Local expertise supports responsible advancement of cell and gene therapies across the Middle East
Advances in cell and gene therapy, alongside expanding healthcare capabilities across the Gulf, are opening new avenues for regional collaboration and knowledge exchange, participants heard during discussions at World Health Expo Dubai 2026.
The insights emerged during a panel session titled Cell & Gene Therapy Waves: From Scientific Breakthroughs to Real-World Clinical Delivery, which brought together international clinicians and industry leaders to explore how healthcare systems can prepare for the responsible integration of advanced therapies.
Global expertise meets regional ambition
The session was moderated by Ebru Yavuz, UAE General Manager of Arabian Ethicals, and featured Professor Marcos De Lima of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Dr Rabi Hanna of Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.
Panelists discussed global experiences in academic research, technology transfer, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, highlighting how coordinated approaches can strengthen healthcare system readiness for complex and high-cost therapies.
Emerging developments in cellular therapies, including CAR-T treatments, were examined alongside considerations related to clinical governance, regulatory oversight, and the need for long-term evidence generation to assess patient outcomes.
Building sustainable healthcare frameworks
Experts noted that collaborative innovation models are being explored internationally to address complex diseases, including hematological conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
They emphasised that the responsible adoption of advanced therapies depends on:
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Robust regulatory frameworks
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Specialised clinical and laboratory infrastructure
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Sustainable healthcare financing and planning
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Cross-sector collaboration between academia, regulators, providers and industry
Ebru Yavuz stated that scientific progress in cell and gene therapy continues to evolve rapidly, but expanding patient access must be supported by appropriate governance and ethical development.
“Expanding patient access will depend on responsible collaboration between healthcare providers, regulators, academia and industry to ensure alignment with national healthcare priorities,” she said.
She added that countries across the Gulf — including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — are continuing to invest in healthcare infrastructure, research capabilities, and innovation ecosystems, creating opportunities for long-term ecosystem preparedness in advanced therapeutics.
Regional dialogue on advanced therapeutics
The discussion at WHX Dubai reflects broader GCC priorities focused on innovation, quality of care, and scientific collaboration, aligned with national healthcare development agendas.
Arabian Ethicals’ participation at World Health Expo Dubai 2026 underscores its ongoing engagement in scientific dialogue and its support for the responsible advancement of healthcare practices across the region.
