UAE: Hamdan bin Mohammed launches UAE Genome Initiative national campaign

DUBAI: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has launched a national campaign to raise awareness of the Dubai Emirates Genome Initiative and its strategic objectives. The new campaign, implemented by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), will also seek to highlight the importance of Emiratis enrolling in the scheme.

Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE leadership is committed to strengthening scientific research as part of the country’s strategic goals to support innovation and development in vital sectors, including healthcare. He added that the UAE attaches great importance to creating one of the best healthcare sectors in the world and providing a conducive environment to support scientists and scientific research in all its forms.

Sheikh Hamdan said that the UAE Genome Project is an important health and science initiative that must be supported by various members of the community, including institutions, authorities and individuals. He also highlighted the importance of the program in further developing the healthcare system for present and future generations, as well as cementing the UAE’s leadership in genomics research, which aims to understand genetics to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and epidemics.

The new event was attended by Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and a number of senior officials.

The UAE Genome Project is being implemented in Dubai by G42 Healthcare in partnership with the DHA. The Authority will work with G42 Healthcare to provide Emirates in Dubai with information on the importance and strategic objectives of the scheme and how they can enroll.

The initiative aims to construct the first new UAE reference genome based on the DNA of UAE nationals. This will allow scientists, researchers and medical experts to understand the unique genetic makeup of Emiratis, which will help lay the groundwork for health and wellness innovation in the UAE.

The UAE Genome Project is an ambitious national study to create a comprehensive genetic profile of UAE citizens to accelerate the development of advanced preventive and personalized healthcare solutions. The project utilizes state-of-the-art genomic AI technology to identify genetic causes and predict susceptibility to disease.