Burjeel Holdings introduces comprehensive Genetics and Rare Disease Center in MENA

UAE—Burjeel Holdings, a prominent healthcare provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has launched the Genetics and Rare Disease Center at its flagship facility, Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi.

This new center is dedicated to improving access to specialized care for patients with rare and genetic conditions.

Rare diseases, which affect fewer than 1 in 2,000 individuals, pose significant challenges globally, with over 70% being genetic in nature.

 In the MENA region alone, more than 40 million people are impacted by these conditions.

The Genetics and Rare Disease Center aims to provide comprehensive and integrated care through advanced medical and surgical subspecialties.

It features state-of-the-art facilities and is led by award-winning clinical genetics expert Prof. Ayman El-Hattab.

Commenting on this launch, Prof. El-Hattab emphasized the importance of genetic testing for diagnosis, which is often inaccessible or unaffordable for many patients.

He highlighted that rare diseases frequently result in chronic disabilities, necessitating psychosocial support and rehabilitative therapy.

The center’s multidisciplinary approach addresses all aspects of clinical genetics and care for rare disease patients.

The facility is organized into three core units: the Clinical Care Unit, the Innovative Trials Unit, and the Social Integration and Education Unit.

The Clinical Care Unit offers specialized outpatient clinics covering areas such as Cancer Genetics, Prenatal Genetics, Reproductive Genetics, Neurogenetics, Clinical Genetics, and Metabolic Clinics.

Meanwhile, the Innovative Trials Unit focuses on observational studies to understand disease epidemiology and identify risk factors while connecting patients to global clinical trials for novel therapies.

Lastly, the Social Integration and Education Unit raises awareness through seminars and conferences aimed at healthcare providers, patients, and the public.

The center’s leadership team includes Prof. Khaled Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer of Burjeel Holdings; Prof. Faisal Khan, CEO of OncoHelix-CoLab; and other specialists with extensive experience in managing rare diseases. Prof. Musallam noted that advancements in disease-modifying therapies are expanding rapidly, offering transformative potential for patient outcomes.

The launch event was attended by notable figures such as H.E Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, President of the Arab Parliament; H.E Elchin Bagirov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UAE; Mr. Omran Al Khoori from Burjeel Holdings’ Board of Directors; and Mr. John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

 Mr. Sunil described the center as a significant step forward in bridging gaps in healthcare access for patients with rare diseases across the region.

With its cutting-edge facilities and expert team, Burjeel Holdings’ Genetics and Rare Disease Centre is set to revolutionize care for rare diseases in the MENA region while advancing research and education to better equip both patients and healthcare providers in managing these complex conditions.