Abu Dhabi Biobank, NMC partner to expand cord blood banking in UAE
September 23, 2025 Dubai
Abu Dhabi Biobank & NMC Join Forces for Cord Blood Banking
Abu Dhabi Biobank partners with NMC Healthcare to expand cord blood banking in the UAE, offering parents the choice to store or donate stem cells for future treatments and research.
Expanding Cord Blood Banking in the UAE
Abu Dhabi Biobank has announced a strategic partnership with NMC Healthcare to make cord blood banking more widely accessible across the UAE. This collaboration allows expectant parents to store their child’s cord blood for private use or donate it to public banks that support research and future therapies. With NMC’s strong maternity and neonatal network, the initiative aims to raise awareness about cord blood’s medical potential and ensure families have access to safe, affordable, and reliable services.
Cord blood, collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after birth, is rich in stem cells that can regenerate blood and immune systems. These cells have already been used in more than 60,000 transplants globally to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases, including leukemia, thalassemia, lymphoma, and certain immune disorders. Despite this potential, more than 95 percent of cord blood worldwide is discarded, often due to lack of awareness among families.
Offering Parents a Healthier Future
Through this partnership, families delivering at selected NMC hospitals—including NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Hospital Khalifa City, NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Hospital Mohammed Bin Zayed City, and NMC Specialty Hospital Al Ain—will now have access to cord blood banking. Parents can choose private storage, ensuring their child’s stem cells are preserved for personal use, or public donation, contributing to a national pool that supports patients in need and future research breakthroughs.
Paul Downey, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying:
“Every cord blood sample is a promise of hope and medical breakthroughs. By partnering with NMC Healthcare, we can reach more families and make this life-saving option accessible in a safe, simple, and affordable way.”
Abu Dhabi Biobank already collaborates with leading institutions such as Danat Al Emarat, Corniche Hospital, and Kanad Hospital. With this expansion, the Biobank strengthens its mission of combining public donation with affordable private banking, enabling long-term preservation of stem cells—up to 30 years—using advanced cryopreservation technology.
Building a Future-Focused Healthcare Ecosystem
NMC Healthcare, one of the UAE’s largest private healthcare providers, is playing a crucial role in expanding access to cord blood services. Dr. Zaka Ullah Khan, Chief Clinical Officer at NMC Healthcare, noted:
“Cord blood banking isn’t just a medical service—it’s a gift of health for tomorrow. This partnership aligns with our vision of comprehensive, patient-centered care. As NMC marks its 50th anniversary, this collaboration demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation and future-focused healthcare.”
The Biobank itself, located in Masdar City, is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with robotic systems for processing, storage, and retrieval of biological samples. By combining world-class technology with medical expertise, the Biobank ensures the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Supporting Research and National Strategy
This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader vision to become a global hub for medical innovation and research-driven healthcare. By expanding cord blood banking, Abu Dhabi Biobank contributes directly to the nation’s strategy for personalized medicine. Stem cells stored today could one day be used in regenerative therapies, organ repair, or even treatments for conditions that are currently incurable.
Moreover, donated cord blood strengthens the national repository, creating opportunities for researchers to develop new treatments and for patients to find life-saving matches. This collective effort not only benefits individual families but also enhances the UAE’s leadership in advanced healthcare solutions.
How Families Can Participate
Expectant families interested in cord blood banking can learn more through Abu Dhabi Biobank’s advisors. Services can be accessed by calling or messaging 800 213, or by visiting participating NMC branches across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
By choosing to store or donate cord blood, parents are making an investment not just in their child’s health, but also in the wider community. Each preserved cord blood sample adds to the UAE’s growing ability to harness stem cells for treatments, research, and innovation.
Conclusion
The partnership between Abu Dhabi Biobank and NMC Healthcare marks a significant step in expanding access to cord blood banking in the UAE. With cutting-edge facilities, trusted healthcare providers, and a vision aligned with national healthcare goals, this initiative empowers families with choices that can shape the future of medicine. Whether stored for private use or donated for public good, cord blood banking represents a vital step toward a healthier and more secure tomorrow.
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