M42 and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi partners with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation to build Middle East’s first heavy-ion therapy facility for cancer treatment in Abu Dhabi

M42 is set to build a heavy ion therapy facility at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, bringing one of the most advanced and effective cancer treatment technologies to the Middle East and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in oncology innovation and care. The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) 2025, a major government initiative by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) that seeks to advance the future of health and wellbeing.

With no heavy ion therapy centre within a five-hour flight radius of the UAE, this facility ensures patients from across the region can access world-class care. The advanced form of radiation therapy will deliver unparalleled precision in targeting and destroying cancerous tumours with greater efficacy, revolutionising cancer treatment and filling a critical gap in advanced care options for patients in the UAE and the broader region.

Construction of the new facility will begin in 2026 at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) campus, adjacent to the recently launched Fatima bint Mubarak Center, a first-of-its-kind cancer centre that delivers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. The heavy-ion therapy system will include one treatment room equipped with a rotating gantry and one horizontally fixed beam treatment room. The system incorporates cutting-edge high-speed scanning irradiation technology, and a compact rotating gantry equipped with superconducting magnets. 

Together with the Fatima bint Mubarak Center, the state-of-the-art facility further underscores CCAD’s position as a leader in oncology advancements and personalised care, offering a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, under one roof.

The first heavy ion therapy system in the region follows a strategic partnership between M42 and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS). The collaboration combines M42’s expertise in healthcare innovation with Toshiba ESS’s technological advancements in particle therapy, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for cutting-edge cancer treatment. The agreement was recently signed in the UAE by Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, and Chairman of CCAD, alongside Tsutomu Takeuchi, Director, Vice President for Power Systems Division, and Chief Nuclear Officer of Toshiba ESS, marking a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare evolution.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42 and Chairman of CCAD, said: "M42’s partnership with Toshiba ESS is a significant step that reinforces our commitment to reshaping the future of global health through cutting-edge innovations and technologies. By introducing heavy ion therapy to the Middle East, we are not only enhancing Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s oncology capabilities but also plugging in a critical gap in cancer treatment options for people in the region. With no other heavy ion radiotherapy center within a five-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, this advanced, accurate and effective form of radiation therapy gives hope to cancer sufferers in the region."

Tsutomu Takeuchi, Director, Vice President for Power Systems Division, and Chief Nuclear Officer of Toshiba ESS, said: “Toshiba has always been at the forefront of technological innovation for societal benefit. We are thrilled to partner with M42 to transform cancer treatment in the Middle East region. Heavy ion therapy represents a significant leap forward in radiation therapy, offering faster and less frequent treatments. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this technology will have on cancer patients’ lives.”

Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of CCAD, said: "At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are dedicated to bringing the world’s most advanced cancer treatment modalities to our patients. The introduction of heavy ion therapy is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in oncology. By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our cancer care programme, we are not only enhancing treatment outcomes but also providing hope to patients across the globe facing some of the most challenging cancer diagnoses. This milestone solidifies our position as a global leader in personalised, patient-centered oncology care."

Heavy ion therapy is globally acclaimed for its superior physical and radiobiological properties compared to traditional photon-based therapies. The advanced treatment delivers higher doses of radiation directly to tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Key benefits include shorter, less frequent treatment sessions, significantly reducing the overall burden on patients. For instance, early-stage lung cancer can be treated in a single outpatient session. Additionally, heavy ion therapy is particularly effective for treating tumours that are inoperable or resistant to conventional therapies, including large tumours and liver metastases. Moreover, it lowers the risk of secondary cancers, offering patients a more effective initial treatment and a safer long-term prognosis.

With only 15 centres worldwide offering heavy ion radiotherapy, the addition of this therapy to the Fatima bint Mubarak Center will position the region at the forefront of global oncology services. The development ensures the most advanced radiation therapy is available to patients in the UAE and beyond, marking a significant milestone in cancer treatment innovation.