M42’s National Reference Laboratory and Abbott Partner to Advance Early Cancer Detection Capabilities in the UAE
- Combining global healthcare innovation with national diagnostic expertise will support earlier detection, informed clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes
- Partnership supports the UAE’s vision to enhance early detection and preventive healthcare capabilities
Abu Dhabi, UAE – July23, 2026:M42’s National Reference Laboratory (NRL), a leading provider of diagnostic services in the region hasentered into a strategic partnership with Abbottto support the introduction of innovative early cancer detection solutions in the UAE, usingadvanced diagnostic solutions based on biomarker testing and multi-marker algorithm-driven analysesto strengthen the country’s diagnostic capabilities and support earlier, more informed clinical decision-making.
As part of the agreement, NRL and Abbott will work together to implement innovative early cancer detection solutions designed to support earlier identification of cancer and more informed clinical decision-making. The initial phase will focus on a pilot programme aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality while improving patient outcomes across the UAE, ahead of broader implementation, helping establish the foundations for wider adoption across the healthcare ecosystem.
The partnership marks a significant step in advancing access to innovative diagnostic technologies in the UAE, where the Ministry of Health and Prevention has identified early detection and screening as critical components of the UAE’s National Cancer Control Programme. Guided by the UAE Vision 2031 agenda, these efforts are designed to help close gaps in the current system, strengthen the country’s oncology ecosystem, and position the UAE as a regional benchmark for equitable, high-quality cancer care.
Dr. Laila Abdel Wareth, Chief Executive Officer of National Reference Laboratory, said: “At NRL, we are committed to advancing diagnostic excellence and bringing innovative healthcare solutions to the communities we serve. This partnership with Abbott reflects our shared ambition to strengthen early cancer detection capabilities in the UAE by enabling access to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies. By combining Abbott’s global expertise with NRL’s role as the UAE’s leading reference laboratory, we aim to support earlier diagnosis, empower clinicians with actionable insights and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
As part of the agreement, NRL and Abbott will work together to implement innovative early cancer detection solutions designed to support earlier identification of cancer and informed clinical decision-making. The initial phase will focus on a pilot program ahead of broader implementation, helping establish the foundations for wider adoption across the healthcare ecosystem.
Omar Riyal, Divisional Vice President for Abbott’s cancer diagnostics business – International Commercial Operations, said: “What matters most is the impact on patients. Together with NRL we are advancingearlier detection andsupporting better clinical decision-making, reinforcing our shared commitment to elevate standards of care in the UAE.
The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of two leaders in healthcare innovation. Abbott is a global healthcare leader with more than 135 years of experience, offering a broad portfolio of life-changing technologies across diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. NRL serves as a national reference laboratory and plays a critical role in advancing diagnostic capabilities and healthcare innovation across the UAE.Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to support the evolution of precision diagnostics and contribute to a healthcare system where earlier detection can help improve outcomes for patients across the country.
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About National Reference Laboratory
National Reference Laboratory (NRL), part of M42, is a leading diagnostic services provider in the UAE, offering a comprehensive range of laboratory testing and clinical diagnostic solutions. Serving a wide network of hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers, NRL plays a central role in enabling accurate, timely diagnosis and supporting improved patient outcomes.
With a focus on innovation, quality and operational excellence, NRL leverages advanced technologies and specialised expertise to deliver high-quality diagnostic services, supporting the evolution of precision and personalised medicine across the region.
About M42
M42 is a global health champion powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics to advance innovation in health for people and the planet. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combinesits specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with integrated health solutions like genomics and biobanks, and harnesses advanced technologies to deliver precise, preventive and predictive care, to impactfully disrupt traditional healthcare models and positively impact lives globally.
Established in 2023, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 has more than 480 facilities in 26 countries and over 20,000 employees. M42 includes renowned healthcare providers, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat, Diaverum, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. As well as operating the Emirati Genome Programme, M42 runs Abu Dhabi BioBank and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a global tech-enabled healthcare company operating Malaffi.
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