Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation organizes specialized training workshop on genomic databases
In partnership with the Center for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS), the workshop marks a significant step toward empowering clinicians in the region to adopt tools for precision medicine and genomic innovation.
Dubai, UAE: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences participated in the MENA-Medical Genetics Association (MENA-MGA) 2025 Conference, held in Dubai from 8–10 May, by organizing a specialized training workshop titled 'Genomic Databases: A Practical Guide for Clinicians', in collaboration with the Center for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS).
The conference aims to foster scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of rare genetic disorders and precision medicine through more than 40 lectures and workshops highlighting the latest advances in genetic diagnostics, therapeutic innovations, and applications of artificial intelligence in genomic healthcare.
The workshop drew a notable attendance of clinicians and specialists and was distinguished by its practical, hands-on format, enabling participants to interact directly with leading global databases such as ClinVar and GnomAD. It forms part of the Foundation's Continuing Medical Education (CME) program and was officially accredited with CME hours—underscoring the workshop's quality and its prominent standing within the conference agenda.
Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, commented: "At Hamdan Foundation, we are committed to supporting continuing medical education and advancing specialized knowledge transfer for healthcare professionals—particularly in the evolving field of genomic medicine. Our participation in the MENA-MGA Conference reflects our strategic commitment to strengthening diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in rare diseases, which ultimately enhances the quality of healthcare provided in the UAE and across the Arab region. This workshop clearly demonstrated the tangible impact of integrating education and technology, and we believe in expanding and scaling this model in the near future."
Workshop Details:
The session opened with an introduction to genomics and genetic databases, followed by a hands-on training segment, and concluded with a discussion involving both lecturers and attending physicians and researchers.
Key topics covered in the workshop included:
Introduction to key genomic databases such as ClinVar and GnomAD
Techniques for linking genotypic patterns to clinical phenotypes
Ethical and professional challenges in interpreting genetic variants
Mechanisms for integrating genomic databases into modern healthcare systems
Impact and Outcomes:
The initiative contributed to equipping emerging medical professionals in the region with advanced practical skills in genomic medicine. It also strengthened collaboration between academic and research institutions across the Arab world. Participants emphasized the importance of repeating and expanding such workshops across a range of clinical specialties to enhance data-driven diagnostics and therapeutic frameworks in the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
No more insulin injections for diabetes patients? UAE doctors explain cell-based treatment
Many diabetic patients abroad have said goodbye to insulin injections or now use them less frequently and in lower doses, according to doctors who noted patients recovered after undergoing a simple surgical procedure to transplant pancreatic cells. "50 per cent of patients with Type 1 diabetes — who typically rely on insulin injections — have been cured through 'islet cell transplantation'," Dr Tahra Abdalla Al Ali, a pediatrician based in the UAE, told Khaleej Times. "This has cured people of their pancreas's inability to produce insulin. Patients will no longer depend on insulin as they look forward to a future without constant insulin management.' Dr Al Ali noted, 'In 25 cases, pancreatic cells were transplanted; and the success rate for this group was 85 per cent. Of the patients, 50 per cent completely stopped using medication. The remaining group members use injections at lower doses and less frequently.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. This treatment, which aims to benefit all patient groups, initially targeted individuals over the age of 20 who suffered from complications of diabetes and had difficulty maintaining healthy levels for an extended period. Procedure explained Dr Al Ali said islet cell transplantation involves transplanting pancreatic cells extracted from donors and studying them in specialised laboratories. Once the safety of these samples is confirmed, they are injected into the patient using a catheter-like method through the skin into a vein and then transplanted onto the liver. 'The transplanted cells help restore and regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes, preventing severe, life-threatening hypoglycemia episodes and allowing patients to eliminate their daily insulin injections,' she added. Simple and safe The procedure is considered an alternative to the complete pancreas transplant to avoid surgical complications, including organ rejection and bleeding. It is regarded as a safe and simple treatment method. The Emirates Health Services (EHS), in collaboration with the University of Chicago, is working to treat patients from the UAE either abroad or by bringing experts to the country to provide care. Only for Type 1 diabetes The procedure is used exclusively for patients with Type 1 diabetes, where the main issue is the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, Dr Patanjali Panduranga, endocrinologist at Aster Hospital, explained. It is not considered a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is the primary problem. However, some early studies are exploring its use in selected cases of insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, although this remains under investigation. He noted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved islet cell transplantation in 2023 for adults with Type 1 diabetes who experienced severe hypoglycemia or poor glucose control despite intensive insulin therapy. Limitations remain 'Although the procedure has shown promising results, including insulin independence in up to 50 per cent of recipients, its broader clinical use remains limited due to the need for lifelong immunosuppression and the scarcity of suitable donor cells,' said Dr Panduranga. Dr Arvind Gaddameedi, another endocrinologist at Aster Clinic, explained that the success of islet cell transplantation depends on two key factors, safety and sustainability. Unlike full organ transplants, this procedure involves a 30-minute infusion under local anesthesia, making it accessible even to high-risk patients. However, challenges remain. One of the challenges is the availability of donor cells. While organ donation rates vary globally, innovations in islet cell processing, cryopreservation, and even stem cell-derived islets, currently under trial, may soon expand accessibility. 'These developments represent a new dawn in diabetes care. While not yet a first-line treatment, islet cell transplantation is a vital option for patients struggling with the demands of insulin therapy. As research progresses, improvements in immunosuppression, donor matching, and cell supply are expected to make this treatment more widely available.'
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Oceans face unprecedented challenges, says UAE Climate Minister
The health of the world's oceans is at serious risk warned Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The minister was making her comments on World Oceans Day, June 8. The UAE is committed to protecting ocean ecosystems and enhancing their sustainability as a vital resource at both the national and global levels, she was quoted by state news agency Wam as saying. 'Covering more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface, our oceans are undeniably essential to human lives and livelihoods,' said Dr Al Dahak. 'They are the lifeblood of our planet, regulating our climate, providing sustenance, and supporting countless ecosystems. 'We recognise, however, that our oceans face unprecedented challenges. From the impacts of climate change, evidenced by coral bleaching and rising sea levels, to the pressures of unsustainable fishing practices, the health of our oceans is at risk.' The UN has said that urgent action needs to be taken to address the harm being done to oceans, with 90 per cent of big fish populations depleted, and 50 per cent of coral reefs destroyed. Earlier this year, The National reported how Sylvia Earle, one of the world's most famous oceanographers and marine biologists, had raised the alarm over the threat posed to ocean ecosystems by climate change and overfishing. She said the world is 'perilously close' to tipping the balance of ocean life. 'As a nation deeply connected to the sea, we understand the urgency of these challenges and are committed to leading the way in finding solutions,' said Dr Al Dahak. 'We recognise the responsibility we have to safeguard these resources for future generations, and we are actively implementing strategies to mitigate these threats and restore the health of our marine ecosystems.' The UN states the ocean is key to the global economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030. Oceans also produce at least 50 per cent of the planet's oxygen. They also absorb about 30 per cent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming. Dr Al Dahak highlighted the efforts being made by the UAE as examples of its commitment to tackling the issue both regionally and globally. 'Our efforts in mangrove preservation and coral rehabilitation have been highly successful. Work is under way on our coral rehabilitation project to outplant more than four million coral colonies in the emirate's waters by 2030,' she said. 'We are also working to achieve our 100 million mangrove plantation target by 2030. These are goals that we must all work together to achieve. 'Our commitment extends beyond our national waters. The UAE is proud to be the first nation in the Middle East to join the 100 Per Cent Alliance, a UN initiative by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, calling on coastal states to commit to sustainable management of all ocean areas under their jurisdiction.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University forge strategic alliance to advance AI research, leadership & innovation in healthcare
IntelliDent AI, a Dubai-based healthtech company at the forefront of artificial intelligence solutions in dentistry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Woxsen University's AI Research Centre, Hyderabad, India. The five-year strategic partnership aims to drive collaborative innovation through joint research, live project exposure, and advanced technical training. This collaboration is designed to fuel co-innovation, AI-driven entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research in digital healthcare. Under this agreement, IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University will engage in joint academic-industry initiatives focused on AI-driven healthcare solutions, consultancy-based projects, and the commercialization of technology innovations. The MoU outlines cooperation in the following key areas: Real-World AI Projects: IntelliDent will provide students from Woxsen's AI Research Centre hands-on exposure to live, real-time projects from the healthcare domain—preparing them to address real-world challenges with AI-driven solutions. Joint Research & Publications: Both institutions will collaborate on research grants, white papers, product prototypes, and academic publications that shape the future of medical technology. Entrepreneurship & Product Commercialization: Special focus will be placed on developing products from ideation to market readiness, with guidance on building startups and commercializing AI health tech solutions. Cross-Training & Knowledge Exchange: Faculty and industry professionals will exchange expertise in best practices, fostering a culture of mutual growth and continuous innovation. Strategic Awareness Initiatives: Co-hosted awareness programs, leadership bootcamps, and innovation challenges will promote ethical AI, responsible leadership, and entrepreneurship across emerging markets. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Affaan Shaikh, Founder and CEO of IntelliDent AI, stated: 'This MoU with Woxsen isn't just about technology, it's about inspiring a generation of AI leaders who blend deep tech knowledge with entrepreneurial thinking and purpose-driven leadership. By embedding awareness, education, and innovation into every layer of this partnership, we are not only building smarter healthcare systems, but also empowering future changemakers.' The MoU was signed by Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, and Mr. Affaan Shaikh, with oversight by Dr. Hemachandran K, Director of the AI Research Centre, and Mr. Khalid Shaikh, Advisor to IntelliDent AI. This milestone underscores IntelliDent AI's commitment to shaping global talent in healthcare AI and highlights Woxsen's ongoing mission to blend business, technology, and innovation through meaningful industry collaborations. Together, IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University are setting the foundation for impactful, future-forward education —where research, leadership, and real-world problem-solving converge.
