The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE have announced a strategic collaboration to improve the early detection, diagnosis and management of diabetic macular edema (DME). Announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, the initiative aims to help prevent avoidable vision loss among people living with diabetes across the Emirate.
The collaboration will generate and apply local real-world evidence to examine existing screening practices, referral pathways, clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilisation. These insights will help identify gaps in care and inform a more integrated, standardised and sustainable approach to DME management tailored to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.
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Dr Asma AlMannaei, Executive Director, Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: “The value of health data lies in what we do with it. For people living with diabetes, this means using evidence to identify where eye care can be strengthened, so that risks are recognised and addressed earlier. Abu Dhabi is building an intelligent health system that connects insight with timely, coordinated care. Our collaboration with Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE will generate local evidence to inform improvements in screening, referrals and follow-up, helping more people protect their vision and maintain their quality of life.”
DME is a complication of diabetes that affects the central part of the retina and can lead to significant vision loss if not detected and managed promptly. The initiative will explore ways to strengthen screening, improve diagnosis and referrals to specialist ophthalmology services, and support evidence-based treatment and follow-up. It will also include healthcare professional capacity building and awareness initiatives promoting regular eye examinations.
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Mohamed ElShaarawy, General Manager for the UAE at Roche Pharmaceuticals, added: “Early detection and timely management of diabetic eye conditions are essential to reducing the risk of avoidable vision loss among people living with diabetes. Real-world evidence provides valuable insights into how care is delivered, where patients may experience delays and how healthcare systems can better respond to their needs.
To guide implementation, DoH and Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE will establish a joint taskforce to oversee phased activities, facilitate knowledge exchange and translate findings into actionable recommendations. The collaboration builds on Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system and aims to support earlier intervention, coordinated care and better long-term outcomes for people living with diabetes.
