Abu Dhabi Unveils New Life Sciences Cluster to Drive Medical Innovation

Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of a dedicated life sciences cluster aimed at advancing healthcare innovation, preventive care, and medical research. The initiative brings together international companies and institutions working in areas such as drug development, digital health, and human longevity.

Known as the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (Helm) cluster, the project was approved by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It will be led by a coalition of key government entities, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Department of Health.

Business clusters in Abu Dhabi are designed to foster collaboration between related sectors by pooling resources, infrastructure, and expertise to drive industry growth. The Helm cluster is expected to serve as a hub for biotechnology research, pharmaceutical innovation, medical device development and the commercialization of digital healthcare solutions.

Sheikh Khaled emphasized that investment in life sciences and medical technology remains a strategic priority for the UAE, reflecting the nation’s long-term vision for economic diversification and global competitiveness.

According to government projections, the Helm cluster is set to contribute more than AED 94 billion (approximately $26 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2045, while generating around 30,000 new jobs over the next two decades.
The launch of the Helm cluster follows the establishment of other sector-focused initiatives, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (Savi) cluster in 2023 and the Agrifood and Water Sustainability cluster in 2024, signaling Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to building specialized innovation ecosystems.