MBRU scientists publish first Arab Pangenome Reference in major genomic breakthrough

Economy ME

24-07-2025

Scientists at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the academic and research arm of
Dubai Health
, have achieved a major milestone in global genomic science with the publication of the first Arab Pangenome Reference.
Featured in
Nature Communications
, a leading peer-reviewed journal, the study marks a pivotal advancement in precision medicine and personalized healthcare for Arab populations.
The landmark achievement supports the UAE's National Genome Strategy, a 10-year initiative launched in 2023 by the Emirates Genome Council. The strategy aims to transform healthcare in the UAE through cutting-edge genomic research focused on personalized, preventive, and precision medicine.
The Arab Pangenome Reference was created using high-quality DNA sequencing from 53 individuals of diverse Arab heritage residing in the UAE. Conducted at MBRU's state-of-the-art Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), the research identified more than 110 million base pairs of novel DNA sequences.
Additionally, it uncovered nearly 9 million small genetic variations and over 235,000 large structural differences unique to Arab populations — none of which had been previously reported in global DNA references.
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Leadership insights
Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali
, director general, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and co-author of the study, said: 'This achievement strengthens the UAE's position in genomic science. By building a reference that reflects the genetic diversity of Arab populations, we are enabling more precise and equitable healthcare. It's a foundational step towards realising the goals of our National Genome Strategy and ensuring that future medical innovations are shaped by data from our own communities.'
Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, acting Provost of MBRU, and co-author of the study said: 'The capabilities of the CATG lab were central to the success of this project. From genetic sequencing to advanced bioinformatics, every stage of the research was completed in-house. This level of integration gave us full control over quality and timelines, reflecting Dubai Health's commitment to building world-class infrastructure and fostering national scientific leaders.'
Dr. Mohammed Uddin, director of CATG and associate professor of Genetics at MBRU, and senior author of the study, said: 'This pangenome reference marks a major advancement in our understanding of Arab genomic diversity. It serves as a critical resource for both research discovery and clinical genome diagnostics, with lasting impact for future generations across the region.'
Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, director general, Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Addressing gaps in global genomic databases
Historically, global genomic databases have significantly underrepresented Arab populations, limiting the accuracy of genetic risk assessment and treatment strategies for these communities.
The Arab Pangenome Reference fills a critical gap by introducing high-resolution genomic data from a population long absent in international references. One particularly notable finding from the study was the discovery of the duplicated gene TAF11L5, which is highly enriched among Arab individuals but missing in existing global genomic references.
Researchers believe this gene could influence the regulation of other genes and may hold important insights into disease risk and variations in treatment response.
Enabling precision healthcare in the Arab World
The Arab Pangenome Reference provides a foundational tool for national and regional precision medicine initiatives. It enables the development of population-specific biomarkers, disease risk models, and targeted therapies — advancing the region's ability to deliver more accurate, personalized healthcare solutions.
Alongside the genomic map, the research team also introduced a new bioinformatics tool called PanScan. Designed to support more complex analysis of human pangenomes, PanScan helps researchers detect gene duplications, novel DNA variants, and complex genomic structures.
Though not the main focus of the study, the tool has been made freely available on GitHub, offering global researchers access to further investigate human genomic diversity.
The strategy aims to transform healthcare in the UAE through cutting-edge genomic research focused on personalized, preventive, and precision medicine
A strategic step toward global representation
Genomic research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, but much of the foundational data has come from a limited range of populations, creating blind spots in medical understanding.
The Arab Pangenome Reference contributes to a growing international effort to correct this imbalance and promote global inclusivity in genomic science.
The initiative also reflects Dubai Health's long-term commitment to research and innovation through MBRU. By investing in foundational studies such as this, Dubai Health is ensuring that Arab populations are actively represented in the future of genomics and precision healthcare.
This groundbreaking research not only elevates the UAE's position in global genomic science but also lays the groundwork for more equitable, effective, and personalized healthcare systems across the Arab World.