Latest news with #NationalGenomeProject
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt launches ‘Sports Genome' phase of national DNA project
Egypt has launched the latest phase of its National Genome Project, turning its focus to athletes as part of a broader effort to harness genetic science for health improvement and sports development, officials announced Sunday. The announcement came during a high-level event marking the conclusion of the Sports Genome Project and the start of the 'Gene-Next' testing phase. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the initiative represents a leap forward in preventive healthcare and personalized athletic training. 'By decoding the genetic blueprint of Egyptians, we can not only enhance athletic performance but also improve public health and reduce the burden of disease,' Abdel Ghaffar said. He was joined by the ministers of youth and sports, higher education, and senior representatives from the presidency and armed forces. The Sports Genome Program, he added, marks a strategic shift in how Egypt approaches health and human development—leveraging DNA analysis to tailor training, nutrition, and recovery programs based on an individual's unique physiological traits. Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy said the 'NEXT GENE' initiative opens a new chapter in Egypt's athletic development. 'It allows for the creation of personalized training plans aligned with each athlete's genetic potential, helping to prevent injuries and optimize performance from an early age,' he said. Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour described the project as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, with government funding of EGP 2 billion. He called it a milestone in Egypt's transition to a knowledge-based economy and a cornerstone of the country's Vision 2030 strategy. Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din emphasized the national genome project's broader scientific significance, especially in the fight against diseases such as cancer. 'We are conducting this work with precision in collaboration with Egypt's leading universities and research institutions,' he said. Major General Mohamed El-Gohary, Director of the Armed Forces Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine, reaffirmed the military's support for the project and its ongoing role in the implementation phase of the sports genome initiative. The event was attended by former ministers, university leaders, senior military officials, and prominent sports divs, including the president of Egypt's Paralympic Committee and the former president of Zamalek SC. The Sports Genome Project forms a core component of Egypt's broader National Genome Initiative, which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database to support early disease detection, personalized healthcare, and performance optimization. Officials say the initiative reflects a growing shift toward data-driven, individualized approaches in both medicine and elite sport.
Daily News Egypt
25-05-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches ‘Sports Genome' phase of national DNA project
Egypt has launched the latest phase of its National Genome Project, turning its focus to athletes as part of a broader effort to harness genetic science for health improvement and sports development, officials announced Sunday. The announcement came during a high-level event marking the conclusion of the Sports Genome Project and the start of the 'Gene-Next' testing phase. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the initiative represents a leap forward in preventive healthcare and personalized athletic training. 'By decoding the genetic blueprint of Egyptians, we can not only enhance athletic performance but also improve public health and reduce the burden of disease,' Abdel Ghaffar said. He was joined by the ministers of youth and sports, higher education, and senior representatives from the presidency and armed forces. The Sports Genome Program, he added, marks a strategic shift in how Egypt approaches health and human development—leveraging DNA analysis to tailor training, nutrition, and recovery programs based on an individual's unique physiological traits. Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy said the 'NEXT GENE' initiative opens a new chapter in Egypt's athletic development. 'It allows for the creation of personalized training plans aligned with each athlete's genetic potential, helping to prevent injuries and optimize performance from an early age,' he said. Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour described the project as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, with government funding of EGP 2 billion. He called it a milestone in Egypt's transition to a knowledge-based economy and a cornerstone of the country's Vision 2030 strategy. Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din emphasized the national genome project's broader scientific significance, especially in the fight against diseases such as cancer. 'We are conducting this work with precision in collaboration with Egypt's leading universities and research institutions,' he said. Major General Mohamed El-Gohary, Director of the Armed Forces Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine, reaffirmed the military's support for the project and its ongoing role in the implementation phase of the sports genome initiative. The event was attended by former ministers, university leaders, senior military officials, and prominent sports figures, including the president of Egypt's Paralympic Committee and the former president of Zamalek SC. The Sports Genome Project forms a core component of Egypt's broader National Genome Initiative, which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database to support early disease detection, personalized healthcare, and performance optimization. Officials say the initiative reflects a growing shift toward data-driven, individualized approaches in both medicine and elite sport.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Analysis: How the UAE sees AI
No country has embraced the potential of artificial intelligence as fully or intentionally as the UAE, incorporating the technology into its identity as part of a broader effort to create the 'algorithmic state.' The UAE's approach is rooted in something deeper than innovation. With only 1.5 million citizens, it is challenging for the Emirates to compete directly with most developed states, but it can outmaneuver them. And AI is the solution. The UAE has been working on an AI policy for eight years. Abu Dhabi appointed an AI minister and developed a national strategy in 2017. The government and private sector have poured tens of billions of dollars into data centers, AI startups, and large language models. This technology is embedded in everything from government services and lawmaking to public health. The National Genome Project has already sequenced more than half of the citizen population, and AI is being used to personalize care. In education, AI has now become part of the K–12 curriculum. These days, one of the US's most powerful geopolitical bargaining chips is access to its advanced microchips. The US is leveraging its lead to show the world that countries aligned with Washington's thinking can benefit from this technology. In a region rife with security challenges, the fact that technology is at the forefront of US President Donald Trump's agenda during his visit to Abu Dhabi signals the UAE's priorities and ambitions. The US is expected to change the Biden administration's chip policy and begin negotiating with trusted partners on a bilateral basis. This move will be welcomed by industry giants like Nvidia, which have advocated for greater access to the UAE. Concessions are likely to be made to firms such as Abu Dhabi's MGX, which is investing in US AI infrastructure. In addition to improving its native capabilities, the UAE is looking to deepen its partnership with the US, where it has committed to $1.4 trillion in investments over the next decade. Abu Dhabi is already collaborating with US tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI, all of which are eager to expand in the region. Artificial intelligence complements the fast-paced and business-forward government in the UAE. The technology can accelerate returns from Abu Dhabi's existing investments in space, nuclear, financial services, and blockchain. Like all bets, committing to AI involves considerable uncertainty and risk. However, states cannot afford to be cautious. Access to hardware alone is not the challenge — states must keep up in a rapidly developing sector. AI is exponential: the more you have, the faster you can develop. Once states reach a critical threshold where AI assists in designing better AI, those that lead in the race will be nearly impossible to catch. The UAE understands this. If a future arrives where AI fuels geopolitical power, small states that adopt it early may find themselves punching far above their weight. The stakes are high. While most countries view AI as a sector to regulate, fund, or attract talent to, the UAE treats it as infrastructure. In the Emirati model, AI is not just a set of technologies — it serves as a foundational layer underpinning governance, economic development, public services, and geopolitical influence. Just as oil once built the UAE's physical infrastructure, AI is now being used to prepare the UAE for the next phase of its development. The UAE is fully committed to artificial intelligence as it transforms into an algorithmic state, marking the first step in Abu Dhabi's goal of becoming a leading AI superpower.
Biz Bahrain
05-02-2025
- Health
- Biz Bahrain
Health Ministry launches national genome test request service on eGovernment portal
The Ministry of Health has launched a service allowing Bahraini citizens to apply for the National Genome Project through the eGovernment portal ( The service is open to all age groups and enables individuals or parents (for those under 18) to submit a consent form online before visiting the nearest health centre for sample collection. Participants can also download their participation certificate via the portal. Additional features include options to cancel participation, view certificates, check application status, and access general information about the project. The ministry encouraged participation in the initiative, which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database to improve early diagnosis, disease prevention, and personalised treatment plans, ultimately enhancing healthcare quality in Bahrain. Applications can be made on: BNA(R)
