Abu Dhabi newborn screening detects 100+ cases

The emirate's expanded newborn screening program has detected genetic markers for more than 800 conditions, enabling early intervention for affected children.

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Abu Dhabi's Department of Health reported that its newborn genomic screening initiative has identified over 100 cases since its expansion in June 2026.
The program tests for more than 800 childhood conditions and forms part of a broader regional genomics strategy.

Abu Dhabi’s newborn genomic screening programme has identified more than 100 cases in the year since its significant expansion, according to Khaleej Times. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, revealed these figures during the opening of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit at the ADNEC Centre. He highlighted the case of a newborn named Sarah, whose gene mutation was flagged at birth, placing her at risk of eye cancer. Because the signal was detected before symptoms appeared, her medical team was able to intervene to protect her sight.

The programme, which was expanded in June 2026, is described as one of the world’s most comprehensive newborn genomic screening initiatives. It tests for more than 800 childhood conditions. This effort forms part of a broader genomics strategy in Abu Dhabi that also includes mandatory premarital genetic screening covering more than 570 genes. Al Mansoori stated that the goal is to build a system that acts before symptoms appear, integrating previously invisible signals into the healthcare system.

The Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit, themed 'To Sense is to Predict', runs until October 22. The three-day gathering features over 130 speakers and anticipates 16,000 participants from 100 nations. The event explores how artificial intelligence, genomics, and ongoing health metrics can move care from reactive treatment to earlier detection and personalised intervention. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi hosts the summit alongside four founding partners, including PureHealth, M42, and Mubadala Bio.

Al Mansoori noted that scientific breakthroughs are outpacing the capacity of health systems to implement them. He urged policymakers, clinicians, and industry leaders to bridge this gap by aligning policy, regulation, and public trust with innovation. He invited international collaborators to contribute capital, talent, and concepts to the emirate, suggesting that local protections for children can serve as a model globally. The summit aims to show how prediction offers the time needed for earlier action and tailored care.

Abu Dhabi genomic screening identifies over 100 at-risk infants in first year

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