Abu Dhabi Biobank Launches Affordable Cord Blood Banking Services

RIYADH, March 24 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Abu Dhabi Biobank has introduced private cord blood banking services, offering expectant families an affordable and accessible way to preserve their newborns’ stem cells locally. This launch marks a significant step toward personalized and preventive healthcare, addressing the growing demand for stem cell therapies used to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases.

Globally, more than 60,000 transplants have been performed using stem cells from umbilical cord blood, yet many families have been unable to access private banking services due to high costs and limited local storage options. Abu Dhabi Biobank is changing that by offering cord blood banking at half the current market rates.

In partnership with leading healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi — including M42’s Danat Al Emarat Women’s and Children Hospital, Corniche Hospital, and Kanad Hospital — the biobank provides convenient and secure collection and storage services. Instead of shipping samples abroad, cord blood will be stored safely in Abu Dhabi for up to 30 years at a state-of-the-art facility in Masdar City, ensuring long-term viability and accessibility from anywhere in the world.

Cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, crucial for treating conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, immune deficiencies, and genetic disorders — all of which have notable prevalence rates in the UAE.

Paul Downey, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank, emphasized the impact of the launch, stating: "Cord blood stem cells are a powerful defence against disease but are often discarded due to financial and logistical barriers. With this service, we are breaking those barriers, offering families an accessible solution for personalized care."

The facility also provides additional services such as newborn screening and genetic counselling, strengthening its commitment to healthcare innovation and community awareness about the potential of stem cells in disease treatment.