ABU DHABI, UAE – The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), AstraZeneca, and PureHealth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to activate a Rare Diseases Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, strengthening diagnosis, treatment, research, and patient care for rare diseases across the region.

Signed during the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, the Centre will focus on rare metabolic, nephrological, and hematologic disorders. It will serve as a regional hub for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, research, education, and collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and healthcare partners.

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Sameh El Fangary, Gulf Country President at AstraZeneca, said: “Rare diseases may be overlooked as it affects a relatively small number of people, but for each of those patients and their families, the impact is devastating, and collectively the impact on the society is profound. By joining forces with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Pure Health, we can bring transformative science and global experience together with the emirate’s world-class healthcare system to make a real difference. Our shared goal is simple: no patient left behind – everyone receives the earliest right diagnosis, and the right care for as long as they need it.”

The initiative builds on the DoH and AstraZeneca agreement announced at BIO 2024, with PureHealth joining to operationalize the Centre through its integrated healthcare network.

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The partners will collaborate to provide equitable access to specialized care, advance research and clinical trials, generate real-world evidence, strengthen local clinical expertise through education and training, and establish a joint governance framework to oversee the Centre’s implementation.