UAE Emirati Genome Program Reaches One Million Participants as New National Genomics Masterplan Is Approved
The UAE has reached a major milestone in its healthcare transformation, with the Emirati Genome Program recording one million participants. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has also approved the National Genomics Masterplan 2026-2031, setting the direction for personalised medicine, early disease prevention and AI-powered healthcare in the country.
The announcement was made on 10 November 2026, during a meeting of the Emirates Genome Council chaired by His Highness as part of the UAE Government Annual Meetings.
Emirati Genome Program Reaches One Million Participants
The Emirati Genome Program has reached one million participants, marking a significant achievement for the UAE’s national healthcare and scientific research ambitions.
Described as the world’s most comprehensive population genome programme, the initiative collects and analyses genetic information to better understand health risks, inherited conditions and disease patterns within the Emirati population.
The programme aims to support healthcare professionals in developing more personalised approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
UAE Approves National Genomics Masterplan 2026-2031
The newly approved National Genomics Masterplan 2026-2031 represents the next phase of the UAE’s National Genome Strategy.
While the earlier focus centred on collecting genomic information and building a comprehensive database, the new masterplan prioritises translating this research into practical healthcare applications.
Its key priorities include:
- Preventative healthcare: Identifying potential health risks earlier and supporting proactive medical interventions.
- Personalised medicine: Developing healthcare approaches informed by individual genetic profiles.
- AI-powered healthcare: Combining genomic information with artificial intelligence to support medical research and clinical decision-making.
- Clinical innovation: Accelerating the use of genomic discoveries in everyday healthcare.
- Improved quality of life: Supporting better long-term health outcomes through earlier detection and more targeted care.
The masterplan aims to make genomic research increasingly relevant to patients and healthcare providers across the UAE.
Personalised Genomic Reports Planned for 900,000 Participants
One of the most significant upcoming initiatives is the planned introduction of personalised genomic reports for 900,000 Emirati Genome Program participants.
The initiative is being prepared as what the Emirates Genome Council describes as the world’s largest programme of its kind.
These reports are intended to provide individuals with insights into their genetic health profiles and potential predispositions to certain medical conditions.
By making this information available to participants, the programme aims to support greater awareness of individual health risks, earlier detection and more informed preventative healthcare.
Importantly, genetic predisposition indicates potential risk rather than a definitive prediction that a person will develop a particular disease.
How AI and Genomics Could Shape Healthcare in the UAE
The next phase of the Emirati Genome Program will place greater emphasis on combining genomic research with advanced healthcare technologies.
According to Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Secretary General of the Emirates Genome Council, the programme’s extensive genomic database provides a foundation for integrating genetic information into an AI-powered healthcare system.
This approach aims to move beyond genetic sequencing and towards practical clinical applications that benefit communities.
The UAE also plans to work with researchers, physicians and specialised organisations internationally to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into healthcare solutions.
A New Chapter for Preventative and Personalised Medicine
During the Emirates Genome Council meeting, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the importance of expanding preventative healthcare programmes and accelerating genomic innovation.
The emphasis is on ensuring that advances in scientific research translate into meaningful improvements in community health and quality of life.
With one million participants now part of the Emirati Genome Program and a new five-year masterplan approved, the UAE is moving towards a healthcare model that places greater importance on early prevention, individual health profiles and precision medicine.
The planned rollout of personalised genomic reports to 900,000 participants represents a significant next step in making the benefits of genomic research more accessible to individuals.
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