Latest news with #AlawiAlsheikh-Ali
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Health
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Health Authority Approves Yas Healthcare to Build UAE's First Proton Therapy Centre
Dubai is set to become home to the UAE's first proton therapy centre, as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has granted initial approval to Yas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Das Holding, for the groundbreaking project. The facility, slated to begin construction in early 2026 and open by late 2028, marks a major step forward in the country's fight against cancer. The Yas Proton Therapy Centre will introduce one of the most advanced forms of cancer treatment to the region. Proton therapy delivers highly targeted radiation to tumours, significantly reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision makes it particularly effective for paediatric cancers and tumours near vital organs. 'This centre will offer world-class, patient-focused care, reinforcing Dubai's position as a hub for advanced medical innovation,' said Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director-General of DHA. He highlighted the project's alignment with Dubai's long-term health strategies, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031. Developed in collaboration with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a leader in oncology, the project will benefit from global clinical and technical expertise. NCCS will serve as the project consultant throughout the design and implementation phases. Dr. Mohamad Zaki of Yas Healthcare emphasized the growing need for such treatment, citing rising cancer rates and the advantages of proton therapy in reducing long-term side effects. Once operational, the centre will eliminate the need for regional patients to travel abroad for this specialised care, supporting Dubai's medical tourism goals and improving access to cutting-edge cancer treatment across the GCC. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
DHA grants initial approval to Yas Healthcare to set up UAE's first proton therapy centre in Dubai
12 June 2025 18:10 DUBAI (WAM) The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has accorded initial approval to Yas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Das Holding, to establish the UAE's first proton therapy centre in Dubai, marking a historic milestone in the advancement of cancer care in the region. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed by late 2028, with construction slated to start in early will be the first dedicated centre in the UAE to offer proton therapy, a highly advanced and precise form of radiation therapy that targets tumours with exceptional accuracy while sparing healthy tissue. The treatment is especially effective for paediatric cancers and tumours located near sensitive Dubai Health Authority, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, stated, 'Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, we are committed to positioning Dubai as a global leader in healthcare. This proton therapy centre will enhance patient care, offering world-class, patient-centred treatment and improving access to specialised care that ensures better outcomes.''This groundbreaking technology will advance cancer treatment options for our community and reinforce Dubai's goal of ranking among the top 10 cities globally for healthy life expectancy. It also strengthens Dubai's position as a key destination for advanced medical care and innovation, in line with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.'Proton therapy is a highly precise and advanced radiation treatment that delivers targeted doses to cancerous tumours while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This minimises side effects and is particularly effective for treating paediatric cancers and complex or sensitive tumour sites. The Yas Proton Therapy Centre will provide patients across the region with access to this specialised treatment for the first time, eliminating the need to travel abroad for project will be developed in strategic collaboration with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), one of Asia's leading authorities in oncology. NCCS will serve as the project consultant, bringing global clinical and technical expertise to the design and implementation of the Director and General Manager of Yas Healthcare, Dr. Mohamad Zaki, said, 'Global data indicates a rising number of cancer diagnoses, particularly among younger patients. Proton therapy provides a treatment option with fewer side effects and lower toxicity for certain cancer types. The Yas Proton Therapy Centre aims to improve accessibility and reduce costs by offering this treatment closer to home.'Chair of the Division of Radiation Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, Dr. Michael Wang, added, 'This milestone collaboration with Yas Healthcare reflects the National Cancer Centre Singapore's leadership in radiation oncology, operating one of the largest proton beam facilities in Southeast Asia. We are excited to contribute our expertise as Yas Healthcare introduces this advanced technology to redefine cancer treatment in the GCC.'The move to develop the new facility directly aligns with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 — key initiatives to enhance quality of life, improve health outcomes, and position Dubai as a premier destination for medical innovation and tourism. Dubai's Medical Tourism Vision also aims to attract more than 500,000 international patients annually by work related to the project is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2028. Yas Healthcare's official platforms will provide updates on the progress of the project and patient enrolment programmes.
Hi Dubai
23-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Health Launches UAE's First AI Literacy Framework to Drive Smarter, Ethical Tech Adoption
Dubai Health has unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework (ALiF), the UAE's first comprehensive AI literacy initiative aimed at upskilling professionals across sectors. Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), ALiF was announced during Dubai AI Week 2025, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A first-of-its-kind in the MENA region, ALiF sets a new benchmark for AI readiness in professional environments, reinforcing Dubai Health's commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and ethical technology integration. 'AI literacy is now essential,' said Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health. 'ALiF equips learners with the knowledge and confidence to engage with AI responsibly and meaningfully.' The framework begins with the AI Launchpad—a free, online entry-level course—followed by five advanced mastery tracks tailored for learners, educators, researchers, clinicians, and administrators. A dedicated Strategic AI Leadership track prepares professionals to lead digital transformation within their organisations. Courses are certified, available at Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and designed for flexible, self-paced learning. Atif AlBraiki, Chief Digital and AI Officer at Dubai Health, said ALiF is central to building a future-ready workforce. 'It reflects our broader vision of ethical AI integration where it delivers real impact.' MBRU's Nabil Zary added, 'This isn't just about technical skills—it's about long-term confidence and competence with AI.' Registration for ALiF opens to the public on April 23, 2025, at supporting the UAE's ambition to lead regionally grounded, globally relevant digital transformation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Advanced genetic blueprint could unlock precision medicine
Dubai, UAE: Creation of a comprehensive genetic representation for more than 2.5 billion people across the Middle East and South Asia could make a major contribution towards advancing precision medicine, a publication in Nature Medicine reveals. Traditional genetic research has mainly relied on linear reference genomes, which is like having a single, standard version of human DNA that scientists compare everyone's genetic information against. This works well for studying individual genetics but does not capture all the complexities and differences found in diverse populations. The Arab Pangenome Reference (APR) takes a different approach. Instead of relying on just one "standard" genome, it includes a collection of many different genetic versions specific to the Arab population. This helps scientists see the full picture of genetic diversity, including variations and unique traits that might be missed using the old method. The international group of researchers led by the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, Dubai published their findings today (4 Mar) in Nature Medicine. Authors included Nasna Nassir, Mohamed A. Almarri, Hosneara Akter, Hamda Hassan Khansaheb, K. M. Furkan Uddin, Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Stefan Du Plessis, Marc Haber, Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and Mohammed Uddin. Nature Medicine is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and its commitment to disseminating high-quality studies and opinion pieces that advance our understanding of human health. Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: 'This publication provides a comprehensive and inclusive perspective on human genetic diversity, ensuring that the unique genetic landscapes of the Middle East and South Asia are represented. Integration of these pangenomes into global genomic databases will unlock new discoveries and represents a vital step in advancing health for humanity.' Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost University of Birmingham Dubai commented: 'At the University of Birmingham, we pride ourselves on 'research that changes lives'. This latest research demonstrates the impact of our strong partnership between University of Birmingham Dubai and Dubai Health to deliver research that fundamentally advances science and discovery, creating a new understanding of genetic diversity amongst Arabs and enabling a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of disease.' Dr. Mohammed Uddin Director of the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: 'The APR is the first reference genome constructed to capture the genetic diversity among Arabs. This landmark resource aims to enhance early diagnosis and personalized treatments for genetic diseases that are prevalent in the region. This research uncovered millions of base pairs of novel human DNA sequences, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of diseases and traits. Our goal is to construct graph pangenomes encompassing the entire Middle East and South Asia, aiming to accelerate the adoption of precision medicine in these regions.' Co-author Marc Haber, from the University of Birmingham Dubai, commented: 'The precision offered by pangenomic approaches is particularly beneficial for studying rare and previously undetected disease-causing variants which paves the way for better understanding and treatment of these conditions, leading to new discoveries in population genetics, disease susceptibility and drug response.' Professor Stefan Du Plessis, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at MBRU commented: 'At Dubai Health, our Discovery Mission embodies our commitment to innovation, research, and the advancement of healthcare. This publication emphasises the importance of collaborative research in making advanced genomic references a routine part of diagnostics and healthcare. As we move forward, this comprehensive genetic approach promises to reshape our understanding of health and disease, ultimately improving healthcare for millions.' For Media Inquiries Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)782 783 2312 or For out-of-hours inquiries, please call +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
