Today's Edition
DUBAI (WAM)
The Emirati Genome Programme announced its collaboration with Saudi German Health to expand sample collection sites in Dubai.
The groundbreaking national initiative, which aims to develop a comprehensive genetic map for UAE citizens, called on individuals to visit the Saudi German Hospital in Dubai, Ajman, or Sharjah to take part in the programme.
The initiative aims to accelerate the development of advanced preventive and personalised healthcare solutions for the nation’s present and future generations.
The Emirati Genome Programme, a significant initiative under the National Genome Strategy, is one of the largest population genome projects in the world and has recently achieved a significant milestone of collecting 500,000 samples.
The initiative seeks to collect high-quality genetic data using advanced genetic sequencing technologies and artificial intelligence.
An Abu Dhabi-based tech-enabled health powerhouse, M42, is facilitating the programme through its Omics Centre of Excellence, the largest and most technologically advanced omics facility in the region. The goal is to enhance the available medical database as well as enable extensive scientific research and discoveries, contributing to healthcare innovation in the UAE and beyond.
President of Saudi German Health, Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, “The Emirati Genome Programme is a pioneering national initiative, and as a leading hospital in the UAE, we are committed to making a positive impact on people’s health. Our full cooperation with the project management will ensure driving public awareness and collection of samples across the Emirates.”
The goal is to analyse the complete genome of UAE citizens, allowing researchers and medical professionals to identify the causes of genetic diseases and types of genetic mutations, and anticipate susceptibility to certain diseases for more effective treatment and preventive plans.
Senior Community Outreach Director at the Emirati Genome Programme, M42, Dr. Ahmad Al Awadhi, said, “As we progress towards realising the programme’s aim to collect one million samples and to expand the programme across the UAE, we are proud to collaborate with Saudi German Hospitals to improve the programme’s awareness, outreach, and participation at easily accessible locations.”
The programme focuses on precision medicine initiatives to further enhance public health in the UAE and reinforce the country’s position at the forefront of global genomic research and innovation.
