Abu Dhabi Biobank Wins UAE Healthcare Project of the Year Recognition at MEED Projects Awards 2026
Abu Dhabi Biobank, a specialised healthcare and life sciences facility developed for M42 and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, has been named UAE National Winner in the Healthcare Project of the Year category at the MEED Projects Awards 2026, recognising a project designed to advance medical research, scientific discovery and precision healthcare.
HDP (Overseas) Ltd., part of AJi Group, served as lead consultant for design and supervision, The recognition highlights the role of specialised healthcare design and engineering in developing the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of medical research.
The recognition formed part of the MEED Projects Awards 2026 programme, which culminated in a ceremony on 10 November at the Joharah Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Held in association with Mashreq, the awards recognise achievements in engineering, design and project delivery across the Middle East and North Africa.
Abu Dhabi Biobank brings together advanced biobanking infrastructure and capabilities supporting the collection, preservation and study of biological materials. Its facilities include a pan-human biobank, hybrid cord blood bank, tumour bank and specialised eye bank, supported by systems designed to maintain sample integrity, traceability and long-term viability.
By enabling biological, genomic and clinical data to be studied alongside AI-driven insights, the facility is intended to support scientific discovery and the development of more precise, preventive and predictive approaches to healthcare.
Eng. Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of HDP and AJi Group, said: “This recognition reflects the collective expertise required to deliver a facility where advanced engineering, specialised healthcare design and the complex demands of medical research come together. Abu Dhabi Biobank demonstrates how the built environment can support scientific progress by providing the infrastructure needed for research and innovation. We are proud to have contributed to this landmark project alongside M42, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, HKS and the wider delivery team.”
The facility’s design combines advanced laboratory engineering with a biophilic architectural approach that incorporates considerations of sustainability, human wellbeing and the needs of a highly specialised scientific environment.
The project draws on HDP’s more than three decades of experience in healthcare facility design and development. The company has delivered more than 3 million square metres of healthcare space across over 19 countries, covering hospitals, specialist treatment centres and laboratories.
For Abu Dhabi Biobank, HDP’s role involved integrating complex technical and operational requirements into a facility designed to support medical research, biological sample preservation and long-term scientific use.
As part of AJi Group, HDP combines specialist healthcare planning and design expertise with broader engineering and consultancy capabilities, including medical equipment planning and building systems integration.
The recognition underscores the importance of specialised healthcare infrastructure in supporting Abu Dhabi’s growing life sciences and medical research ecosystem.
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Notes to Editors
About HDP
HDP, part of AJi Group, is the region’s premier healthcare facility development consultancy with over three decades of specialised experience. Having created healthcare spaces in over 19 countries, HDP provides comprehensive healthcare facility solutions through multidisciplinary expertise in project management, strategic planning, facility design and medical equipment planning.
The firm has created more than 3 million square meters of new healthcare space, with its service portfolio comprising healthcare-specific interior design, building systems integration and sustainable healthcare infrastructure development.
With a team of experienced clinical and technical professionals, HDP specializes in creating resilient, future-ready healthcare facilities that optimize operational efficiency while prioritizing patient care and comfort. From general hospitals and specialized treatment centers to laboratories and urgent care facilities, HDP’s projects reflect its commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure across the world. Visit: hdp-os.com
About AJi Group
AJi Group is the region’s premier architecture, construction, engineering and consultancy group, operating through 13 offices across the MENA region. With a 60-year legacy and a professional team of 1,300 employees across 25 markets, the Group delivers services through six verticals: Urban Environment, Wellness and Healthcare, Utilities and Environment, Mobility and Transportation, Eco-Futurism and Advisory and Solutions. The Group’s vision is centered around three core pillars: strengthening its legacy, nurturing talented professionals, and partnering in shaping the region’s future. With sustainability and innovation at its core, AJi Group specializes in developing sustainable communities where environmental, social, and governance principles help build an inclusive future. Visit: ajigroup.com
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