DoH Abu Dhabi launches 1st UAE gene therapy trial for retinal disease

Abu Dhabi launches trial for 12 patients

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched the United Arab Emirates’ first gene therapy clinical trial on 23 March 2026. This study evaluates medical interventions for inherited retinal dystrophy. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the DoH, confirmed the project treats 12 initial subjects. This effort shifts local research from traditional care models to specialized genomic medicine.

Operational requirements for hospital directors

This trial establishes a DoH precedent for approving complex genetic interventions. Hospital operators previously sent patients to Europe or the United States for these procedures. Facilities seeking future trial participation must meet strict infrastructure standards, as the investment required typically exceeds AED 5 million per site. Requirements for facility certification include:

• Evidence of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification for all staff.
• Proof of containment facilities for viral vector transport and cryogenic storage.
• Access to a board-certified geneticist and a vitreoretinal surgeon.
• Mandatory reporting integration with the Malaffi health information exchange.

The initiation of this trial positions the UAE as a hub for advanced medical research and demonstrates the commitment to providing treatments for complex genetic conditions, said Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the DoH.

Expansion plans for 2027

The DoH plans to expand this research framework to include three additional inherited conditions by the end of 2027. This timeline forces local health systems to standardize genomic databases and improves clinical data interoperability across Abu Dhabi. Future integration involves collaboration with the Emirates Genome Council to sync data storage with national requirements. Hospital administrators must monitor the DoH portal for upcoming certification deadlines as the authority opens this field to private sector partners.