Governments across the globe are grappling with the dual challenge of ageing populations and rising healthcare costs. By 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over the age of 65 — a demographic shift that could further strain resources. As pressure builds to create sustainable care delivery systems, genomics is stepping into the spotlight. Historically, the domain of research labs, genomics — the study of people’s DNA and how it influences health — is unlocking powerful tools to predict, prevent, and personalize care at every stage of life. Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of this transformation, investing in initiatives that have real-world applications.

This report, “Genomics For Longevity — From Vision To Reality,” developed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Global Health Week and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), lays out the opportunities ahead. It explores how genomics can redefine the future of longevity — and what governments, healthcare systems, and innovators need to do next to turn scientific promise into a public good.

Here are five key insights shaping this emerging longevity landscape.

Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global genomics hub

While many countries are still exploring the potential of genomics, Abu Dhabi is actively building the infrastructure to lead. The DoH’s strategy centers on integrating genomic data into clinical care, research, and population health. Through partnerships with leading institutions, the emirate is accelerating access to genomic testing and developing targeted public health interventions based on local population needs.

The recently launched Institute for Healthier Living is central to this vision. It aims to become a global leader in preventive health, using genomics to shift care from reactive to proactive. The institute will house a national genome center, foster cross-sector collaboration, and support training programs to grow local expertise.

These efforts are already bearing fruit. From newborn screening programs to genomic-informed cancer treatments, Abu Dhabi is embedding innovation into real-world care. Its work is helping to shape a new model for how governments can use genomics to drive healthier ageing and long-term wellbeing.

Genetic science reveals why aging is unique to you

Ageing is not just chronological — it is biological. Two people born on the same day can age at dramatically different rates based on their genes, lifestyle, and environment. Genomics helps decode these differences, revealing who may be at higher risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s, and allowing for earlier, more targeted intervention.

This insight is changing everything from diagnostics to drug development. Polygenic risk scores, for example, can now estimate someone’s likelihood of developing certain diseases based on their DNA. Meanwhile, companies like Altos Labs and Calico are investing in epigenetic reprogramming, aiming not just to delay ageing, but potentially reverse it. These tools don’t just extend life, they aim to improve the quality of life in those added years.

How genomics-driven aging can fuel economic prosperity

The potential upside is not only medical. Healthier ageing could be one of the century’s most powerful economic multipliers. In the UK, for example, dementia alone costs more than £42 billion annually. Genomic tools that delay onset by even a few years could save billions and improve workforce productivity.

Countries that move early to build genomic capacity also stand to benefit from a competitive edge in biotech, life sciences, and health tourism. Abu Dhabi’s investments position it as a first mover in this space — one that combines cutting-edge science with a long-term vision for national resilience.

Other models are emerging elsewhere. Singapore’s National Precision Medicine Strategy is creating one of Asia’s most diverse genomic datasets, while the US National Institute of Health’s All of Us program has enrolled more than one million participants to support equitable, data-driven discovery. These aren’t just research projects, they are economic strategies.

To realize its potential, genomics needs new rules, trust, and investment

While the science is advancing quickly, systemic barriers remain. Our report highlights four critical areas: data access, regulation, public trust, and funding.

Genomic data is sensitive by nature and often trapped in silos. Better interoperability is essential, both within countries and across borders. Abu Dhabi is tackling this by building open, anonymized databases and working with global partners to standardize data exchange.

Regulatory frameworks must also evolve. Most were designed for traditional pharmaceuticals, not gene-based diagnostics or personalized treatments. Abu Dhabi is exploring how adaptive regulation and sandbox environments could accelerate safe, ethical innovation.

Trust is another critical issue. Decades of ethical debate around genetics have left many consumers wary. Building confidence will require transparent data governance, strong privacy protections, and public education campaigns to demystify the science.

Finally, funding models must shift. Genomics’ benefits often unfold over decades, which doesn’t fit traditional investment strategies. Governments, insurers, and investors need to take a longer view — one that values prevention and population health as much as immediate clinical impact.

Genomics can extend healthy lifespans if policymakers act now

We now have the tools to intervene in how we age. The question is no longer if, but how we choose to use them. 

Through a judicious amalgamation of technical innovations, a carefully orchestrated operating model, and a tiered roadmap, places such as Abu Dhabi can ascend from current genomics achievements to become globally renowned centers for longevity research and advanced precision medicine. In doing so, they will exemplify how visionary governance can yield not just longer life but a more fulfilling, health-empowered life for their populations, reinforcing economic vitality and setting formidable international standards for 21st-century healthcare.

Written in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, Department of Health Abu Dhabi, IHLAD, and M42.