- First Regional Eye Bank: Abu Dhabi Biobank will establish the Middle East’s first Eye Bank for donor corneal tissue.
- Advanced Tissue Biobanking: Facility will recover, preserve and distribute corneal tissue under international quality standards.
- Research and Clinical Platform: Eye Bank will support transplantation research, workforce training and regional healthcare self-sufficiency.
A new collaboration between Abu Dhabi Biobank (ADBB) and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute will establish the Middle East’s first Eye Bank, expanding the region’s tissue biobanking infrastructure for corneal transplantation and ophthalmic research.
Announced at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, the partnership aims to create a dedicated facility for the recovery, processing, preservation and distribution of donor corneal tissue. The initiative is expected to improve access to sight-restoring corneal transplantation across the UAE while reducing dependence on imported donor tissue.
Abu Dhabi Biobank, a strategic initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and M42, already includes the region’s largest hybrid cord blood bank, a pan-human biobank and a tumour bank. The addition of an Eye Bank extends its biospecimen portfolio and strengthens the Emirate’s advanced transplant and biobanking capabilities.
Eye Bank Expands Tissue Biobanking Capacity
The Eye Bank will establish a secure local supply chain for donor corneal tissue, ensuring recovery, preservation and distribution are performed according to internationally recognised standards. The facility is expected to improve tissue traceability, quality assurance and availability while reducing the logistical challenges and delays associated with sourcing donor corneas internationally.
Globally, millions of people live with corneal blindness, yet donor tissue remains in short supply. By creating local eye banking capability, the partnership seeks to improve timely access to transplantation and strengthen regional self-sufficiency in corneal tissue services.
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, “The partnership with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to expanding access to world-class specialised healthcare, strengthening international collaboration and advancing patient-centred innovation across the Emirate.”
Partnership Supports Research and Clinical Training
The Eye Bank will collaborate with Hayat, the UAE’s national organ donation initiative, on the recovery, processing and distribution of donor corneas. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute will support the development of clinical protocols, operational standards, workforce training, research and education, helping establish a regional centre of excellence for corneal transplantation.
Albarah El Khani, Chief Operating Officer of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, said, “The Middle East’s first Eye Bank will create critical healthcare infrastructure that enhances regional transplant capabilities, reduces reliance on imported donor tissue and supports a more resilient healthcare system.”
Dr. Zain Kenderian, Chief Executive Officer of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, added, “The Eye Bank will provide more than tissue storage by serving as a foundation for ophthalmic research, transplantation science and clinical training while helping build sustainable corneal donation and transplantation programmes in the region.”
Specialised Biobank Advances Vision Research
The Eye Bank will complement Abu Dhabi Biobank’s existing infrastructure by providing high-quality corneal biospecimens for transplantation science and future ophthalmic research. The specialised tissue repository is expected to support clinical studies, surgeon training and innovation in regenerative medicine while helping build sustainable transplantation services across the region.
For biobanking professionals, the initiative highlights the growing importance of specialised tissue biobanks in healthcare. By integrating high-quality donor tissue preservation with research, clinical practice and education, Abu Dhabi Biobank is expanding the role of biobanking in transplantation science, precision medicine and the development of advanced healthcare infrastructure.
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