
Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine host Science Café on AI in Precision Medicine
Doha, Qatar: Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine presented the third session of the 2025 Science Café series at Bin Jelmood House. Titled "The Promise of AI in Precision Medicine: A Healthcare Revolution in Qatar," the session brought together leading experts to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare delivery in Qatar.
The Science Café session examined cutting-edge developments in AI-assisted medicine, including machine learning applications in diagnostics, personalised treatment protocols, and the ethical considerations of implementing AI in healthcare settings. Discussions highlighted Qatar's pioneering efforts in integrating AI technologies with genomic medicine and digital health solutions.
Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: "Qatar's investment in AI-driven precision medicine positions the country as an early adopter of global healthcare innovation. Through our ongoing efforts with disease cohorts and our collaborative research networks, Sidra Medicine is building comprehensive datasets that, when combined with AI, unlock unprecedented insights into disease mechanisms and treatment responses. This Science Café session demonstrated how these technologies are already improving patient care and will continue to transform precision medicine in the years ahead."
Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, said: "Science Café continues to serve as a vital bridge between scientific innovation and public understanding. By hosting discussions on transformative technologies like AI in medicine, Msheireb Museums fulfils its mission of fostering dialogue about progress while maintaining our connection to humanity. These conversations are essential for ensuring that technological advancement serves the broader community."
The session featured speakers and a panel session with Dr. Muneera Al-Qahtani, Senior Research Associate from Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute; Dr. Mitch Stotland, Vice Chair of Surgery and Founder of the AI and Medicine Conference series at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Madeeha Kamal, Acting Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Amr Metwally, Asst. Executive Director at Hamad Medical Corporation's Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center; and Dr. Yosra Mekki a recent graduate from Qatar University's College of Medicine.
Dr Sahar Da'as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine and founder of the Science Café series, said: "The integration of AI in precision medicine represents a paradigm shift in how we approach precision medicine and healthcare. At Sidra Medicine, we are witnessing firsthand how machine learning algorithms can analyse vast genomic datasets to predict disease patterns, optimise treatment pathways, and deliver truly personalised care. This session showcased Qatar's leadership in harnessing AI to revolutionise patient care and outcomes."
Exhibitors from Vraxa, Biotech Medical, Avey and SaVest, specialising in AI, virtual reality and advanced medical technologies, were also present to showcase the latest advancements in the application of AI in healthcare and precision medicine.
The 2025 Science Café series continues to align with Qatar Foundation's mission to advance knowledge and community awareness. The series provides a platform for public engagement with cutting-edge scientific developments, fostering dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and the community.
About Msheireb Properties
Msheireb Properties, backed by Qatar Foundation and Qatar Investment Authority, is Qatar's leading sustainable real estate developer. The company has pioneered sustainable urban development in Qatar, supporting the goals of Qatar's 2030 Vision.
Its mission is to change how people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.
The signature Msheireb Downtown Doha development is one of the smartest, most sustainable city districts globally. It employs a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology to preserve Qatar's environment and cultural identity. All buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified.
Msheireb Downtown Doha is an integrated city that embraces modern, fully furnished residential units, a range of mixed-use and commercial buildings that offer a wide array of retail and business services, and cultural facilities. It is also the home to Msheireb Museums, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Al Wadi Hotel - MGallery by AccorHotels, Park Hyatt Hotel, Msheireb Galleria, and Barahat Msheireb - the biggest open-air covered pedestrian square in the region.
The company also developed Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle East's first and largest wellness destination. Located in northern Qatar, the resort offers two distinct experiences: Zulal Serenity, a wellness haven for individuals and couples, and Zulal Discovery, a world-first wellness offering for families. The resort is pioneering in its integration of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with contemporary wellness practices.
About Sidra Medicine
Innovating Care. Transforming Lives
From the heart of Qatar, Sidra Medicine, is a private, not-for-profit academic healthcare and research institution for women, children, and young people.
Established by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, Sidra Medicine is committed to delivering exceptional patient and family-focused care, conducting innovative biomedical and clinical research, and providing a personalized journey of care and cure and precision medicine specifically for rare and genetic diseases.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah opens first solar power plant, 'Sana' can light up 13,780 homes
Sharjah unveiled its first solar power plant, 'Sana', on Wednesday morning. The facility, sprawling across 850,000 square meters adjacent to the Sajaa Gas Plant, boasts a formidable capacity of 60 megawatts. The 60-megawatt 'Sana' solar power plant can produce clean energy sufficient to power approximately 13,780 homes annually, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 66,000 tons each year. The plant features 13,000 flexible poles that dynamically track the sun's path to maximise energy collection, supporting over 98,000 solar panels for efficient harnessing of solar power. The state-of-the-art facility plant marks a significant milestone in the emirate's clean energy ambitions. A detailed explanation of the plant's operational mechanism: it generates clean energy to support SNOC's projects, and any excess electricity produced during the day will be supplied to the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa). Conversely, Sewa will provide the necessary electricity for SNOC's operations during the night. Eng Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC expressed immense pride in 'Sana', a name meaning "bright light," revealing its genesis eight years ago from an idea conceived by SNOC engineers aiming to establish renewable energy projects in Sharjah. He stressed that the transition to renewable energy is no longer an option but a necessity, crucial for keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global energy landscape. SNOC's leadership, he affirmed, is committed to integrating this transition as a core component of their strategy, steering towards more sustainable and responsible operations. Al Mazrouei recounted the journey, which began in 2018 with a modest 300-kilowatt solar plant at the Hamriyah LNG terminal, designed to power operations with clean energy — a precursor to the grand 'Sana' project. He highlighted that 'Sana' transcends mere energy generation; it represents a strategic investment in the nation's human capital, with many Emirati graduates from local universities contributing to its realisation. This initiative, he added, reinforces SNOC's commitment to being a reliable energy provider, striving for carbon neutrality, diversifying energy sources, and ensuring safe, sustainable practices for the enduring benefit of Sharjah and its community. Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chairman of Emerge, confirmed that Emerge, having completed the project, will manage its operation and maintenance for the next 25 years, underscoring the company's confidence in the region's potential and its robust partnerships. Fatima Al Hammadi, Project Manager of SANA, emphasised the critical role of partnerships and collective efforts in bringing the solar plant to fruition, noting its evolution from an individual idea to a collaborative triumph. She highlighted 'Sana' as a testament to the teamwork across various industries—electricity, gas, and clean energy—all united by the common goal of advancing clean energy and contributing to a low-carbon future. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed honoured the partners with special shields as a token of appreciation and participated in group photographs. He also met with the Emirati engineers involved in the project, commending their hard work and extending his best wishes. He also toured the site, exploring the diverse facilities and features of 'Sana'. This plant stands as Sharjah's largest and is distinguished as the first to utilise renewable energy to power the emirate's oil and natural gas facilities. Uniquely, it is also among the first plants globally designed not only to meet its own electricity needs but also to export surplus power. The inauguration of the solar power plant marks a pivotal step for SNOC in its journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UAE's broader environmental sustainability agenda. The 'Sana' project is a collaborative endeavour supported by SNOC, Sewa, and Emerge—a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and the French company EDF Group, with Emerge designated to oversee the plant's operation. The project is a testament to Sharjah's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and its focus on harnessing clean and renewable energy, serving as a prime example of collaborative innovation fostering a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.


Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Research is key in enhancing human capital development and workplace resilience
In an era of innovation and experimentation, success belongs to those who rapidly adapt to changes, learn swiftly, and evolve with intention. For governments, this can be achieved by transitioning from fixed systems to fluid thinking and from routine processes to a culture rooted in research and reflection, while efficiently managing human resources as well as their core strengths. Dubai is a trailblazer in this regard, as exemplified by the city's exponential rise rooted in ambition and an exemplary vision for the future. As the emirate's workplace culture undergoes a paradigm shift due to emerging technologies, expectations and values, the need to embrace evidence-based decision-making practices is greater than ever. Research must be treated as a catalyst for empowerment, not merely an academic pursuit. Across Dubai's government entities, a growing emphasis is being placed on turning data into decisions, and insights into action. There is also a renewed focus on fostering highly resilient workplaces where decisions are primarily shaped by evidence, talent development, future anticipations, and employee wellbeing. Furthermore, scientific enquiry empowers employees by offering them the requisite tools to ask the right questions as well as the courage to make changes when the situation demands it. Organisations can ensure that their team members continue to learn, grow, and thrive in their professional journeys, while creating impactful systems and HR policies that prioritise employee wellbeing. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has been instrumental in institutionalising this approach. Through our strategic initiatives, including the recently launched 'Research Awards', DGHR is helping to build bridges between academia and government. This is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing scientific research, human capital development, and long-term investment in knowledge. Implemented in collaboration with several prestigious universities - including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, and Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai) — the initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to turning insights into action. The emirate of Dubai is continuously creating space for exploration by connecting government institutions with academia. Ongoing collaborations between various government entities and leading educational institutions are a prime example of this. These play a critical role in identifying, testing, and implementing future-ready workplace strategies. Such collaborations also transform research from theory into practice, from papers into policies and ultimately, from insight to impact. Furthermore, students and government employees can unlock a brand-new era of learning-based growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and smart by working together to tackle questions of workplace culture, skills of the future, and the realities of HR systems. It is critical for organisations to understand that Dubai's global competitiveness rests not only on its robust infrastructure and investment opportunities, but upon its capable, curious, and future-ready workforce as well. A holistic ecosystem that values knowledge, rewards inquiry, and turns research into real change, is necessary to continue nurturing world-class talents who can support the Emirate's ongoing growth journey. Hence, workplace-based research should be viewed as a strategic imperative which guides all organisational functions from hiring to employee training. This will help build a highly resilient workforce that not only responds to change but evolves with it. Moreover, to positively transform government workplaces, it is essential to address unanswered queries, led by the resilience and courage to seek innovative solutions. The writer is Director General of Dubai Government Human Resources Department.


Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Life-or-death risks: Rising ID theft, deepfakes can cost lives, experts in Dubai warn
As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly accessible, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm about how AI is now being weaponised to commit identity theft, biometric spoofing, and healthcare fraud — threats that could carry life-threatening consequences. Speaking at the FutureSec Summit 2025 hosted by Khaleej Times in Dubai on Wednesday, specialists from the healthcare, retail, and government sectors highlighted how deepfakes, spoofed identities, and gaps in digital infrastructure are exposing both companies and individuals to serious risk. "In the world of digital identity, this isn't just an administrative issue. It has life-or-death consequences," said James Wiles, Chief Information Security Officer for Cigna Healthcare MEA. "If you're misidentifying a patient, whether through identity theft or an error, that could result in the wrong drug being administered or a wrong diagnosis." Wiles detailed how cybercriminals have increasingly targeted healthcare systems across the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, leveraging fake identities to submit fraudulent insurance claims. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. "We've seen cases where stolen identities were used to file multiple false claims, up to $100,000, before the fraud was flagged," he said. "That money is almost impossible to recover. And with AI now enabling video and voice deepfakes, the problem is only escalating, especially in telehealth." The FutureSec Summit 2025, hosted by Khaleej Times in Dubai, brought together leading voices from government, healthcare, retail, and technology under the theme "Innovation, Resilience, and Ethical Vigilance." The one-day event explored how AI and cybersecurity intersect in a rapidly digitising world, with a sharp focus on identity as the most vulnerable access point in modern digital ecosystems. Weakest links The discussion highlighted that identity is now the weakest link in digital ecosystems, particularly in contexts where remote services, such as telehealth or e-commerce, are involved. While large institutions may have the resources to adopt advanced defences, smaller entities, such as clinics or pharmacies, remain vulnerable. "We are only as strong as the weakest link in our ecosystem," Wiles added. "Our systems may be advanced, but if a clinic can't authenticate patients properly, say, through weak video identification, attackers will exploit that." To address this, he said, AI and machine learning are now being used not just to attack but also to defend. "We're using AI to track anomalies: IP changes, VPN access, behavioural patterns, even typing styles. But applying these tools across the full chain, from the insurer to the clinic, is the real challenge." For Dee Deu, Director of Information Security at Chalhoub Group, the stakes lie not just in financial risk but also in consumer trust, especially as identity-based breaches increasingly impact the retail sector. "Our customers are our brand. When there's a data breach or identity compromise, the damage to trust is massive," she said. "We're seeing a shift in how identity access is being handled and how it impacts every touchpoint with the consumer." Chalhoub Group, a luxury retailer operating across seven countries, has already conducted internal campaigns to educate staff on the power and threat of deepfakes. "We've run simulations using deepfakes to train staff and audit our own defences," Deu said. "But beyond technology, the fundamentals remain. If you're not getting basic cybersecurity controls right, AI will just magnify the problem." She also highlighted the dual responsibility companies now hold, both in using AI for operational efficiency and in ensuring that the very AI being adopted is secure and unbiased. "We must secure the AI we adopt just as much as we secure against external threats. This isn't just about protecting systems. It's about educating people, internally and externally, so they can recognise evolving risks and respond." Borders don't exist online Representing the public sector, Jacob Mathew, Technology and Cybersecurity Leader at a UAE government entity said the Emirates is "ahead of the curve" when it comes to regulation, pointing to federal laws and data protection frameworks already in place. "We have laws like Federal Decree-Law No. 45 on personal data protection and No. 34 on cybercrimes, which give us a strong foundation," Mathew said. "But deepfakes and AI-fueled identity theft aren't confined by geography. These are global threats, and we need international cooperation, maybe even through the UN, to establish unified standards and responses." He praised initiatives like the European Union's AI Act, which mandates risk classification and AI content tagging. However, he emphasised that awareness and education are just as critical.