DOH-Ma’an Grant for Abu Dhabi Healthcare Research / Innovation
The Department of Health (DOH) prioritizes clinical trials and real-world studies to improve patient care and to maintain, and improve upon, a healthy population.
DOH is regionally and globally recognized for its role in enabling Research and Innovation across many dimensions such as artificial intelligence, medical devices, telemedicine, digital platforms, big data, blockchain, assistive technologies, wearables (Internet of Medical Things [IOMT]), digital twins, augmented and virtual reality.
With a portfolio many successful startups incubated at its health-tech hub ecosystem connected with local and international partners with a significant impact on UAE's healthcare system.
To further encourage the culture of research and innovation among Health Care Providers, industry partners, the DOH regularly launches Research and Innovation Grants The grants are dedicated to support researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from UAE’s healthcare ecosystem to create knowledge and solve critical challenges impacting patients and the healthcare sector. The awardee will receive funding to conduct their research / innovation via application to the DoH’s Health Life Sciences Sector.
The Objectives
- Encourage the culture of research and innovation among Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Professionals.
- Enhance the local capabilities in clinical research / innovation projects that will benefit patients and the wider community
- Leverage advanced platforms for clinical research in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with national and international partners.
- Enhance observational studies, multicenter clinical and digital trials (decentralized) between institutions within UAE, and international partners
- Increase knowledge and establish clear pathways of beside-to-bench-back to-bedside for Healthcare Providers (HCP) to take their observational research and clinical trials to improve patient centered care.
Who Can Participate
- Abu Dhabi licensed Healthcare Professionals (HCP) (physicians, scientists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, etc.)
- Research partners (e.g. university faculty) collaborating in joint research projects with Abu Dhabi HCP. Both international and local partners can apply in collaboration with licensed Abu Dhabi Healthcare Providers.
Priority areas for 2026 DOH-Ma’an
Cell & Gene Therapy
Phase I or I/II clinical trials for In-vivo gene therapy and In-vivo CAR-T or CAR-NK cells, Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) ,TCR-T cell and TCR therapies ,iPSC, MSC, In-vivo or Ex-vivo Gene therapy, Exosomes, and Bone marrow transplantation (including GVHD)
Omics & Precision Medicine
Observational studies or clinical trials stemming from Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, Epigenomics, Metabolomics, Phenomics, Microbiome, etc.
Neurodegenerative and Neuroinflammatory Diseases
Clinical trials in Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, Multiple sclerosis Rare neurologic diseases
Cancer diagnostics and therapeutics
Clinical trials and observational studies in Solid cancers, Hematologic malignancies, Umbrella and basket trials in various cancers and Trials targeting fundamental causes of carcinogenesis. For diagnostics: Liquid biopsies (CTCs, ctDNA etc.), digital PCRs, FTIRs spectroscopies etc.
Behavioral Health and People of Determination
Clinical trials and observational studies in Psychiatric conditions and Psychological disorders
Public Health & preventive Medicine
Translational Research or clinical trials in Screening for non-communicable diseases, Screening for communicable diseases, Toxicology studies, Preventative medicine, Environmental health
Innovation in health span and/or lifespan
Clinical trials or observational studies in: Targeting fundamental hallmarks of Aging, Lifespan interventions (both drug and behavioral) and Health span interventions; interventions to increase mobility, improve vision/hearing, and cognitive functions
Smart Hospitals/clinics and telemedicine
Clinical trials and observational studies in Wearables: IOMT/IOT (sensor or hardware development themselves are out of scope), Machine learning models (include multimodal models),Private blockchains ,Robotics and Haptics (includes brain-computer interfaces, surgical robots),Computer vision models, Prediction models (including PRS, digital twins, avatars etc.)
Metabolic syndromes (including obesity and diabetes)
Clinical trials and observational studies in Type 1 and 2 diabetes, Cardiovascular disease and Obesity/overweight
Reproductive Biology
Clinical trials or observational studies in Male fertility factors, female fertility factors, combined male and female fertility factors
Submission and Process
The 2026 grant cycle is now open for submissions, with a deadline of 11:59 PM UAE time on December 31, 2025.
Applications within the above priority areas will be evaluated and approved by the DOH IRB Committee and the DOH-Ma’an Steering Committee.
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your grant application using the designated platform.
Application form platform (Grant) →Step 2: Review Process
Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
Step 3: Final Decision Release
Final decisions are communicated to applicants.
Step 4: Winners' Announcement
Successful applicants are announced and notified.
Step 5: Grant and Contract Finalization
Grant agreements are finalized before project kickoff.
For further details please email us on grant.ric@doh.gov.ae
Last updated: 19 Nov 2025
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