Concise Summary:
Abu Dhabi is leveraging its vast Emirati DNA database as a strategic asset for economic diversification. The emirate’s largest healthcare company, M42, under the leadership of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, has sequenced over 800,000 genomes, including 700,000 from Emiratis. This massive dataset presents a significant opportunity for Abu Dhabi to develop a lucrative life sciences industry and attract pharmaceutical companies. The initiative, dubbed the Emirati Genome Programme, is part of a broader plan by Abu Dhabi to diversify its economy away from dependence on fossil fuels. Sheikh Tahnoon’s close involvement in M42’s operations underscores his commitment to this ambitious project. The success of this venture could significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness and accelerate the development of new life sciences technologies.
Key Points:
- • Abu Dhabi is leveraging its vast Emirati genetic database, collected through the Emirati Genome Programme, into a potential economic powerhouse.
- • M42, an Abu Dhabi healthcare company backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, has sequenced over 800,000 genomes and is aiming to leverage this data for various applications in medicine and drug development.
- • The UAE’s investment in genetic sequencing reflects a broader effort by the country to diversify its economy away from oil dependence.
- • Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan has significant influence over Abu Dhabi’s economic and political landscape, contributing to his role in driving this initiative.
- • The project aims to foster a life sciences industry in Abu Dhabi, potentially attracting global drug companies and investors.
Archive Links:
12ft: https://12ft.io/https://www.ft.com/content/8eb374aa-1777-4940-a383-36de8dac7fd7
archive.org: Abu Dhabi’s quest to turn its DNA ‘gold mine’ into big business
archive.is: https://archive.is/https://www.ft.com/content/8eb374aa-1777-4940-a383-36de8dac7fd7
Original Link: https://www.ft.com/content/8eb374aa-1777-4940-a383-36de8dac7fd7
User Message: M42, the UAE’s largest healthcare company, has sequenced 702,000 Emirati genomes, covering nearly three-quarters of the local population. This initiative is expected to help address genetic disorders common in the region, such as those caused by intermarriage. The government-backed project is also expanding its reach, partnering with countries like Uzbekistan and seeking pharmaceutical collaborations. To ease U.S. concerns, M42 has distanced itself from Chinese companies like Huawei and Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI). While no major deals have been finalized, talks with global drug makers and biotech firms are ongoing, aiming to commercialize this vast genetic dataset.
For more on bypassing paywalls, see the post on bypassing methods