Abu Dhabi and Novartis activate global clinical trials hub across four therapeutic areas

A landmark partnership brings international Phase 3 research programmes to the emirate, creating opportunities for local investigators and patients to participate in pioneering medical studies

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Novartis have taken a significant step forward in positioning the emirate as a centre for clinical research innovation. The activation of the Abu Dhabi Clinical Trials Hub marks the initiation of Novartis global Phase 3 programmes across neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, oncology, and immunology, announced during the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026.

This milestone emerges from two years of sustained collaboration following the memorandum of understanding signed in June 2024. During this period, the partnership has cultivated deeper connections across clinical research, evidence generation and healthcare innovation, creating the conditions necessary for global Phase 3 programmes to take root in Abu Dhabi. The work reflects a shared conviction that the emirate possesses the clinical research capabilities, regulatory environment and healthcare expertise to participate meaningfully in international medical development.

Dr. Asma Al Mannei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, observed that the emirate has established a strong clinical research ecosystem. “The activation of Novartis’ global Phase 3 programmes marks an important milestone in connecting Abu Dhabi’s capabilities with international clinical research, creating new opportunities for local investigators to contribute to the development of innovative treatments and for eligible patients to participate in global clinical studies,” she said. This collaboration, she noted, reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for life sciences, where research and innovation advance medical science and patient care.

The partnership will be supported by continued efforts to strengthen investigator and research-site preparedness, enable efficient study start-up and initiation, and improve pathways for identifying and referring eligible patients. Individual studies and participating sites remain subject to applicable feasibility assessments and the necessary regulatory, ethics, and institutional approvals.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Novartis GCC, emphasised the pharmaceutical company’s commitment to research and development. “Over the past two years, our collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has built a strong foundation for clinical research, site readiness and scientific capability,” he said. “As we look ahead, we aim to connect Abu Dhabi’s strengths with our global research programmes, expand opportunities for patients to take part in high-quality clinical research, and support the next generation of investigators in the region.”

The initiative builds on recent advances in Abu Dhabi’s therapeutic innovation ecosystem. As reported in our coverage of Future Health’s strategic framework, the emirate’s genomics, clinical research and specialist care capabilities are positioning it to translate therapeutic innovation into patient treatments. Similarly, the partnership between Abu Dhabi Biobank and AstraZeneca demonstrates the emirate’s capacity to leverage artificial intelligence and genomic data for advancing healthcare research and rare disease investigation.

Through continued engagement with regulators, healthcare providers and research institutions, the collaboration will build on Abu Dhabi’s existing clinical research capabilities, supporting scientific exchange and real-world evidence generation. These efforts will further strengthen the research environment and support the inclusion of more Abu Dhabi sites in suitable regional and global clinical development programmes.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This activation represents a tangible translation of Abu Dhabi’s investment in life sciences infrastructure into concrete opportunity. Local investigators gain direct access to international clinical research networks, positioning them to contribute to the development of innovative treatments. Equally important, eligible patients within the emirate now have expanded pathways to participate in pioneering clinical studies across multiple therapeutic domains, connecting them to the forefront of medical advancement without requiring travel beyond their home healthcare system.

The partnership reinforces the value of public-private collaboration in building a research environment that is scientifically rigorous, operationally sustainable and responsive to patients’ needs. By strengthening local capabilities and forging connections with global research networks, Abu Dhabi deepens its position not merely as a destination for healthcare consumption, but as a contributor to the global advancement of medical knowledge and therapeutic innovation.

Based on information from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Novartis: wam.ae