Sectors — Health
Health systems are shifting from treating illness to predicting and preventing it.
With a global shortage of health workers ahead and new pressures from an ageing population and a changing climate, AI, genomics and digital health are reshaping care. The UAE is building some of the world’s most ambitious health data and genomics programmes.
Where the sector is heading
01
From treatment to prevention
Global view
The WHO projects a shortage of 11 million health workers by 2030, pushing health systems to predict and prevent illness rather than only treat it.
UAE lens
The Emirati Genome Programme has sequenced 802,000 genomes, including 702,000 from Emirati citizens, to support early detection and personalised care.
02
AI moves into care
Global view
Digital health startups tracked by Rock Health raised US$14.2 billion in 2025, up 35%, with AI-enabled companies taking 54% of the funding.
UAE lens
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and Microsoft unveiled an AI-powered Population Health Intelligence platform in 2025, a digital twin of the emirate’s health system designed to predict risks and guide prevention.
03
Climate and health converge
Global view
Rising heat, dust and poor air quality are becoming health priorities, linking climate resilience directly to public health.
UAE lens
The UAE’s Health Sector Climate Adaptation Plan for 2026 to 2031 targets heat-related illness, respiratory disease and other climate-linked health risks.
How innovation will shape it
The role of AI and emerging tech
AI and emerging technologies are helping health systems do more with fewer people, from earlier diagnosis to personalised and preventive care.
- AI diagnostics and medical imaging
- Predictive population health and digital twins
- Genomics and precision medicine
- Remote monitoring and virtual care
- AI assistants that reduce administrative workload for clinicians
The role of talent
Skills for the next economy
Global view
With an 11 million health worker shortfall projected by 2030, health systems need professionals who can work alongside AI and data.
UAE lens
Programmes in genomics and AI-powered population health are creating demand for health data, life sciences and digital health talent in the UAE.
The sector needs clinicians with digital skills, data scientists, biomedical engineers and health entrepreneurs, and young people ready to build the solutions.
How we work with governments and corporates
We design the right format for what you want to advance.
The conversation
Forums, roundtables and leadership dialogues that bring the right decision-makers together.
Investment
Investor platforms, live pitches and curated deal rooms that connect capital with ventures.
Innovation
Accelerators, challenges, innovation sprints and hackathons that turn ideas into solutions.
Partnerships
Partnership strategies and sponsorship programmes that bring corporates, funders and stakeholders on board to back and scale your initiative.
Talent
Youth programmes, skills bootcamps, challenges and forums that equip young people for the future of health.
Reach
Outreach campaigns that scout and engage startups, SMEs, investors and partners across the region and beyond.
Our work in health
Al Ain Innovates and Al Dhafra Innovates
Innovation sprints · With AD Ports Group
Young innovators and founders ideated health solutions during our innovation sprints with AD Ports Group.
Out-of-Labs
Venture building · By Youth 4 Sustainability
Participants ideated and developed health solutions as part of our venture-building programme.
Investor Connect
Zayed Sustainability Prize
For Zayed Sustainability Prize finalists working in health, we provided investor readiness support and sourced deals for investors, connecting them with the most promising ventures.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Regional outreach partner since 2024
We lead the Prize’s outreach across MENA, reaching startups and SMEs with health solutions and encouraging the strongest to apply.
Let's design the right format for your goals.
Let's co-create