Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi becomes first in the UAE to Receive Prestigious AAHRPP Accreditation

• AAHRPP accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard for research excellence, underscoring commitment to ethical research and patient safety
• Since launching its research program, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has enrolled over 5000 patients across more than 600 studies, completing 256 studies, including 40 studies closed out in 2024 alone.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Driving innovation while upholding the highest ethical standards, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first and only research hospital in the UAE to earn full accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). The prestigious AAHRPP “gold seal” places Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi among a group of 600 entities worldwide dedicated to high-quality, ethical research.

AAHRPP accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard for research excellence, signifying that an institution’s policies, procedures, and operations align with internationally recognized best practices. This achievement ensures that every aspect of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s research—from protocol review to participant engagement—upholds the highest levels of ethical integrity, safeguarding the rights and well-being of research participants. Since launching its research program, the hospital has enrolled over 5,000 patients across more than 600 studies, completing 256 of them—including 40 studies closed out in 2024 alone.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of this milestone and said: “As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi celebrates a decade of world-class care this year, earning this accreditation is a proud moment for us and the region. It reaffirms our commitment to conducting research that not only meets the highest ethical standards but also drives meaningful advancements in patient care. As the first and only research hospital in the UAE to receive this recognition, we are setting a new benchmark for medical research in the region—one that prioritizes integrity, innovation, and the well-being of our patients and communities.”

The rigorous AAHRPP accreditation process involved a comprehensive evaluation of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s research policies, procedures, and oversight mechanisms, including a site visit and interviews with key team members. This recognition highlights the dedication and professionalism of the hospital’s research teams, whose efforts continue to shape the future of healthcare in the region.

Dr. Sawsan Abdel-Razig, Chief Academic Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, remarked: “This achievement marks a significant milestone, making Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi the first institution in the UAE to receive AAHRPP accreditation for its Research Ethics Committee, and placing us among a select group of accredited institutions in the region.  It is a testament to the strength, dedication, and integrity of our research community at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Ethical research goes beyond compliance—it’s about creating an environment where innovation thrives, and where the safety and well-being of our research participants are always the priority. Attaining AAHRPP accreditation reinforces our commitment to advancing medical knowledge with responsibility and impact. It also highlights the UAE’s growing influence in shaping the future of healthcare, fostering research that not only benefits our patients today but also contributes to the global scientific community tomorrow.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s research initiatives have gained national and international recognition. The hospital was named the top research hospital in the UAE by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) for the second consecutive year in 2024. Currently, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is conducting 226 active research studies, with over 200 caregivers engaged in research activities that drive medical innovation and enhance patient care. Its commitment to advancing research has also been reinforced by over AED 12 million in funding awarded by government regulators and partner institutions.

Furthermore, three of the hospital’s leading physician-researchers were awarded prestigious grants in the Department of Health’s (DoH) Ma’an Research Grant Cycle for 2024. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has also made significant contributions to academic research, achieving the highest number of indexed journal publications in 2023, reinforcing its position as a leader in medical research and innovation.

AAHRPP accreditation is widely regarded as a mark of excellence, with accredited organizations spanning the United States, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and now, the UAE. The accreditation is particularly notable as it demonstrates that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s research protections exceed the safeguards required by international guidelines and laws governing human research.

As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to expand its research capabilities, this accreditation serves as a cornerstone of its mission to drive scientific advancements while maintaining the highest ethical standards. With this recognition, the hospital solidifies its reputation as a regional and global leader in medical research, committed to transforming healthcare for patients in the UAE and beyond.