Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is advancing a new approach to healthcare that focuses on preventing illness before it develops, using artificial intelligence, precision medicine and scientific research to help residents live healthier and longer lives.
At the centre of this shift is the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), which became the world’s first licensed specialised Healthy Longevity Medicine Centre in November 2024, under a regulatory framework established by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi.
Speaking to Aletihad, Allan Boston, Chief Operating Officer at IHLAD, explained how the institute differs from conventional healthcare services.
“Traditional medical services focus on delivering care when you are already sick,” he said. “At the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), our entire focus is providing care when you are not sick, keeping you well and preventing future illness using deep research and rigorous clinical protocols.”
Boston said the regulatory framework ensures the emerging medical specialty remains grounded in scientific evidence rather than unverified health trends.
Dr Rory Melville, Medical Director at IHLAD, highlighted the importance of moving away from reactive healthcare. “Most healthcare systems around the world currently operate on a reactive approach we essentially wait until people break, and then we try to fix them. Preventive medicine completely shifts this paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive care.”
A key part of this approach involves using AI to analyse extensive health information, including genetic data, medical histories, lifestyle factors, biomarkers, and wearable technology.
“Artificial intelligence is essential here: AI searches through millions of data points to detect subtle patterns and early risk indicators of future disease that human minds cannot identify alone,” Boston explained.
He emphasised that AI supports rather than replaces medical professionals, with physicians responsible for evaluating identified risks and determining appropriate interventions.
Dr Melville echoed this, explaining that AI helps clinicians interpret complex information that would otherwise be difficult to analyse manually. “We use AI to cut through this immense complexity, processing data sets to highlight key risk areas and actionable insights that guide our care,” he said. “However, because AI can misinterpret data, technology is used as an enabler.”
The institute combines these insights with precision medicine, developing personalised care plans through multidisciplinary teams of physicians, dietitians, exercise physiologists and health coaches.
Dr Melville cited an example involving a physically active man in his forties whose routine bone-density scan unexpectedly revealed osteoporosis at age 46.
“Because we identified it before he ever suffered a fracture, we intervened immediately,” he said, describing adjustments to vitamin D exposure, calcium intake and resistance training. “Early detection turned a potentially debilitating future fracture into a manageable, treatable condition.”
Evidence-based Guidance
Beyond individual care, IHLAD is conducting research tailored to the UAE’s population and cultural practices. Boston highlighted collaborations with the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and Khalifa University, including research examining the physiological effects of Ramadan fasting, meal times and sleep habits.
“This research provides evidence-based guidance that respects cultural traditions while optimising community health,” he said.
Looking ahead, Boston said the institute aims to expand preventive healthcare access and is working with insurers towards potential coverage for preventive services.
“A core priority moving forward is expanding access across a broader base of the community by identifying the most effective, economically viable elements of our research,” he said.
For residents, Dr Melville stressed that improving long-term health begins with everyday choices. “Living healthier for longer doesn’t require fancy medicines or expensive tests. It starts with taking control of the daily habits that shape your body,” he said.
He recommended getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night, eating balanced meals rich in vegetables and fibre, and limiting ultra-processed foods and refined sugars.
Physical activity is equally important, he explained, recommending 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise each week alongside resistance training to maintain muscle strength and bone density as people age.
Dr Melville also highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing, encouraging practices such as mindfulness and spending meaningful time with family and friends.
