In the News
12 October 2026
UNILABS MIDDLE EAST AND TAKALAM CONNECT DIAGNOSTICS AND MENTAL WELLBEING FOR A MORE INTEGRATED HEALTH EXPERIENCE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – October 2026:
Unilabs Middle East, a leading provider of diagnostic services in the region, has expanded its collaboration with Takalam, a digital mental health and wellbeing platform, to make selected services and health packages available directly to Takalam users.
The collaboration brings diagnostics and mental wellbeing closer together, giving users a simpler way to access health services through one digital journey. Through the Takalam app, users will be able to explore and book selected Unilabs Middle East Health packages, expanding access to diagnostics while supporting a more proactive approach to health and wellbeing.
Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, the initiative forms part of Unilabs Middle East’s broader direction to strengthen the role of diagnostics across the wider health journey through digital solutions and strategic partnerships.
The initiative also builds on Unilabs Middle East’s partnership with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, through Hub71+ Life Sciences, its specialist ecosystem for HealthTech and life sciences. As an anchor market partner, Unilabs Middle East works with startups within the ecosystem, including Takalam, to explore how diagnostic expertise, digital platforms and health services can come together to create more accessible and connected healthcare experiences.
“As a trusted diagnostics partner in the region, Unilabs Middle East is focused on making diagnostics and health insights more accessible and meaningful for individuals,” said Dr Ali Bayoumi, Medical Officer of Unilabs Middle East. “Across the UAE and the wider region, we are seeing a shift towards more proactive and preventive healthcare, with people increasingly looking to better understand and engage with their health.
“Our collaboration with Takalam brings diagnostics and mental wellbeing closer together and makes them more accessible through a connected digital experience. By combining our diagnostic expertise with digital platforms and strategic partnerships, we can create new ways for individuals to access and engage with their health. At Unilabs Middle East, we continue to strengthen the role of diagnostics in enabling prevention, early intervention and more informed health decisions throughout different stages of life.”
Khawla Hammad, Chief Executive Officer of Takalam said: “At Takalam, we have always believed that wellbeing is holistic. The mind and the body are deeply connected, and meaningful support has to reflect that. Bringing diagnostic services and wellbeing together through one accessible experience is a natural step forward for us, and a direct expression of our mission to make proactive, personalised wellbeing a normal part of everyday life in the Arab world. We are proud to build this alongside Unilabs Middle East, a partner who shares that commitment to making health more connected and more accessible across the region.”
Connecting Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing
Through the collaboration, Takalam users will be able to access and book selected Unilabs Middle East diagnostic services directly through the Takalam app, creating a simpler digital journey and extending access to diagnostics through the platform.
The collaboration brings together Unilabs Middle East’s diagnostic expertise and Takalam’s mental health and wellbeing platform, giving users greater access to different aspects of their health through one digital touchpoint. It reflects both organisations’ focus on improving access, encouraging greater health awareness and supporting a more proactive approach to health and wellbeing.
About Unilabs Middle East
Unilabs Middle East is a leading provider of diagnostic services in the region, delivering laboratory, pathology and radiology services to public and private healthcare institutions. As part of the wider Unilabs network, Unilabs Middle East combines local expertise with international diagnostic capabilities to support patients, healthcare providers and partners. The wider Unilabs network brings together more than 11,500 specialists across 12 countries and leverages advanced diagnostic expertise and digital technologies to enhance the lives of nearly 100 million people each year.
About Takalam:
Takalam, Arabic for "speak", is the Arab world's leading mental wellbeing platform, redefining how people in the region access emotional support. Combining Aila, a 24/7 AI wellbeing buddy grounded in clinical frameworks, with a network of vetted, culturally-attuned counselors, Takalam offers a personalised support journey that is private, accessible, and built for this region's language and values. Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2021 by Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh and backed by Hub71, Takalam serves individuals, organisations, and communities; from everyday emotional check-ins to one-to-one counselling sessions, group support circles, and employee wellbeing programmes. Takalam's mission is to make mental wellbeing support a normal, stigma-free part of everyday life in the Arab world.