Attentive Science and similar organizations are establishing Abu Dhabi as a life sciences hub 

Masdar City, an Abu Dhabi, UAE-based sustainability and innovation hub dedicated to making all cities a solution to climate change announced that Attentive Science, a global organization that provides nonclinical research services to the bio-tech, pharmaceutical, and animal health industries, has chosen Masdar City, for their Middle East hub as part of their global expansion.  

Attentive Science tests drugs in their early development stages using “in vivo,” or living, test subjects to help ensure they are safe and effective before proceeding to clinical trials.  

“This new partnership is one of many exciting developments in Masdar City and Abu Dhabi’s growing life sciences ecosystem,” said Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, the Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH). “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the transformational health care solutions they’ll undoubtedly contribute to.” 

“We have been working with the DOH and various partners to invest in the growth of the life sciences sector in Masdar City over the last year, and it’s amazing to see our efforts paying off,” said Ahmed Baghoum, Masdar City’s CEO. “As the world moves towards net-zero, companies are prioritizing sustainability. Masdar City not only offers the most sustainable commercial space on the market, but also provides the right ecosystem to support companies like Attentive Science as they expand and increase their contributions to scientific R&D. We’re looking forward to seeing how their work will help create a healthier, more sustainable future.” 

“We are happy to see years of planning realized, said Tareq Abu-Nadi, the CEO and co-founder of Attentive Science’s Abu Dhabi location. “The inviting and very active support of the Abu Dhabi DOH was the deciding factor in selecting Masdar City out of multiple options in the region. The life science ecosystem is rapidly growing in Abu Dhabi making it one of the most attractive areas promoting research and innovation." 

Many life sciences companies have recently moved to Masdar City, including M42 with the region’s fist biobank, Secondcell Bio, Cellsave by Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Prepaire Labs, Thermo Fisher Scientific, XLife Sciences, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. They join established life science organizations including Insilico Medicine and G42. 

This recent growth follows Masdar City collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health on a “Declaration of Principles on Bioconvergence to Enhance Healthcare Outcomes” at Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2024, as well as an MOU at Arab Health 2024 designed to promote innovation, advance clinical research, and nurture the growth of life science companies within the emirate. 

Attentive Science is headquartered in the United States and recently expanded into Australia. The UAE is its third global location. The company plans to occupy their Masdar City offices, which span over 4,800 square meters, by September 2024. 

For additional information about this partnership and Masdar City’s work in sustainable development and innovation, visit the new www.masdarcity.ae.