The UAE is on a mission to transform its economy into a model where growth is driven by knowledge and innovation. Innovation, research, science and technology will form the pillars of this new knowledge-based, highly productive and competitive economy. The recently launched National Advanced Sciences Agenda 2031 has determined eight scientific objectives, one of which is tackling the UAE’s top health challenges, including cardio-metabolic diseases, cancer, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases. Reducing the impact of these diseases is a priority and academic institutions have been called upon to continue to explore fundamental scientific principles that feed into the scientific value chain with the aim of advancing healthcare in the UAE.