The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), together with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, has inaugurated the application process for the 2026 Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund. This initiative is now open for proposals from researchers, healthcare providers, and innovators within the emirate.
This iteration of the fund emphasizes research aimed at advancing precision medicine, improving early disease detection, and facilitating evidence-based clinical decision-making. Key focus areas include precision medicine, omics diagnostics, cell and gene therapies, cancer diagnostics and treatments, metabolic and cardiovascular illnesses, neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, mental health and behavioral studies, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, as well as public health initiatives.
Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as scientific merit, feasibility in practice, collaborative potential, and their alignment with Abu Dhabi’s strategic health initiatives.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH Abu Dhabi, stated, “The launch of the 2026 Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to nurturing a cooperative and innovative scientific community. Our aim is to empower research that leads to clinical progress and enhances health outcomes for our population.”
His Excellency Abdullah Humaid Al Ameri, Director General of Ma’an, noted the partnership's significance in addressing social and health concerns. “Ma’an is dedicated to supporting researchers and innovators whose contributions will benefit future generations and have a positive effect on the community,” he remarked.
The fund backs research with clear practical applications and measurable clinical benefits within Abu Dhabi's healthcare landscape, further establishing the emirate as a prominent hub for life sciences and research excellence.
In the last 2024-2025 funding cycle, over 150 applications were submitted by healthcare providers, academic bodies, and research institutions, resulting in twelve impactful projects receiving support, focusing on immunologic disorders, enhanced diagnostic methods for Iron Deficiency Anaemia, and innovations in cancer prevention.
Interested parties are encouraged to explore the DoH website for application guidelines and to submit their proposals through the live application portal.
An UAE flight delivered 100 tonnes of food to Egypt's Al Arish, aiding Gaza as part of Operation Chi
Vancouver designer John Fluevog creates a special shoe to honor a friend who donated her kidney rai
A chartered plane crashed in Jashpur, claiming the lives of both the pilot and co-pilot. Rescue effo
Survivors of Canada’s residential schools urge action as abuse testimonies risk destruction by 2027
