image credit- freepik
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Merck, a leading science and technology company, to advance fertility and reproductive medicine through professional education, scientific exchange, research and innovation.
Signed during Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit (ADFHS) 2026, the collaboration brings together DoH’s healthcare leadership and Merck’s global expertise in fertility and reproductive medicine. It aims to strengthen specialist capabilities, create opportunities for professional development and scientific collaboration, and contribute to the continued advancement of fertility care.
A key area of collaboration is the development of a Fertility and IVF Centre of Excellence and Academy in the UAE. This initiative will focus on capability building, professional education, workforce development, scientific training and knowledge transfer. By supporting specialist expertise and the exchange of best practices, it aims to contribute to the continued development of fertility and reproductive medicine in Abu Dhabi, and create opportunities for knowledge exchange with specialists across the UAE, the wider Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
The collaboration will also support clinician fellowships and professional development opportunities for Emirati clinicians, helping strengthen local expertise and expand access to specialist learning and knowledge. These efforts reflect the importance of investing in clinical capabilities and professional education to support high-quality, evidence-based fertility care.
