The key facts
- 43-year-old patient Fahad is no longer dependent on blood transfusions after gene therapy
- The treatment was carried out at Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC)
- Previously, the patient required transfusions every 3–4 weeks and constant chelation therapy
Patient freed from regular transfusions
A patient in Abu Dhabi with thalassemia no longer needs blood transfusions after undergoing gene therapy — this is described as a medical milestone for the UAE. The National published the report, citing the state news agency Wam, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The patient's story
The 43-year-old patient, known only by the name Fahad, had lived for years with transfusion-dependent thalassemia and needed transfusions every three to four weeks to maintain a stable hemoglobin level. The disease also caused iron overload and a constant need for chelation therapy, which affected his quality of life. Thalassemia is a group of blood disorders in which the body lacks hemoglobin — the iron-containing protein that carries oxygen; low levels lead to anemia, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Course of treatment
About 18 months ago, Fahad was referred to Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), where scientists were working on introducing advanced gene therapy into the country. He was identified as a suitable candidate. The treatment involved harvesting the patient's own stem cells, genetically modifying them, and re-infusing them after conditioning therapy. Since then, he has remained under medical observation and is no longer dependent on regular transfusions.
Significance of the method and doctors' comments
Gene therapy is considered one of the most important advances in the treatment of inherited blood disorders: it offers a long-term solution for patients who do not have access to a suitable bone marrow donor. Yas Clinic's chief medical officer Dr. Maysoun Al Karam said the case reflects the UAE's commitment to making advanced therapies available within the country: “This is an important milestone in expanding access to innovative treatment options and strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a regional hub for advanced medicine and medical innovation.” Yas Clinic hematologist Dr. Mohammed Abu Khalika called the result life-changing for patients who have spent most of their lives dependent on regular transfusions: “Gene therapy offers the possibility of targeting the root cause of the disease using the patient's own genetically modified cells, providing an advanced treatment option for those who have no suitable donors for transplantation.”
