratory innovation, PureLab, part of PureHealth, partnered with Lood Autonomous to pilot the use of drones for transporting blood samples between Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and its facilities—enhancing efficiency and turnaround times in diagnostic services.
Expanding Specialised Care and Research
Burjeel Medical City inaugurated the Burjeel Eye Institute, managed by Emirati professionals, strengthening the emirate’s integrated healthcare offerings. It also launched an advanced Sarcoma and Orthopaedic Centre in collaboration with the Burjeel Orthopaedic Institute, supporting the treatment of rare and complex cancers through precision medicine.
In a notable scientific breakthrough, researchers announced the discovery of a previously undocumented rare genetic disorder known as El-Hattab-Schmidts syndrome, which affects brain development and muscle strength. The discovery opens new avenues for the development of innovative gene therapies for children.
The city also launched a Neuro-Oncology Centre in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Burjeel Oncology Institute and the Neuroscience Institute, aimed at delivering comprehensive, advanced care for patients of all age groups.
Innovations in Treatment and Clinical Trials
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City introduced an advanced treatment option involving implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulation for adults suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea, significantly improving patients’ quality of life. The hospital also adopted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, including single-port robotic sympathectomy, enabling minimally invasive procedures with reduced pain, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes.
In parallel, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi launched the UAE’s first clinical trial targeting retinitis pigmentosa linked to the MerTK gene, using an innovative gene therapy developed by Opus Genetics, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to advancing treatments for rare diseases.
Enhancing Early Diagnosis and Regional Care
At Corniche Hospital, a medical team achieved early diagnosis of a rare congenital condition known as partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (PAPVD) in a newborn, improving treatment outcomes and reducing potential complications.
Additionally, Madinat Zayed Hospital successfully treated a complex kidney condition using advanced interventional radiology techniques, reflecting the growing capabilities of medical teams and the continuous development of healthcare services across the emirate.
These achievements collectively highlight Abu Dhabi’s strategic commitment to innovation, precision medicine, and equitable access to world-class healthcare services.
