Abu Dhabi Biobank and Mediclinic Middle East partner to advance pioneering research and life-changing treatments

In a major step towards advancing biomedical research and innovative therapies, Abu Dhabi Biobank and Mediclinic Middle East have collaborated to expand access to public cord blood donation services, empowering families to contribute to the scientific discovery and development of life-saving treatments that can improve patients’ quality of life worldwide. This expansion adds to Abu Dhabi Biobank’s growing network of partner hospitals which has tripled since May 2025.

Cord blood, collected immediately after birth from the umbilical cord, contains rich hematopoietic stem cells capable of regenerating blood and immune system tissues. Globally, these stem cells have been used in more than 60,000 transplants to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases including leukemia, lymphoma, and various immune deficiencies. For families with genetic disorders such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia - conditions that are acutely prevalent in the region - cord blood stem cells represent a viable medical resource.

Paul Downey, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Biobank said, “Cord blood stem cells are among the most powerful tools in regenerative medicine. Our partnership with Mediclinic Middle East ensures that every family can either choose to donate their baby’s umbilical cord or preserve this unique biological resource for their own family, potentially saving lives. Together, we are turning scientific potential into practical reality for parents across the UAE.”

In addition to public cord blood services, parents will also have the option to privately store their baby’s cord blood for potential future use in personalised care. By integrating both public and private options within trusted maternity settings, the partnership promotes awareness, accessibility and informed decision-making for expectant parents.

The UAE is witnessing growing awareness among expectant parents about the long-term potential of cord blood stem cells, with more families opting for preserving these life-saving cells at birth. In recent months, inbound inquiries about cord blood banking options, both public and private, have tripled and hospital participation has more than doubled in 2025 compared to 2024 levels, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Biobank.

By combining the Abu Dhabi Biobank’s state-of-the-art cryopreservation and research facilities with Mediclinic’s extensive maternity and neonatal care network, families will now have easier access to cord blood banking services. Expectant parents delivering at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital will be presented with cord blood banking options and guided through the process, from informed counselling during pregnancy to the safe collection and transfer of the cord blood sample for long-term storage at Abu Dhabi Biobank’s advanced facility in Masdar City.

Abu Dhabi Biobank houses the region’s largest hybrid biobank infrastructure, with capacity to store more than 100,000 cord blood units and millions of biological samples. Local storage benefits the community with faster access to matched samples during stem cell transplant, rather than relying on overseas banks which are cost and time intensive.

Emphasizing the value of the partnership for expectant parents, Dr. Jacques Kobersy, Chief Medical Officer, Mediclinic Middle East, said: “The birth of a child represents hope and possibility, and cord blood banking allows families to preserve a small piece of that hope for the future. Through this collaboration, we are giving parents clear access to reliable information, seamless collection and storage, and the assurance that their child’s stem cells are preserved safely within the UAE. Our expert physician teams are committed to support the expansion of the program and contribute to advanced medical research in the UAE.”

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s wider healthcare transformation agenda, aligning with its focus on innovation, research and personalized care. With the integration of cutting-edge biobanking into mainstream maternity care, the UAE is not only expanding access to life-saving medical technologies but also fostering a culture of preventive healthcare that starts at birth.

Families who wish to learn more about cord blood banking can speak to their obstetrician during routine visits or call 800 213 or visit www.abudhabibiobank.ae for detailed information.