Abu Dhabi has officially launched a transformative new well-being cluster—Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM). This cluster aims at positioning the emirate as a global leader in medical innovation, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the HELM cluster is expected to generate approximately 30,000 new jobs by 2045. Officials project it will contribute over AED 94 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP. Additionally, it is expected to attract investments exceeding AED 42 billion.
The initiative was approved by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Sheikh Khaled affirmed that medical innovation remains a national priority. It continues to receive full support from the country’s leadership.
Unveiled during Global Health Week 2025, the HELM cluster will function as an integrated platform for the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biotechnologies. It will also focus on advanced healthcare solutions. This includes developing new medicines, MedTech applications, digital health technologies, and AI-powered healthcare systems.
According to ADDED, HELM will advance preventative care, improve drug effectiveness, and support longevity-focused research. This will be achieved by fostering pharmaceutical production and creating an AI-driven healthcare hub. It will also work by attracting global leaders in fields such as genomics and precision medicine.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, stated, “The Abu Dhabi HELM will provide global and local stakeholders with a wide range of solutions, including access to cutting-edge technologies, world-class infrastructure, and progressive regulatory frameworks.” He added that the cluster will ensure Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of “developing breakthrough technologies that will benefit humanity.”
