Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 16, 2025 — Burjeel Holdings, one of the leading private healthcare providers in the MENA region, and U.S.-based diagnostics company Genalyte announced a strategic partnership during the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. The collaboration centers on the deployment of Genalyte’s Merlin® automated diagnostic system across Burjeel’s network of hospitals and medical centers, pending FDA clearance.
Under a signed Letter of Intent, Burjeel plans to integrate the Merlin platform into its clinical infrastructure once regulatory clearance is achieved. The partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing rapid, point-of-care diagnostics across diverse care settings—including remote and underserved regions.
Two weeks ago, Genalyte announced it’s submission of the Merlin platform to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for 510(k) clearance, with an initial menu offering of 37 analytes. Merlin performs lab-accurate diagnostics in under 30 minutes, with the intent to cover up to 90% of the most commonly ordered blood tests.
“At Burjeel, we are constantly seeking technologies that enhance patient outcomes, especially for those in remote or resource-limited areas,” said Mr. Safeer Ahamed, Group Co-CEO of Burjeel Holdings. “Merlin’s ability to deliver accurate results in minutes—without requiring a full lab—makes it an ideal solution to extend high-quality care throughout our network.”
“Merlin is designed to close the gap between testing and treatment—and Burjeel’s commitment to care innovation makes them an ideal partner,” Ashraf Hanna, CEO of Genalyte commented “Together, we’re making high-quality diagnostics faster, more accessible, and more scalable around the world.”
The Merlin system’s compact design, fully automated workflow, and robust test menu make it a compelling fit for Burjeel’s integrated model of care delivery, particularly as the health system expands into new geographies.
About Burjeel Holdings
Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in the UAE and Oman, and it operates a growing specialized healthcare segment in Saudi Arabia. The Group operates an integrated and multi-brand healthcare ecosystem across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary medical care, ensuring complex care delivery to patients across all socioeconomic groups. Its network comprises 100 assets across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, including 19 hospitals, 29 medical centers, 29 physiotherapy and wellness centers, 15 pharmacies, and other allied services. Burjeel Holdings’ brands include Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, PhysioTherabia and Tajmeel.
About Genalyte
Genalyte is a diagnostics and health technology company transforming how lab testing is delivered. Its Merlin® platform provides comprehensive, same-visit lab diagnostics with minimal operator involvement—offering physicians faster answers and patients more immediate care pathways. Genalyte is headquartered in San Diego, California.