AI & Genomics in the UAE Healthcare Landscape

We recently hosted a healthcare event at our Dubai offices titled “AI & Genomics in the UAE Healthcare Landscape – Opportunities, Supervision & Outcomes”. The event brought together a diverse panel of experts from across the healthcare ecosystem, including policymakers, clinicians, technology leaders, investors and advisors, for a dynamic discussion on how artificial intelligence (AI) and genomics are reshaping the region’s healthcare future.

Our discussions built on the themes of our earlier article, Genomics and the future of healthcare in the Middle East, by focusing on the practical, ethical and commercial questions that AI-driven genomics raises.

As a follow-up to this insightful panel, we invited our experts to share a few thoughts and highlights, based on the discussions exchanged during the event but also with an eye to the future outlook of AI & genomics in the UAE.

From policy to practice: the UAE’s positioning

A recurring theme is the UAE’s ability to rapidly translate national vision into tangible outcomes. As one panellist, Dr. Narges Sheikhansari, observed:

Both the Emirati Genome Programme and AI partnerships through platforms such as M42 are examples of how the UAE is not merely keeping pace but beginning to set the pace in healthcare innovation.
 

Opportunities in the next 12–24 months

Panelists agreed that immediate opportunities lie in applying AI to diagnostics, screening and early detection. As PwC’s Health Consulting Partner, Ahmed Faiyaz mentions:

Genomic screening for markers associated with cancer, metabolic, and cardiac conditions remains a key near-term priority. Genetic counsellor Maria Axinte underscores the crucial role of genetic counselling within national initiatives:

Building collaboration and infrastructure

Effective collaboration between public and private stakeholders is seen as essential to scaling innovation. Suggestions include co-funded pilot programmes, integration of genomic services into insurance coverage and shared data infrastructure. Cross-collaboration between GCC and additional Middle Eastern countries allowing for data sets to be shared and analysed together could contribute to a significant advancement.

Ahmed Faiyaz highlighted Abu Dhabi’s HELM initiative as a positive example, noting the importance of aligning collaboration with broader economic benefits such as job creation and investment attraction.

Ethics, culture and data

Beyond opportunities, our experts unanimously stress the ethical and cultural sensitivities of deploying AI in genomics. Maria Axinte in particular notes:

Dr. Narges echoes the importance of careful positioning:

Investment priorities

While diagnostics remains a clear opportunity, panellists highlight the foundational role of data ecosystems.

Maria Axinte adds that rare disease diagnostics and reproductive genomics represent untapped areas where AI-driven tools could have transformative impact in the UAE context.

Cross-industry collaboration

Another element that all practitioners and stakeholders should duly consider is the importance of cross-collaboration as Ahmed Faiyaz correctly stresses: 

Clyde & Co’s perspective

As legal advisors, Clyde & Co recognises that this rapid innovation brings both opportunities and complexities. Regulatory frameworks governing genetic data, IP rights in AI-driven outputs and cross-border data transfers remain evolving areas of law.

Our team advises clients at the intersection of law, healthcare and technology, supporting on matters including:

• Regulatory compliance and licensing under UAE and GCC healthcare laws
• Data privacy, cybersecurity and genetic data governance
• Structuring joint ventures and investment in biotech ventures
• Supporting M&A activity and market entry in health tech

Looking ahead

The discussions between experts underscore that the UAE is uniquely positioned to lead in AI-driven genomics, thanks to its ambitious national strategy, agile regulatory environment and diverse population base. The key challenge, and opportunity, will be ensuring that innovation is matched with robust governance, ethical safeguards and sustainable collaboration between public and private actors.

At Clyde & Co, we are proud to facilitate conversations at this frontier and to support clients navigating the legal and commercial dimensions of healthcare innovation in the region and working with key stakeholders to develop frameworks that balance business objectives with patient and consumer interests.

For more information, or to discuss how Clyde & Co can support your healthcare and life sciences initiatives, please contact Dr. Roshanak Bassiri Gharb, Julia Ofer or Sinan Amso.

Thank you to our external contributors:

Dr Narges Sheikansari

Ahmed Faiyaz

Maria Axinte

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