Abu Dhabi expanded its global health role. The Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory received accreditation from the World Health Organization. This step reflects the emirate’s growing contribution to global health security. The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre announced the facility at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City is now the national laboratory for measles and rubella. It joins the organization’s global network for monitoring and controlling these diseases. This designation followed a comprehensive external assessment by WHO experts covering laboratory quality performance, biosafety standards, and diagnostic accuracy. The recognition supports efforts to eliminate both diseases while strengthening the UAE’s disease surveillance and prevention systems. The laboratory applies advanced serological and molecular diagnostic techniques to accelerate case detection and enhance surveillance efficiency. These methods support data-driven public health decision-making. The facility operates as part of Abu Dhabi’s connected smart health ecosystem, where laboratory intelligence is transformed into actionable insights. This enables early surveillance and coordinated response through the Unified Medical Operations Command Center and relevant authorities, helping strengthen preparedness against health risks. His Excellency Dr Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, highlighted the significance of this achievement. “This accreditation reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to build a proactive health system with the highest levels of readiness and the ability to protect communities,” he said. “It also demonstrates the emirate’s continued investment in advanced infrastructure, national talent, and internationally recognised standards.” Dr Al Suwaidi added that joining the network reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted partner in international disease surveillance and response efforts. This milestone adds to the strong track record of the Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory. The facility is also recognised by the WHO as a National Influenza Centre. This dual recognition reflects its continued expansion in advanced diagnostics and genomic sequencing. It plays an important role in supporting prevention and response efforts across the UAE. Through continued investment in national laboratory capacity and future readiness, Abu Dhabi is advancing a more resilient and responsive health model. This approach protects communities, enhances quality of life, and contributes to regional and global public health.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory?
The Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory is a facility at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City that has been accredited by the World Health Organization to monitor measles and rubella.
What diseases does the laboratory monitor?
The laboratory monitors measles and rubella, and is also recognized as a National Influenza Centre by the World Health Organization.
What is the significance of the laboratory's accreditation?
The accreditation reflects Abu Dhabi's vision to build a proactive health system with the highest levels of readiness and the ability to protect communities.
How does the laboratory contribute to global health security?
By joining the WHO network, the lab supports efforts to eliminate measles and rubella and strengthens the UAE’s disease surveillance and response capabilities.
What is the role of the Unified Medical Operations Command Center?
The Command Center is part of Abu Dhabi’s smart health ecosystem, turning laboratory intelligence into actionable insights for early surveillance and coordinated response.
What is the Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory's connection to the WHO network?
The laboratory has joined the WHO’s global network for monitoring and controlling measles and rubella, becoming a trusted partner in international disease surveillance.
