The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Biocom California have established a strategic partnership to create a formal gateway between the life sciences ecosystems of Abu Dhabi and California. Announced on June 23, 2026, the collaboration aims to strengthen connectivity among innovators, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs across both markets. This initiative is designed to accelerate the development, validation, and scaling of next-generation health solutions by linking California's globally renowned life sciences community with Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster.

The partnership will facilitate the exchange of expertise on ecosystem and cluster development, including industry best practices, sector policy insights, and lessons learned. Both parties intend to leverage this cooperation to strengthen innovation environments and accelerate the growth of high-value life sciences activities in their respective regions. Through Biocom California, US-based biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology leaders will gain access to Abu Dhabi's intelligent life sciences ecosystem and its living lab model, which integrates discovery, validation, and real-world implementation within a single environment.

Strategic Objectives

The agreement focuses on building a direct bridge that allows stakeholders to access resources and markets across borders. Key components of the partnership include:

• Ecosystem Connectivity: Connecting talent, research, investment, and implementation channels between Abu Dhabi and California.
• Living Lab Access: Providing US companies with the opportunity to test and scale innovations in Abu Dhabi's integrated regulatory and clinical environment.
• Joint Cooperation: Organizing events and facilitating partnerships for companies in both regions.

Leadership Perspectives

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, emphasized the importance of cross-border connectivity for successful life sciences ecosystems. She stated that the partnership creates a direct bridge between Abu Dhabi's intelligent ecosystem and a leading global innovation center, enabling faster translation of scientific discoveries into real-world impact.

Joe Panetta, President Emeritus of Biocom, expressed honor in partnering with DoH under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He noted that Abu Dhabi's ecosystem is strategically focused and well-supported for creating new therapies. Panetta highlighted Biocom's active efforts to develop global partnerships and affirmed the organization's commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi with its existing network through joint events and cooperation.