Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed approves the launch of Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster to further support medical innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced biotechnology

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has endorsed the creation of the Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster. This initiative, driven by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, aims to significantly enhance Abu Dhabi's life sciences sector, solidifying its reputation as a leading hub for medical innovation, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

Commitment to Medical Innovation

Sheikh Khaled reiterated that investing in medical innovation is a national priority fully backed by the leadership. This commitment is evident in ongoing healthcare projects that leverage advanced biotechnology and AI solutions to improve the quality of life for all in society.

Launched during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, the HELM cluster will function as an integrated platform for the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cutting-edge biotechnology, new medicines, MedTech, and digital health solutions. By advancing pharmaceutical production, establishing an AI ecosystem hub, accelerating innovation, and attracting top global healthcare companies in advanced medical technologies and genomics, the cluster sets the stage for medical breakthroughs that will transform preventative care, drug effectiveness, and human longevity.

Economic Impact and Global Leadership

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, described the HELM cluster as a "transformational step" in Abu Dhabi's economic strategy. He emphasized its role in fostering an ecosystem where scientific research, innovation, and commercial viability converge, offering global and local stakeholders access to cutting-edge technologies, world-class infrastructure, and progressive regulatory frameworks. Al Zaabi stated that creating a globally competitive life sciences hub will not only accelerate economic growth but also ensure Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of developing technologies that benefit humanity.His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, hailed the HELM cluster as a "bold leap forward" in global healthcare delivery. He highlighted that the investment extends beyond infrastructure to human potential, breakthroughs in longevity, and solutions with far-reaching international impact, where "innovation meets impact."

The cluster is designed to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare innovation while boosting the emirate's economic diversification. It is projected to contribute over AED 94 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP, attract more than AED 42 billion in investments, and create approximately 30,000 new jobs by 2045.His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), called the HELM cluster a "game-changer" for the life sciences industry. He emphasized its design to remove barriers, accelerate discoveries, and create a seamless path from innovation to global impact. With world-class infrastructure, AI-driven research, and progressive regulations, it offers biotech and life sciences companies a unique competitive advantage. Al-Olama asserted that cluster partners are not just investing in healthcare but in the future, providing innovators with the necessary resources, partnerships, and support to redefine medicine.

Part of a Broader Diversification Strategy

The HELM cluster is the third in a series of economic clusters launched by ADIO to accelerate Abu Dhabi's economic diversification and reinforce its leadership in future-focused industries. It follows the successful Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster launched in 2023, which focuses on commercializing future mobility platforms (e.g., electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft), and the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster launched in 2024, which addresses global food security and water sustainability challenges. These initiatives collectively underscore Abu Dhabi's role as a global innovation hub shaping the industries of the future.

With this new cluster, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its dedication to advancing life sciences and biotechnology, driving progress in global healthcare. By integrating advanced scientific research and innovative medical technologies into its comprehensive ecosystem, Abu Dhabi is transforming the healthcare landscape and providing transformative solutions to regional and international healthcare challenges.