Masdar City unveils Biosphere Labs, the GCC’s first commercially scaled shared laboratory

Masdar City has launched Biosphere Labs, a shared laboratory facility developed in partnership with M42 and Attentive Science, marking what the partners describe as the GCC’s first commercially scaled shared laboratory for the life sciences sector.

The facility, unveiled at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, is designed to give researchers, biotechnology companies, and startups access to specialized laboratory infrastructure without the need to build and operate their own facilities.

Biosphere Labs provides shared laboratory space, scientific equipment, operational support, and access to Abu Dhabi’s broader life sciences ecosystem. The model aims to reduce the cost, complexity, and time required to establish research and development operations while supporting companies looking to expand into the regional market.

The launch builds on Abu Dhabi’s HELM (Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine) cluster, introduced in 2025 as the emirate’s dedicated life sciences hub. Based in Masdar City, the cluster is focused on advancing research, clinical development, advanced manufacturing, and the commercialization of healthcare technologies.

Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the facility strengthens the emirate’s life sciences ecosystem by providing researchers and biotechnology companies with the infrastructure needed to develop, test, and scale new technologies, while helping translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.

Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, described Biosphere Labs as a milestone in the city’s life sciences strategy, saying the facility is designed to lower barriers to scientific research, attract international expertise, and support the development and commercialization of biotechnology innovations.

Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of M42 Integrated Health Solutions, said the shared laboratory provides immediate access to research infrastructure and scientific capabilities, helping accelerate the journey from discovery to commercialization while supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitions in precision medicine, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation.

Tareq Abu-Nadi, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Attentive Science, said the project is the result of more than two years of collaboration and is intended to create an ecosystem that supports scientific research, technology development, and the creation of globally relevant intellectual property.

Biosphere Labs joins a growing life sciences ecosystem at Masdar City, which is home to organizations including M42, Attentive Science, the Abu Dhabi Biobank, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and Insilico Medicine.