Abu Dhabi AI-powered healthcare firm M42 is mapping the genetic makeup of Emiratis through the Emirati Genome Project. The initiative has sequenced over 802,000 genomes and nearly three-quarters of the local Emirati population, building one of the world's most comprehensive genetic databases. With the majority of global genetic databases focused on European ancestry, the Emirati Genome Project helps researchers address health problems prevalent in the UAE, anticipate risks for inherited medical conditions and create more personalized healthcare experiences for Middle Eastern populations.

Why This Matters

M42's population-scale genetic database offers researchers a rare opportunity to accelerate medical research and drug discovery. As M42 works to commercialize access to this genetic data, the close UAE-US healthcare partnership is creating opportunities for American biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms and research institutions to collaborate on breakthrough medical research. US companies can leverage the database to develop more effective treatments while advancing precision medicine that accounts for genetic diversity.