Latest news with #EmiratiGenomeProgramme
The National
17-04-2025
- Health
- The National
Personalised medicine a step closer as 800,000 Emiratis contribute to genome programme
News UAE Emirati Genome Programme aims to collect DNA and blood samples from a million citizens to revolutionise health care
The National
17-04-2025
- Health
- The National
More than 800,000 Emiratis contribute to UAE genome programme to boost health of the nation
News UAE The Emirati Genome Programme aims to collect DNA and blood samples from 1 million citizens to revolutionise health care
Al Etihad
06-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Building sustainable world-class health system ensures high-quality healthcare: Health Minister
6 Apr 2025 15:26 DUBAI (WAM)Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, stated that the UAE, under its wise leadership, has reached new heights in global health competitiveness. With well-being and quality of life long-established as national priorities, the country stands out for its sustainable, future-ready healthcare system that supports both present and future made these remarks on World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, with this year's theme being "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.' The annual occasion also focuses on maternal and child said, " We are committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence in our health sector—striving for world-class standards in care and innovation. That's why our comprehensive healthcare system combines smart, forward-thinking solutions that serve everyone in our community."He added that the UAE has made significant progress in adopting emerging digital technologies and advanced performance tools across its healthcare facilities—moves that are helping to future-proof the sector and boost the country's position as a leader in global part of the Year of Community, he highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Prevention—together with its partners across the health sector—is developing a comprehensive strategy focused on preventive care and digital health empowerment. This strategy involves launching smart, interactive platforms and community-led innovation emphasised that the UAE is also stepping up its efforts to raise awareness about key national health initiatives—including the Emirati Genome Programme, organ donation, and virtual family health services. These efforts go beyond awareness; they aim to stimulate early action, prevent genetic diseases, and pave the way for healthier generations equipped to lead the nation's journey toward sustainable Owais stressed the importance of working together across all entities and departments to find the right balance between long-standing medical practices and today's cutting-edge innovations. This, he said, is key to using resources wisely and improving the overall quality of emphasised that strong, strategic partnerships are essential to maintaining the readiness and resilience of the health sector in a rapidly evolving world. The Minister also commended the dedication of the UAE's medical, technical, and professional teams, describing them as the backbone of the nation's healthcare success and a key force in driving progress toward the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 and positioning the UAE as a global hub for healthcare excellence.
Sharjah 24
14-03-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Khaled bin Mohamed chairs Emirates Genome Council meeting
Advancing precision medicine and public health During the meeting, the board discussed plans to prioritise precision medicine initiatives aimed at enhancing public health, improving the efficiency of the healthcare system, driving economic growth, and establishing the UAE as a global leader in genomics. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE leadership's commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through research and development in longevity, precision medicine, and preventative care. New population screening programmes His Highness Sheikh Khaled endorsed new population screening programmes to accelerate genome-driven personalised healthcare. These programmes include newborn genetic screenings, adult disease screenings, personalised fertility programmes, and cardiovascular genetic screenings. These initiatives aim to identify genetic conditions early and provide personalised treatments for affected individuals. Updates on key genomic research and initiatives Sheikh Khaled was briefed on the completion of the Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Emirati Reference Genome study, which aims to enhance precision medicine by filling gaps in genomic data. He was also updated on the progress of the Premarital Genetic Screening Programme, launched in January 2025, which supports couples in making informed family planning decisions by identifying genetic compatibility and providing personalised counseling. Emirati Genome Programme progress The Emirati Genome Programme has made significant progress, with more than 700,000 genetic samples collected from UAE citizens. Additionally, the program has started collecting samples from other nationalities to address global gaps in genomic data and promote international collaboration in precision medicine research. Future of healthcare transformation The Emirati Genome Programme is a critical component of the National Genome Strategy and will play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare services in the UAE. By providing high-quality genetic data, it will help researchers and healthcare providers understand genetic diseases, predict disease susceptibility, and create personalised healthcare plans. Attendees of the meeting The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and other prominent health leaders.
Khaleej Times
14-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 2,400 couples undergo premarital genetic screening; 92% found compatible
Around 2,400 couples have undergone premartial genetic screening so far with 92% found to be compatible, as part of the UAE's Genome Programme, it was announced on Friday. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, chaired a meeting of the Emirates Genome Council, and the council approved programmes for newborn genetic screenings, expanded genetic screening for adults in the UAE Genome Programme, personalised fertility and cardiovascular genetic screening.. The Premarital Genetic Screening Programme was implemented from January 1, 2025 by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Emirates Heath Services, Dubai Health Authority, and strategic partners. To date, it has supported 2,428 couples, finding more than 92 per cent genetically compatible through comprehensive genetic screening of 570 genes linked to more than 840 genetic disorders. Couples who required additional support were provided personalised genetic counselling to assess and diagnose risk factors and offer potential solutions to support family planning decisions. The programme aims to safeguard community members from hereditary diseases and empower couples to utilise genetic data to make informed decisions in family planning, preserving the health and wellbeing of community members and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. New population screening programmes The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince endorsed new population screening programmes that expand the utilisation of genomic data and accelerate genome-driven personalised healthcare in the UAE. The programmes include newborn genetic screenings, enhanced screenings of adult participants in the Emirati Genome Programme, provision of personalised fertility programmes, and cardiovascular genetic screening. The newborn genetic screening programme will assess genetic conditions with available treatments and early intervention options for infants, assessing 733 genes to test for more than 800 conditions. Population disease screenings, for adults participating in the Emirati Genome Programme, aim to further identify actionable and relevant conditions for UAE nationals, by assessing 94 genes linked to more than 50 genetic conditions. The personalised fertility programme assesses 186 genes linked to more than 130 genetic conditions, to provide personalised medicine recommendations and treatments for couples. Cardiovascular screenings will provide genetic diagnosis and treatment, as well as early prevention, for cardiovascular related conditions through the assessment of more than 800 genes linked to more than 100 genetic conditions. T2T Emirati Reference Genome study Sheikh Khaled was briefed on the completion of the landmark Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Emirati Reference Genome study aimed at advancing precision medicine for communities in the UAE. The study, by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Khalifa University and M42, bridges critical gaps in genomic data and provides a vital resource that enhances the ability to compare with other reference genomes, supporting the advancement of disease research, pharmacogenomics and the development of Emirati-specific targeted therapies. Emirati Genome Programme progress The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince was also updated on the progress of the Emirati Genome Programme, which has collected more than 700,000 genetic samples from citizens across the nation, marking significant progress towards the overall target of 1 million. In addition, the Emirati Genome Programme has completed the collection of 100,000 samples from participants from different nationalities for a new initiative that leverages the UAE's advanced genomic capabilities. The project, in collaboration with M42, helps reduce gaps in genomic data globally by providing insights into genetic mutations affecting over 2.5 billion people across different ethnicities, with the aim to drive further collaboration on precision medicine research and solutions. The Emirati Genome Programme is a key project under the National Genome Strategy and will support the transformation of healthcare services in the UAE by providing high-quality genetic data that enables researchers, physicians and scientists to identify the causes of genetic diseases, understand the type of genetic mutations, anticipate susceptibility to some diseases, and develop effective personalised healthcare plans.
