UAE – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has officially introduced a national awareness campaign on the Emirati Genome Programme in the emirate.
Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan launched the national campaign in the presence of Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and high-level officials of the government organization.
Backed by the Dubai Health Authority, the key message of the national awareness campaign is for nationals across Dubai to enroll and join the Emirati Genome Programme to build the first de novo Emirati reference genome.
DHA and G42 Healthcare, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered healthcare company, are working together with global genome sequencing leaders to implement and execute the genome project in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Programme is an ambitious national study leveraging the power of AI technologies for genome and large-scale genomic data to identify genetic causes and predict susceptibility to diseases, and ultimately improve health and well-being.
Through the awareness campaign, the Dubai Health Authority will collaborate with G42 Healthcare to provide Emiratis in Dubai with information on the importance and the strategic objectives of the Programme as well as how they can register for it.
Emiratis were urged to register on the Emirati Genome Programme aimed at drawing a comprehensive genetic map for UAE nationals to accelerate the development of advanced preventive and personalised healthcare solutions.
In his address, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said the UAE leadership is committed to enhancing scientific research as part of the country’s strategic objectives to support innovation and development across vital sectors.
“The Emirati Genome Programme is a key health and scientific initiative that must be supported by various members of the community, including institutions, authorities, and individuals,” emphasized the Crown Prince of Dubai.
He pointed out that the UAE places a high priority on creating one of the world’s best healthcare sectors and providing an enabling environment that supports scientists and various forms of scientific research.
In addition to developing the healthcare system for current and future generations, the genome project will play a crucial role in consolidating the UAE’s leadership in the field of genomic studies, with a focus on understanding genetics to reduce the prevalence of chronic and epidemic diseases.
The successful outcome of the program will allow scientists, researchers, and medical experts to understand the unique genetic makeup of Emiratis thus helping them to establish the foundation for innovation in health and wellness in the region.
It will also equip physicians and other healthcare practitioners with high-quality information and knowledge, which will enable them to deliver personalized and preventive programs tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup.
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