AI Project Creates Digital 'Twins' to Improve Healthcare in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Biobank has partnered with BioTwin to develop AI-powered Virtual Human Twin technology, an initiative designed to support early diagnosis, disease prevention and precision medicine.

The partnership combines BioTwin's longitudinal biomarker platform with the Abu Dhabi Biobank's biological, genomic and clinical data capabilities, using artificial intelligence to support research into complex diseases and accelerate clinical studies through large-scale, multimodal data analysis.

Virtual Human Twin technology creates a digital replica of an individual's organs and biological systems by integrating genomic, biological and clinical information unique to each patient. The models continuously analyse data from genomic profiles, blood tests, wearable devices and Internet of Things sensors to predict disease risk and support personalised treatment.

Potential applications include precision medicine, earlier disease detection, virtual testing of medications and dosages before treatment, and surgical planning for complex procedures such as cardiac and neurosurgical operations.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego by the Abu Dhabi Biobank, a strategic initiative established by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and M42, and BioTwin.

Separate memoranda of understanding were also signed with Arbor Biotechnologies to explore collaboration in gene-editing research and treatments for rare and inherited diseases, and with Novartis Middle East FZ-LLC to advance genomics research, scientific capacity building and advanced therapies.