The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced a landmark partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) to explore the establishment of the world’s first genome surgery centers in Abu Dhabi and California.
Genome surgery, a developing field, uses technologies such as CRISPR to correct genetic disorders at their source. Formalized during a strategic visit to the United States, the collaboration supports Abu Dhabi’s goal of becoming a global leader in genomic medicine and personalized therapy.
The proposed genome surgery centers aim to focus on diagnosing and correcting severe genetic conditions early, particularly in pediatric and fetal cases. By applying CRISPR-guided gene editing, the initiative seeks to improve outcomes for patients with early-onset and inherited diseases.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of DoH, said that the collaboration would accelerate the integration of genome-guided care in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, reduce chronic disease progression and long-term healthcare costs, and position the Emirate as a global innovation leader.
The partnership combines Abu Dhabi’s healthcare infrastructure and genomic data assets with UCSF’s expertise in pediatric and fetal therapies, and IGI’s leadership in CRISPR research. It is expected to focus on sustainable, real-world clinical solutions and capacity building.
Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, Director of the UCSF Broad Stem Cell Centre, noted that this collaboration creates an opportunity to build mirrored programs across both geographies, linking each step from diagnosis to implementation of safe genome surgery. The centers will also train Emirati professionals in genomic surgery, reinforcing local capacity and enabling early interventions that reduce lifelong treatment needs.
Dr. Fyodor Urnov, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley and Director of the IGI-Danaher Beacon for CRISPR Cures, highlighted the significance of administering an on-demand CRISPR treatment to an infant earlier this year.
Dr. Urnov stated that IGI’s partnership with Danaher provides the technological foundation for expanding this care model, adding that the collaboration with UCSF and DoH may allow expansion of CRISPR on demand to children in the UAE.
The partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader genomic vision. The Emirati Genome Program has sequenced over 800,000 genomes and delivered over 160,000 personalized pharmacogenomics reports.
Abu Dhabi also introduced CRISPR-Cas9 via CASGEVY for sickle cell disease and personalized cancer therapies for over 250 patients. The DoH-led delegation, which included major UAE entities, held over 20 meetings in the US to advance healthcare innovation.
