New 2030 programme combines IVF, genomics, AI and precision medicine as the emirate expands its international healthcare ambitions
Abu Dhabi is stepping up its ambitions in reproductive medicine with a new long-term programme designed to develop the emirate into an international centre for fertility treatment, research and precision reproductive care. The Abu Dhabi Reproductive Health Future Programme, launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), sets out a roadmap through 2030 covering prevention, genetic screening, fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technologies.
The initiative combines clinical care with genomics, artificial intelligence, health data analytics and research. It also has a clear international dimension: Abu Dhabi plans to attract medical centres, healthcare companies and leading doctors, scientists, researchers and embryologists from abroad while expanding its network of centres of excellence.
IVF success rate targeted to reach 80 percent
One of the programme's most ambitious objectives concerns in-vitro fertilisation. Abu Dhabi currently reports an IVF success rate of 59 percent across the emirate and aims to raise this to 80 percent.
Precision medicine, genomics, artificial intelligence and scientific research are expected to contribute to that improvement by supporting more accurate diagnosis and increasingly personalised fertility treatments.
The programme covers a broad spectrum of reproductive healthcare, beginning with prevention and preconception health and extending to genetic screening, diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems, IVF, fertility preservation, egg freezing and embryo preservation.
“Through the Abu Dhabi Reproductive Health Future Programme, we look forward to continuing to provide proactive and personalised care that supports individuals and families throughout the different stages of their reproductive journey, transforming innovation into tangible health outcomes,” said Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
He said the initiative would further strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global destination for reproductive health services.
More than 250 facilities form healthcare ecosystem
The programme builds on an extensive healthcare and research infrastructure. More than 2,000 professionals with clinical, scientific and technical expertise in different areas of reproductive health currently work across more than 250 facilities in Abu Dhabi.
The next phase is intended to expand those capabilities through the accreditation of centres of excellence and the recruitment of international medical institutions and specialists.
For Abu Dhabi, this is not solely about increasing treatment capacity. The strategy is designed to connect healthcare providers with researchers and technology specialists, creating an ecosystem in which scientific discoveries can move more quickly into clinical practice.
Nearly one million genomes support precision medicine
Genomics plays a central role in the strategy. Abu Dhabi has access to a database containing nearly one million genomes, complemented by premarital and preconception genetic screening programmes.
The data can be used to identify genetic risks at an early stage, support reproductive decisions and develop increasingly personalised approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
“Reproductive health begins before the need for treatment, through prevention and early screening, which helps us identify risks and intervene at the right time,” said Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
She said the programme brings healthcare providers, researchers and innovators together while using genomics and advanced technologies within a regulatory environment designed to enable the responsible introduction of new medical approaches.
International expertise becomes part of the strategy
The international dimension extends beyond attracting patients. Abu Dhabi intends to bring overseas medical centres and companies as well as internationally experienced physicians, scientists, researchers and embryologists into its reproductive healthcare ecosystem.
Knowledge transfer and international collaboration are therefore central components of the 2030 strategy alongside the expansion of clinical services.
The Department of Health has also established a Global Reproductive Health Advisory Council comprising international experts and researchers. Its tasks include contributing to global standards, identifying research priorities and accelerating the transfer of international best practices and innovations into clinical care in Abu Dhabi.
With the new programme, reproductive medicine becomes part of Abu Dhabi's broader effort to combine healthcare, research and technology while strengthening the emirate's position as an international destination for specialised medical services.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration
