Latest news with #AsmaAlMannaei
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
National Multiple Sclerosis Society reveals 2024-2025 research grant recipients, driving innovation in care and treatment
19 May 2025 11:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has awarded Dh4 million in research grants to six UAE-based projects that are designed to accelerate progress in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), marking a major milestone in its second research grant awarded projects were announced at an event held in Abu Dhabi, attended by key partners, researchers, and representatives from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).The announcement follows the release of the NMSS 2023–2024 Research Impact Report, and reflects the growing momentum behind MS research and advocacy efforts in the year's funding has doubled compared to the inaugural cycle, reflecting NMSS's strengthened commitment to advancing MS research. The grant cycle attracted 46 applications, including submissions developed in collaboration with 15 international and regional partners, representing a nearly fourfold increase compared to the first cycle, and demonstrating the UAE's strengthened leadership in MS research. The research grants have been awarded to leading institutions in the country, including Khalifa University for three projects, namely 'Investigating Genetic and Epigenetic Associations with Familial MS', 'Self-Energy Harvesting Sensors for Enhanced Monitoring of MS (SENSE-MS)', and 'Enhancing Myelination in MS through Targeted Electric Field Stimulation'; University of Sharjah for ' Development and Evaluation of Augmented Reality-Based Dual-Task Training to Enhance Cognitive and Motor Function in People with MS'; Mohammed Bin Rashid School Of Government for 'Assessing Geographic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS Patients in the UAE'; and Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence for 'NMSS-LLM: The World's First Large Language Model for MS'. Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said, "The success of the second grant cycle reflects NMSS's commitment to championing innovation across the UAE's growing research ecosystem. The remarkable growth in both the number and caliber of applications we received this year is a testament to the country's expanding scientific capabilities and its vision to become a global hub for healthcare and research excellence. Developed in collaboration with DoH, the programme aligns with national priorities and is driven by the UAE leadership's vision to strengthen the UAE's position as a leader in healthcare innovation.""Each of these projects represent meaningful progress towards our long-term vision of improving quality of life for people living with MS, both locally and globally, and achieving breakthroughs in MS care. The programme is driven by NMSS's commitment to driving transformative research that translates hope into real-world breakthroughs, from earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options to new pathways toward a cure," she Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said, "At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we are deeply committed to advancing the future of MS care through strategic collaboration and shared purpose. Our partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reflects a unified vision to elevate research, improve patient outcomes, and build a resilient ecosystem for neurological health in the UAE. Together, we aim to drive innovation, shape evidence-based policies, and inspire meaningful progress in the lives of those affected by MS." NMSS continues to invest in future talent through initiatives, such as the joint NMSS MENACTRIMS Fellowship, which offers a postdoctoral research fellowship for young Emirati neuroscientists, supporting their training and development in basic, clinical, or applied MS research. The goal of the programme is to foster scientific exchange and grow the pool of skilled researchers dedicated to addressing MS-related challenges in the UAE and beyond. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
25-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi advances precision medicine for Alzheimer's
25 Apr 2025 14:20 The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), in collaboration with M42 Biogenix Lab, has taken a groundbreaking step in personalised healthcare by integrating APOE E4 genetic testing into its pharmacogenomics (PGx) first-of-its-kind innovative approach in the region ensures that healthcare providers can assess a patient's genetic risk and personalise Alzheimer's treatments to ensure safer and more effective disease is a progressive neurological condition characterised by memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioural changes. According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Globally, there are over 10 million new cases of dementia each year, equating to one new case every 3.2 inclusion of the APOE E4 genotyping in the pharmacogenomics reports is a result of collaboration between The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, and M42's Biogenix Lab. It represents a significant milestone in precision treated with anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, as one of the therapeutic options, Alzheimer's patients with two copies of APOE E4 may experience severe side effects, such as brain swelling or bleeding. Therefore, by identifying these genetic risks, clinicians can tailor Alzheimer's treatment plans for the individual, ensuring the best outcomes while minimising adverse reactions that can be Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said: 'The inclusion of APOE E4 genotyping in PGx report reflects our commitment to providing the best-in-class care for our communities through genetic profiling and precision therapies. This re-affirms Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare innovation, driven by genomics-based healthcare solutions. Our goal is to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date and actionable genetic insights. These insights can be integrated into treatment plans, especially for therapies involving anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, to ensure safer and more effective care.'The pharmacogenomics reports initiative is part of the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP), which is building a comprehensive genetic database to support tailored treatments for EGP participants. PGx reports are securely available to all physicians in Abu Dhabi through Malaffi, DoH's health information a transformative milestone, 160,000 PGx reports are now available, a scale that surpasses many population genomics application programmes globally. This achievement will set a new standard for population genomics. Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, said, 'The integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical care marks a transformative step towards precision medicine in Abu Dhabi. By embedding these insights directly into patient records, we are equipping healthcare providers with actionable data to enhance treatment safety and efficacy. This initiative, led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is made possible through M42's advanced health technology infrastructure, ensuring that every patient receives care that is tailored to their unique genetic makeup." "This milestone reaffirms Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovation in medicine and to putting patients at the centre of healthcare transformation. Currently, the reports are available for patients with specific conditions, including cancer, mental health disorders, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases, neurological diseases, pain management and now Alzheimer's," Al Marzooqi said. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi and M42's Biogenix Lab are committed to regularly updating pharmacogenomics tools to reflect the latest scientific developments, ensuring continuous improvements in patient care.
Web Release
19-04-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Smart Health Hackathon Winners announced at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) has announced the winners of its highly anticipated Smart Health Hackathon. Held from 5 – 6 April 2025, the innovation sprint brought together talented entrepreneurs, university teams, health-tech professionals, and inventors in the UAE capital to develop pioneering solutions to critical health and well-being challenges – live, and in real-time – before an esteemed panel of industry leaders. Participants competed across two categories: 'Smart Living' and 'The Gym of Tomorrow', showcasing their transformative ideas through live demos and pitches. The Smart Living track challenged innovators to design proactive, tech-enabled solutions that empower individuals to monitor, predict, and manage their physical and mental health using tools like artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and predictive analytics. The Gym of Tomorrow focused on reimagining fitness through immersive, personalised experiences – leveraging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), gamification, and real-time data to boost motivation and support long-term wellness. Winning teams were selected based on creativity, feasibility, real-world applicability, and the potential for positive global impact. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi's commitment to empowering innovation and digital transformation in healthcare, participants received immediate feedback from experts across healthcare, investment, and technology. The winners of the ADGHW Smart Health Hackathon include: · Smart Living: The winning team in this category presented CloudCare, an innovative solution that utilises AI, wearable technology, and cameras to monitor the vital signs and stress levels of elderly individuals. When concerning changes are detected, the AI initiates a smart phone call to a designated family member, providing updates and actionable recommendations. The AI-powered assistant can also respond to questions and coordinate next steps, ensuring timely, informed support for the elderly. · The Gym of Tomorrow: The winning team in this category showcased Limitless, a pioneering fitness solution designed specifically for women. Unlike most existing apps that rely on male-centric data, this AI-powered platform is tailored to women's unique physiology – including considerations for pregnancy and postnatal recovery. The system delivers real-time feedback on exercise form, provides corrective guidance, and tracks progress to help women achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: 'The Smart Health Hackathon is one of several initiatives that are integral to our broader vision of building one of the world's most intelligent, trusted, and efficient healthcare systems—driven by patient-centred solutions and our commitment to excellence. These winners exemplify the creativity and forward-thinking mindset needed to redefine the future of global health. We are incredibly proud to support these promising innovators, not only through financial rewards, but also through mentorship, incubation support, and pilot opportunities to help bring their concepts to life. Initiatives like this are not just about solving today's challenges—they're about developing talent and nurturing the next generation of health innovation.' In addition to a financial prize, winners will gain access to seed funding opportunities, incubation programmes, and potential pilot testing, significantly enhancing their path to commercial viability. They will also benefit from exclusive introductions to healthcare providers, investors, and health manufacturing firms within Abu Dhabi's rapidly growing life sciences ecosystem. The competition attracted over 100 applications, including submissions from start-ups and students representing 11 different universities across the UAE. All applicants underwent a rigorous screening and matchmaking filtration process to ensure each team was equipped with the necessary skills to develop impactful solutions. Following two rounds of selection, 45 participants were chosen and organised into 16 multidisciplinary teams. The Smart Health Hackathon reinforces Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to lead in healthcare digitisation, innovation, and patient-centred care. DoH's commitment to transformative innovation, cutting-edge research, and collaborative ecosystems is unlocking new frontiers in prevention, and personalised care. Backed by a proven track record of excellence, robust data infrastructure, and forward-looking policy frameworks, the emirate continues to establish itself as a global catalyst for sustainable healthcare transformation. ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.' It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care. Four core themes guided discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being. For more information, visit
Al Etihad
18-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 Smart Health Hackathon winners revealed
18 Apr 2025 20:39 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) has announced the winners of its Smart Health Hackathon. The innovation sprint brought together talented entrepreneurs, university teams, health-tech professionals, and inventors in the UAE capital to develop pioneering solutions to critical health and well-being challenges both live, and in real-time, before an esteemed panel of industry competed across two categories, Smart Living and The Gym of Tomorrow, showcasing their transformative ideas through live demos and Smart Living track challenged innovators to design proactive, tech-enabled solutions that empower individuals to monitor, predict, and manage their physical and mental health using tools like artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and predictive Gym of Tomorrow focused on reimagining fitness through immersive, personalised experiences, leveraging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), gamification, and real-time data to boost motivation and support long-term teams were selected based on creativity, feasibility, real-world applicability, and the potential for positive global impact. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi's commitment to empowering innovation and digital transformation in healthcare, participants received immediate feedback from experts across healthcare, investment, and winners of the ADGHW Smart Health Hackathon include the Smart Living category where the winning team in this category presented CloudCare, an innovative solution that utilises AI, wearable technology, and cameras to monitor the vital signs and stress levels of elderly concerning changes are detected, the AI initiates a smart phone call to a designated family member, providing updates and actionable recommendations. The AI-powered assistant can also respond to questions and coordinate next steps, ensuring timely, informed support for the Gym of Tomorrow saw the winning team in this category showcasing Limitless, a pioneering fitness solution designed specifically for women. Unlike most existing apps that rely on male-centric data, this AI-powered platform is tailored to women's unique physiology – including considerations for pregnancy and postnatal recovery. The system delivers real-time feedback on exercise form, provides corrective guidance, and tracks progress to help women achieve their fitness goals safely and Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: 'The Smart Health Hackathon is one of several initiatives that are integral to our broader vision of building one of the world's most intelligent, trusted, and efficient healthcare systems—driven by patient-centred solutions and our commitment to excellence. "These winners exemplify the creativity and forward-thinking mindset needed to redefine the future of global health. We are incredibly proud to support these promising innovators, not only through financial rewards, but also through mentorship, incubation support, and pilot opportunities to help bring their concepts to life. Initiatives like this are not just about solving today's challenges—they're about developing talent and nurturing the next generation of health innovation.'In addition to a financial prize, winners will gain access to seed funding opportunities, incubation programmes, and potential pilot testing, significantly enhancing their path to commercial viability. They will also benefit from exclusive introductions to healthcare providers, investors, and health manufacturing firms within Abu Dhabi's rapidly growing life sciences competition attracted over 100 applications, including submissions from start-ups and students representing 11 different universities across the UAE. All applicants underwent a rigorous screening and matchmaking filtration process to ensure each team was equipped with the necessary skills to develop impactful solutions. Following two rounds of selection, 45 participants were chosen and organised into 16 multidisciplinary teams. The Smart Health Hackathon reinforces Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to lead in healthcare digitisation, innovation, and patient-centred care. DoH's commitment to transformative innovation, cutting-edge research, and collaborative ecosystems is unlocking new frontiers in prevention, and personalised care.
South China Morning Post
16-04-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week aims to redefine the future of healthcare and well-being
Investment in cutting-edge health and life sciences is helping Abu Dhabi create a vibrant healthcare ecosystem while positioning the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a global hub for medical innovation and forward-looking initiatives in the field. Advertisement At Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, which culminates tomorrow at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, world-leading experts, policymakers, investors and innovators have gathered to explore the future of healthcare. The forum is focused on ensuring that innovation moves beyond research labs and into the lives of people worldwide through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), genomics – the study of the structure, function and development of the complete set of genes in a cell – personalised medicine and digital transformation. The event, which has the theme of 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being', challenges traditional definitions of healthcare by shifting the focus from treatment to transformation. It also aims to promote global partnerships that accelerate progress from research to results by showcasing high-impact case studies, expert discussions and collaborative initiatives. Thousands of industry experts are attending Abu Dhabi Global Health Week to discuss new healthcare opportunities and challenges, and medical technology breakthroughs. 'Rising global health pressures, from ageing populations and chronic diseases to pandemics and demographic shifts, are putting unprecedented strain on systems around the world,' says Dr Asma Al Mannaei, executive director of the health life sciences sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Advertisement 'At the same time, breakthroughs in genomics, AI and digital health are revolutionising what's possible. Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is where these ideas turn into action.'
