• The Congress will see global experts, academics and healthcare professionals contribute to insightful discussions on cutting-edge advancements in stem cell therapy for Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Reverse Aging and more
• The summit aims to encourage greater collaboration across borders and accelerate discovery, with the UAE playing a leading role in global regenerative health
• Abu Dhabi Biobank has been leading on biospecimen preservation at its state-of-the-art facility ensuring their therapeutic viability for potential use in regenerative treatments

Abu Dhabi Biobank, which houses the region’s largest hybrid cord blood banking facility, has joined forces with the American Society of Regenerative Medicine to convene the upcoming Regenerative Medicine ASRM Congress 2025, to be held on 24–25 October at the JW Marriott Marina Dubai, organized by American Spine Center. The summit will highlight Abu Dhabi Biobank’s growing role in supporting regenerative research through cord-blood stem cells and will assemble local and global experts in regenerative medicine, stem-cell science and translational research to explore how cellular therapies are shaping the future of healthcare.

Cord blood contains a rich volume of hematopoietic and progenitor cells capable of regenerating or repairing tissue. Beyond their established use in bone-marrow replacement, they are increasingly being studied for their ability to modulate inflammation, repair ischemic damage, and influence immune and metabolic function, enabling treatments that restore rather than replace.

The event brings together regional and global subject matter experts to discuss fascinating applications of cellular research, mitochondrial medicine, functional medicine, laser application with stem cells and innovative approaches in treating aesthetic disorders, hormonal optimization, degenerative joint disease, and brain diseases.

Paul Downey, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Biobank said: “Cord blood stem cells have moved well beyond their early use in blood and immune disorders and are increasingly becoming critical to the next generation of regenerative medicine. Our mission is to ensure that these valuable biological resources are preserved, studied, and translated into clinical impact within the UAE and across the region, across disease areas like neurology, orthopaedics, aesthetic reconstruction and more. Since inception in 2024, Abu Dhabi Biobank has been at the forefront of preserving research grade cord blood samples to enable their use in therapeutics aiming to improve the health of our community in the UAE and beyond.”

Abu Dhabi Biobank, located in Masdar City and established by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi in partnership with M42, operates across a broad network of collection sites, and is powered by a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure which can store up to 100,000 cord-blood samples and five million biospecimens, allowing researchers to study disease at the molecular level while developing translational solutions for regenerative medicine.

The long-term integrity of each stored sample is retained through advanced cryogenic storage systems, automated tracking, and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) aligned quality processes. Abu Dhabi Biobank is building this local capability to reduce dependence on international donor banks and making high-quality material available for regional research and therapy development.

Abu Dhabi Biobank enables linking of biospecimens with genomics and health data, thereby offering a unique platform for researchers investigating disease mechanisms and therapy response. This supports regional collaboration, fosters data-driven clinical trials, and strengthens the UAE’s position as a hub for life-science innovation.

Dr. Hisham Hakim, Congress Chairman and Chairman, American Spine Center, said: “Abu Dhabi Biobank represents the scientific backbone of a new phase in regenerative medicine. By ensuring ethically sourced, clinically viable cord-blood stem cells are accessible for research and treatment, the Biobank is connecting discovery with delivery. Its contribution enables true translation of science into practice for academicians and practicing healthcare professionals.”

The summit will feature key sessions by Dr. Hatim Alabbas Mostafa, Director Cord Blood, Abu Dhabi Biobank, titled “Cord Blood: A Strategic Resource for the Future of Regenerative Medicine” and a keynote speech delivered by him at the graduation ceremony networking dinner. Other notable speakers include sessions by Prof. Dr. Chris Paulus, Executive Director, American Society of Regenerative Medicine; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Al Jumaily, Professor at Liverpool John Moores University; Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faried, Professor and Chair of University Hospital, West Java, Indonesia, among others. Interested healthcare professionals can write to Abudhabibiobank@m42.ae or register at https://www.regenerativecongress.com/ to attend the event.