AGP Executive Report

Ebola preparedness: Malaysia is ramping up Ebola readiness with tighter surveillance and preparedness measures as WHO flags the outbreak risk. COVID-19 variants in the region: WHO says 13 Middle East countries have reported new coronavirus variants, with three new variants described as more contagious. UAE digital health-adjacent services: Digital Dubai is running a bootcamp with multiple government bodies to speed up adding 180+ services to the DubaiNow app by Feb 2027, including health-related entities. UAE health finance rails: Abu Dhabi’s IHC completed a dirham-backed stablecoin test at institutional scale via ADI Chain, signaling faster regulated settlement for payments. OFW prevention focus: UAE and the Philippines are drafting steps to improve preventive care for Filipino workers in the UAE, including early screening and regular consultations. Local health context: UAE weather is unstable today with dust, humidity and thunderstorms—conditions that can worsen respiratory discomfort and visibility.

Smart Surgery Rollout: Abu Dhabi has unveiled a Johnson & Johnson–powered intelligent surgical network linking operating rooms across major providers, aiming to improve precision, training, and consistency of care. Global Health Diplomacy: The UAE welcomed a World Health Assembly resolution backing GCC–Jordan action condemning attacks on civilians and health infrastructure, reinforcing protection of public health during conflict. Rare Disease Milestone: Agios’ PYRUKYND (mitapivat) won European Commission approval for adults with alpha- or beta-thalassemia, positioning it as the only EU-wide option for both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent groups. Public Health Innovation: Abu Dhabi and MIT Solve’s Future Health Challenge named winners for mobile clinical decision-support and population sensing tools to speed earlier detection in low-resource settings. Eid Readiness: UAE authorities say they’re fully ready for Eid Al Adha with veterinary and border controls to safeguard animal health and public health.

AI in Public Services: Dubai’s ruler says the UAE will roll out Agentic AI across government, with the first phase already live in procurement, tax audit, customer happiness and technical support—aiming to make services faster and more people-focused. Obesity as an economic lever: A new UAE report argues obesity interventions could cut prevalence, add up to $51bn to GDP by 2031, and boost productivity and workforce participation. Metabolic health policy push: At the World Health Assembly, Global Liver Institute and partners backed a coordinated plan to tackle steatotic liver disease through whole-of-government primary care. Tech for safer cities: Abu Dhabi showcased AI-powered security and drone patrol pilots at ISNR, alongside integrated crisis-management platforms. Healthcare industry signals: Johnson & Johnson’s intelligent OR network expands with Abu Dhabi, while Reuters notes lower-priced oral GLP-1 options are shifting patient demand away from compounded alternatives.

UAE Healthcare Tech Leap: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health announced an emirate-wide intelligent surgical network with Johnson & Johnson, aiming to connect operating rooms across major providers and scale “responsible” surgical AI using a shared digital ecosystem. Cross-Emirate Access: A newly approved unified national healthcare and health insurance system for Emirati citizens is expected to reduce insurance-linked barriers that previously forced some patients to travel for specialised care. Health Diplomacy Under Strain: At the World Health Assembly, the UAE backed a resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations and disruptions to health and supply routes, as global concerns grow over food, energy and medical shortages. Regional Risk Watch: Iran’s move to extend control claims around the Strait of Hormuz and US-Iran ceasefire talks keep uncertainty high—an issue that can quickly spill into healthcare supply chains. Migrant Worker Reality Check: A recent report highlights how geopolitical escalation can turn into deadly risk for migrant workers in the UAE, with deaths linked to intercepted attacks.

Unified insurance: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s directive is set to roll out a connected national health insurance model for Emiratis across all seven emirates, aiming to remove travel and access gaps for routine care and cancer treatment. Ebola readiness: Malaysia has tightened Ebola checks for travellers from high-risk places, including transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Singapore, even as it reports no cases so far. UAE health in the spotlight: Doctors also highlighted UAE preparedness and surveillance systems for Ebola monitoring with NCEMA and MoHAP reaffirming readiness. Humanitarian aid: The UAE’s Humaid Air Bridge under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 delivered 195+ tonnes of food aid into Gaza via 15 trucks. Business-health link: Aletihad reports the insurance push is expected to improve care quality and equity by making treatment access location-independent.

UAE Health Policy: Fujairah’s ruler backed the UAE’s push for a comprehensive national health insurance system covering all citizens across all emirates, framing it as a people-first shift in social justice and quality of life. Cardiology Milestone: Al Qasimi Hospital (EHS) in Sharjah completed the UAE’s first advanced coronary calcification procedure to break up calcified deposits in coronary arteries for a female Emirati patient. Infectious Disease Preparedness: As WHO flags Ebola in Congo, UAE health officials say the public risk is extremely low and stress Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids—not casual contact in airports, malls or public transport. MedTech in MENA: Clyra Medical Technologies signed an exclusive distribution deal with Dubai-based Al-Hikma FZCO to commercialize its ViaCLYR™ wound irrigation solution across the Middle East and North Africa. Healthcare Funding & Access: WFP and 14 agencies warned COVID-19 humanitarian funding is stalling, urging donors to close a major gap to keep aid logistics moving.

Ebola Alert: Malaysia’s MOH says it has no Ebola cases yet, but is ramping up screening for travellers from Uganda and the DRC after WHO declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a PHEIC—monitoring includes people transiting via hubs like Dubai, Doha and Singapore. UAE Health Security: NCEMA and MoHAP reaffirm readiness to monitor and respond to Ebola developments, as Gulf countries tighten entry rules. Local Life Sciences Push: Arcera highlights UAE pharma momentum, citing local manufacturing and global scale ambitions. Digital Safety for Kids: Kaspersky opens a cybersecurity role-play centre at KidZania Dubai Mall to teach children safe online habits. Mental Wellness Tech: Sychedelic raises $3.5m to expand an AI-driven neurotech wearable for mental wellness and brain health. Healthcare Investment: GHO Capital and CBC Group plan to create the world’s largest dedicated healthcare investment firm with $21bn+ AUM.

Ebola Readiness Check: NCEMA and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention reaffirmed the country’s surveillance and response systems are continuously reviewed against international standards, with coordination across local, national and global partners. Hajj Health Guidance: MoHAP urged pilgrims to follow approved preventive measures, get required vaccinations (including meningococcal), and seek medical advice before and during travel for Hajj 2026. Healthy Ageing Push: WHO says Egypt is among Eastern Mediterranean countries rolling out integrated care guidelines for older people, with the UAE listed as a starter—aiming to shift from disease-only care to people-centered support. Local Care Funding: ERC’s “Nahr Al Hayat Fund” launched a UAE-focused campaign to expand children’s treatment programmes through specialised services and surgeries via local hospitals. Heat Risk Lens: A new Gulf-focused report highlights the widening gap between peak wet-bulb heat risk and when formal midday work bans typically begin.

Universal Coverage Push: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed directed adoption of a comprehensive national health insurance system covering all emirates, aiming for integrated care, preventive focus, digital transformation and long-term sustainability. New Epilepsy Treatment: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi launched the Middle East’s first Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) service for selected epilepsy and certain brain tumour patients, offering a more targeted, minimally invasive option with faster recovery. Accessibility Tech: NYU Abu Dhabi rolled out ChatSign, an AI system translating spoken Arabic/English into sign language in real time for Emirati and American Sign Language users. Heat Alert: UAE temperatures are soaring to 47°C in Al Ain and around 42–45°C in Dubai, with extreme heatwave conditions across the country. Health Market Watch: A new global cholera vaccine market outlook projects growth to about $649m by 2035, with a 7.6% CAGR.

UAE Agentic AI Push: The UAE Cabinet approved a national framework to roll out agentic AI across 50% of government services, launching training for 80,000 federal employees and approving the first AI-powered service bundles—plus a new AI policy for healthcare. Child Digital Safety: Meta, via Creators HQ in Dubai, is training parent influencers on Instagram teen safety tools, while Qatar’s Shura Council advanced a draft law on child digital protection. Gaza Medical Aid: The UAE Floating Hospital in Al Arish continues treatment for Palestinians, with full services including surgery, dialysis, labs and radiology. Cyber Security Warning: UAE officials say cyber incidents are surging to about 530,000 a day, stressing that critical infrastructure protection is now a national security issue. Healthcare Business: Burjeel was recognised as a healthcare partner for Al Ain FC, highlighting the growing role of sports medicine and rehab in UAE clubs.

UAE Security & Health Risk: A drone strike sparked a fire at Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear power plant, with UAE officials saying there was no injury and no radiological impact—while US-Iran tensions flare again after Trump warned Iran the “clock is ticking.” Public Health: The WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, citing 300+ suspected cases and 88 deaths, with response complicated by conflict and slow detection. UAE Health Research: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society backed four new UAE research projects and opened its next grant cycle focused on autoimmune discovery and innovation. Healthcare Accountability: EY reportedly paid over £100m to settle litigation linked to NMC Health’s collapse, ending a long-running dispute over audit failures. Local Lifestyle: UAE residents are shifting Eid Al Adha meals toward lighter, grilled and portion-conscious options. Health Tech/Drugs: Japan approved JASCAYD (nerandomilast) for idiopathic and progressive pulmonary fibrosis, adding another global access point for a new oral option.

Nuclear-safety scare: A drone strike sparked a fire near Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear plant, with UAE officials saying no injuries or radiation risk were reported—while the UN nuclear watchdog said it was “following the situation closely” and urged maximum restraint near nuclear sites. Iran–US escalation: As a fragile ceasefire is tested, the US says it struck Iranian oil tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran warns any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on a US base; Trump again warned Iran the “clock is ticking” as deal talks stall. Regional spillover: Israel stepped up strikes in Gaza even as it paused Iran-related joint bombing, and renewed air activity hit southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire extension. UAE health angle: Dubai Police warned parents about viral energy-drink videos targeting children, citing risks from heart rhythm problems to sudden cardiac arrest. Local life: The UAE Pro League and ADNOC extended their partnership to 2029, with youth and community initiatives in focus.

Gulf Tensions Escalate: The U.S. says it struck two Iranian oil tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases—casting fresh doubt on a month-old ceasefire as Washington awaits Tehran’s response on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb its nuclear programme. UAE Health & Pharma: The Emirates Drug Establishment approved MIEBO (perfluorohexyloctane) for dry eye disease, making the UAE the third country globally to authorise the tear-evaporation targeted eye drops. Mental Health Capacity: Thumbay Group broke ground on a 120-bed psychiatric and rehabilitation hospital in Sharjah Healthcare City, aiming for CARF accreditation. Care Access Story: A UAE-backed campaign secured a Dhs10.6m therapeutic injection for a 10-year-old Iraqi child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Tech for Sensitive Data: Abu Dhabi’s cryptographic AI tech was acquired by U.S. firm OPAQUE for global confidential AI deployment. Community Living Trend: GCC developers are shifting toward integrated, wellbeing-led neighbourhoods, with Abu Dhabi’s Bloom Holding highlighting “curated community living” as demand grows.

Strait of Hormuz tensions: The US says it struck two Iranian-flagged oil tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on its vessels would trigger “heavy assault” on US bases—raising fresh doubts about a fragile ceasefire. Diplomacy vs escalation: Iran’s foreign minister says the biggest hurdle is “lack of trust” in US talks, but welcomes help—especially from China—while the US continues pressing for a deal to reopen Hormuz and curb Iran’s nuclear programme. UAE angle on energy security: During a UAE stop on his tour, India’s PM Modi urged an “open and safe” Hormuz and backed expanded UAE oil storage in India, including up to 30 million barrels. UAE health updates: The Emirates Drug Establishment approved MIEBO for dry eye disease, and UAE authorities issued an urgent advisory over unregistered Danalac infant formula, urging disposal. Community impact: A UAE campaign secured a Dhs10.6m therapeutic injection for a 10-year-old Iraqi child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

UAE–India AI push: PM Narendra Modi’s UAE stop is now tied to a major tech milestone—UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed presented a Cerebras chip as part of the Condor Galaxy India deal with G42, formalising deployment of a large AI compute cluster for India’s sovereign AI ambitions. Energy security in focus: India also plans to store up to 30 million barrels of UAE crude in its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, with the option to include UAE storage in Fujairah—aimed at cushioning supply shocks. Regional health stakes: While not UAE-specific, the wider Middle East conflict remains a health risk—reports highlight drones killing civilians in Sudan and escalating pressure on humanitarian systems. Local community wins: Rabdan Academy students in Abu Dhabi gained international recognition for an AI-powered mobile care system targeting poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. What’s missing: There’s little direct UAE healthcare policy news in the latest batch beyond these tech-and-community signals.

AI in kidney care: Abu Dhabi’s M42 has rolled out kidney.com, an AI-powered kidney disease support platform for personalised guidance, education and interpretation of dialysis exams as it expands through Diaverum clinics. Family-first health agenda: The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood launched its “Year of the Family” agenda on International Day of Families, focusing on family cohesion, work-life balance and digital/social balance. Road safety for chronic disease: Abu Dhabi Police warned drivers—especially people with diabetes—about the risks of driving with low blood sugar and urged carrying fast-acting sugar and seeking medical follow-up. Cancer tech trial push: Hong Kong’s University of Hong Kong is moving a portable, saliva-based AI cancer risk detection device into larger-scale trials. UAE tech for global health systems: Seers’ mobiCARE ECG monitoring devices are set to be supplied to PureHealth’s ONE HEALTH, with a pilot planned at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. Regional pressure on health: Ongoing Iran–US tensions and shipping disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten supplies, with knock-on effects for healthcare and nutrition in the wider region.