Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Cutting-edge research in the United Arab Emirates is redefining how we understand ageing, chronic disease prevention, and patient-specific healthcare. By integrating advanced genomic tools, personalised treatments, and artificial intelligence into existing medical frameworks, scientists and healthcare leaders are making strides in improving healthy longevity for the nation’s population.
Prof. Habiba Alsafar, Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa described the institution’s pioneering role in unravelling the complexities of ageing.
“Khalifa University has a country-wide strategy focusing on healthy longevity,” she told Aletihad on the sidelines of The Second Healthy Longevity Symposium, hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
“Khalifa University aims to lead research on ageing by focusing on the molecular and genetic mechanisms that drive age-related diseases, utilising cutting-edge tools in genomics, bioinformatics, and bioengineering.”
These efforts have directly contributed to breakthroughs in precision medicine.
“Our research has enabled us to identify genetic markers for age-related diseases and develop personalised treatment strategies based on an individual’s genetic profile, enhancing treatment efficiency,” Prof. Alsafar said.
“This includes the integration of multi-OMICs in age-related disorders, serving as R&D for clinical trials on stem cells and osteoarthritis, and building the first Emirati Reference Genome Programme.”
She emphasised the importance of collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, highlighting genomics' role in longevity.
Dr. Nicole Sirotin, CEO of the Institute for Healthy Living Abu Dhabi, described the significance of the symposium.
“This event focuses on the concepts of healthy longevity, weaving together scientific, public policy, and ethical frameworks to help people understand the various aspects of longevity,” she said.
“Most importantly, we are highlighting the UAE’s leadership in developing standards and regulations, contributing to the global conversation on healthy longevity, and considering it from a national perspective,” Dr. Sirotin added.
Dr. Sirotin pointed to the government’s role in regulating longevity as a remarkable achievement and noted that the UAE is actively promoting life sciences by blending government oversight with private sector initiatives, encouraging the integration of innovative technologies into the healthcare system.
Among these innovations is the strategic use of artificial intelligence.
"AI is being applied to predict risks and identify patients at high risk earlier, enabling more proactive prevention treatments. The integration of the genome project with clinical data gives a clearer picture of the nation’s health, allowing for targeted efforts in areas of high risk," Dr. Sirotin added.
Highlighting the importance of bringing research from the lab to the clinic, Professor Mustapha Kassem of Khalifa University’s Medical Sciences Department stressed how the symposium fosters critical collaborations.
“This conference is important for Khalifa University because it bridges the academic and clinical worlds. It provides a platform for scientists and clinicians to meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate to improve the healthy longevity of the UAE population,” he told Aletihad.
Looking to the future, Professor Kassem emphasised the need to focus on preventing chronic diseases. These conditions represent significant healthcare costs and require broad community-wide strategies. “
The future lies in prevention, in equipping people with the tools they need to maintain their health as they age,” he added.
