SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Multiple sclerosis care in the UAE is moving toward a new phase, defined not just by advances in treatment, but by a growing recognition that living with MS requires support far beyond the clinic, an expert said.

From research grants funding local studies to workplace guides designed to help employers better understand the condition, the emerging approach to MS is more comprehensive, more coordinated, and more focused on the person behind the diagnosis.

"The future of MS care in the UAE is increasingly advanced and person-centred, driven by progress in research, innovation, and collaborative healthcare approaches," said Yasmin Mitwally, Head of Research and Advocacy at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).

Her remarks come as World MS Day is observed across the globe today, May 30. It is being held under the banner "My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together”, a theme that speaks directly to the kind of holistic, system-wide approach that the UAE and the NMSS are working to build.

At the foundation of this approach is a push for earlier, more accurate diagnosis; because the earlier MS is identified, the better the long-term outlook for the patient, Mitwally said.

"Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in the MS journey, as it allows for timely medical intervention, better symptom management, and improved long-term outcomes," she said.

The challenge is that MS symptoms can overlap with other neurological conditions, creating delays that cost patients critical time. She said closing that gap requires sustained awareness efforts and continued medical education, two areas where the NMSS is increasingly active.

Beyond the Clinic
What distinguishes the society’s evolving approach is its recognition that MS does not stay within hospital walls. Fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and emotional strain are among the condition's most common — and least visible — symptoms, and they ripple into every aspect of a person's life.

"At NMSS, we recognise that living with MS extends well beyond medical care," Mitwally said.

As part of this year's World MS Day activities, the NMSS launched three practical guides based on real-life experiences: one helping individuals navigate conversations around their diagnosis; another aimed at supporting caregivers; and a third providing guidance for employers and HR teams on building more inclusive workplaces.

The guides are also a direct response to what Mitwally described as persistent misconceptions, particularly the notion that MS follows a single path, or that diagnosis marks the end of an active life.

"With the right care, support, and understanding, many people living with MS continue to study, work, and pursue their ambitions successfully," she said.

A Growing Research Hub
On the clinical side, the society is carving out a growing role in MS research. Through its Research Grants Programme, the NMSS has backed locally led studies spanning immunobiology, precision medicine, and therapeutic innovation.

The programme recently supported four projects under its third cycle and has launched a fourth under the theme "Advancing MS Innovation through Autoimmune Discovery”, reinforcing the UAE's growing role as a regional hub for MS studies.

Coordinating these efforts at a national level is the National Coalition for MS, the UAE's first multi-sector platform dedicated to aligning action across care, research, and inclusion.

A Message for World MS Day
As the global MS community marks the day — established in 2009 by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation — Mitwally's message cuts through the complexity of the condition with clarity.

"Life does not stop with MS," she said. "Through greater empathy, inclusion, and support, we can help ensure that no one feels held back by their diagnosis."