As an emerging outcome of the Health Leaders Forum (HLF) during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) and following the successful launch of the Ma'an fund initiative earlier this year, a collaborative effort has been forged between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an. This partnership has gained support from several partners including the United Al Saqer Group, Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), Burjeel Holdings and M42.
The initiative serves as a platform for diverse partners to create and achieve advanced research infrastructure, allocate funding towards research and innovation projects and facilitate clinical trials focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond for a brighter future of global health.
ADGHW, an always-on platform has facilitated global partnerships through open, inclusive exchanges and joint actions to solve future health challenges, today. This partnership between the department, the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an and their esteemed partners aims to bolster scientific research through creating solutions that address arising healthcare challenges, as well as enhancing scientific research and innovation in the emirate.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “Through DoH’s ongoing collaborations with its strategic local and global partners, we aim to ensure the health and longevity of our community and beyond. During Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW), we stand ready to address shared global challenges and embrace boundless opportunities to shape the future of healthcare. This initiative marks a pivotal moment to expand our research and innovation efforts, enhance our clinical research, and foster a wider intellectual property innovation. The department aims to deliver high-quality services to all individuals in the emirate and around the world, all while advancing the healthcare system and the quality and accessibility of its services, further positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for healthcare and life sciences on the global stage.”
Additionally, this initiative will focus on supporting a select group of priority research and innovation efforts from various fields, which include, cancer, rare diseases, infectious diseases, nervous system diseases, drug discoveries, and research based on big medical data and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, the Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an, said: Our collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH) aims to strategically drive social innovation for research and development within the health sector. This underscores the critical importance of prioritising innovation by elevating scientific research and development efforts. We consistently support initiatives geared towards enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community in Abu Dhabi.
“Through active engagement with our community members and corporate partners, we channel 100% of contributions received towards addressing social priorities in Abu Dhabi such as funding research and development projects in the health sector. This amplifies our collective efforts towards advancing healthcare innovation. Ma'an is fully committed to sustaining Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector and actively participating in initiatives aimed at advancing the quality of life of our community in Abu Dhabi.”
The Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an brings together the government, private sector and civil society with the objective of supporting innovative solutions and contributing to the development of strong, active, collaborative and inclusive communities. As the Government of Abu Dhabi’s official channel to receive contributions for social priorities, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an ensures fundraising is distributed to causes across the entire Abu Dhabi community in sectors including health, education, environment, the social sector and infrastructure.
Ma'an HealthcareResearch and Development Fund, the region's first sustainable funding system for healthcare innovation, seeks to harness contributions from both the private sector and the community to support various health issues. These funds will be directed towards research and scientific projects led by DoH and its partners, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leading destination for healthcare and life sciences, while also supporting the UAE’s transformation towards a knowledge-based economy.
The support from prominent local partners like United Al Saqer Group, M42, and Burjeel Holdings demonstrates the strong regional backing for the initiative and the shared vision of enhancing healthcare in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week stands as a major government initiative taking place between 13 May and 15 May 2024 which seeks to accelerate collaboration, innovation, and investment, and bring together researchers, policymakers, healthcare specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs across the global healthcare and life-science ecosystem. The platform is witnessing a true gathering of pioneering minds and a powerful network of 5,000 attendees, 1,000 delegates, 200 speakers, and 100 exhibitors.
The department is collaborating with key strategic partners within the healthcare ecosystem, including the event’s Foundation Partner M42 and other leading healthcare ecosystem sponsors, PureHealth, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Burjeel Holdings, GSK, Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), Novartis, Viatris, AstraZeneca, Sanofi and many more to bring the vision of better health to life.
