Cleveland Clinic Abu DhabiAdvances Early Lung Cancer Detection with FirstRobotically-AssistedBronchoscopy Platformin the Middle East

  • The introduction of MONARCH™, a robotically-assisted bronchoscopy platform that enables highly precise and effective diagnosis of early lung diseases
  • Innovative robotically-assisted bronchoscopy allowsprecise biopsy of small, difficult-to-reach lung nodules

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 28July,2026:Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi introduced the first robotically-assisted bronchoscopy technology in Middle East, enabling access to the smallest lung nodules deep within the lungs, often the earliest visible signs of lung cancer, supporting accurate diagnosis at early stages without the need for open surgery.

The MONARCH™ platform enables physicians to guide aflexible endoscope deep into the lungs with enhanced stability and precision, allowing real-time targeting of small, hard-to-reach nodules for biopsy. This supports earlier diagnosis and strengthens the ability to intervene at the right time with more targeted treatment strategies.

The minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is usually completed in 30 to 75 minutes. For patients, these capabilities translate into a safer, less invasive care experience, with faster and more accurate diagnosis, untimely improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.

The introduction of this technology is supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which continues to accelerate the adoption of advanced healthcare technologies with tangible impact on patients, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to build a proactive healthcare ecosystem and shift from reactive treatment to prediction, early detection and prevention.

In addition to supporting early detection of lung cancer at Stage 1, where the five-year survival rate exceeds 70%, this technology can also be used to diagnose lung nodules arising from cancer that has metastasized to the lungs, benign lung nodules, infections such as tuberculosis, and inflammatory lung diseases.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, “Introducing robotically-assisted bronchoscopy reflects Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s continued commitment to bringing transformative, precision-led technologies to the Middle East. By investing in advanced, technology-enabled solutions, we are redefining patients’ experience through safer, less invasive care while also enhancing diagnostic accuracy.” 

Commenting on the impact of this innovation, Dr. Zaid Zoumot,Division Chair, Pulmonary Medicine, Integrated Hospital Care Institute in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, “Robotically-assisted bronchoscopy represents a breakthrough in how we detect and diagnose lung disease. For the first time, we can precisely access and biopsy even the smallest, most difficult-to-reach lung nodules, enabling diagnosis at earlier stages where lung cancer is most treatable, and outcomes are better.”

In the future, this technology could also assist with robotic surgical interventions for cancer and the treatment of detected nodules through ablation, heat, or cold therapy.

With the introduction of robotically-assisted bronchoscopy to the Middle East, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive diagnostic technologiesdelivering earlier diagnoses, more precise care, and better outcomes for patients in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

ENDS

About Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, is a world-class multispecialty hospital, established under the guidance of the leadership of the UAE to meet the complex and critical care needs of patients locally and regionally. It plays an integral role in the UAE’s healthcare system, by delivering world-class, patient-centered care and advancing medical expertise in alignment with national healthcare priorities.

The hospital is organized into eight specialized Institutes including, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic; Neurological; Cancer; Digestive Disease; Medical Subspecialties; Integrated Surgical Subspecialties; Integrated Hospital Care; and Diagnostic, supported by key departments such as Research, Education, Quality & Patient Safety, and Nursing.

The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities include 411 beds, that include 90 critical care beds, 26 operating rooms, royal suites, and the Fatima bint Mubarak Center, a dedicated cancer facility offering comprehensive diagnostics and advanced treatment. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is recognized for its leadership in medical innovation, integrating robotics and AI-assisted therapies and programs to enhance patient outcomes and experience.

Designated by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a Centre of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery, stroke, and adult multi-organ transplantation, the hospital is also an accredited research and teaching institution. It is the first in the UAE to earn accreditation from both ACGME-I and ACCME, offering residency, fellowship, undergraduate training, and Continuing Medical Education programs.

Farah Chaaban – Farah.Chaaban@edelman.com; +971 50 230 0513