Sheikh Hamdan launches awareness campaign in Dubai for Emirati Genome Programme

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, has launched a national campaign in Dubai to raise awareness on the Emirati Genome Programme and its strategic aims.

Implemented by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the new campaign aims to highlight the importance for Emiratis to register with the programme, according to the state news agency WAM.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said the UAE leadership is committed to enhancing scientific research as part of the country’s strategic objectives to support innovation and development across vital sectors, including healthcare.

The UAE places a high priority on creating one of the world’s best healthcare sectors and providing an enabling environment that supports scientists and various forms of scientific research.

During my visit to @DHA_Dubai HQ,we launched a national campaign to raise awareness about the Emirati Genome Programme.We aim to improve healthcare services,develop treatment & prevention plans, & enhance the well-being of our society by adopting the latest scientific innovations pic.twitter.com/YIsYWOUh4j

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 6, 2023

Sheikh Hamdan added that the Emirati Genome Programme is a key health and scientific initiative that must be supported by various members of the community, including institutions, authorities, and individuals. He also underscored the importance of the Programme in further developing the healthcare system for current and future generations and consolidating the UAE’s leadership in the field of genomic studies, which seeks to understand genetics to reduce the prevalence of chronic and epidemic diseases, reported the Dubai Media Office.

The new campaign was launched in the presence of Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, and a number of senior officials.

What is the Emirati Genome Programme?

• The Emirati Genome Programme is an ambitious national study that aims to draw a comprehensive genetic map for UAE citizens to accelerate the development of advanced preventive and personalised healthcare solutions.
• The project involves scientific study and research aimed at profiling and determining the gene sequencing among UAE Nationals to aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
• The programme invites Emirati citizens to voluntarily take part in the study by visiting one of the sample collection sites and providing a single blood sample.
• The programme will then use advanced sequencing technology and artificial intelligence to generate and analyse a comprehensive genome data and produce a reference genome specific to UAE citizens.
• Overseen by the UAE Genomics Council, the Emirati Genome Programme aims to bolster healthcare services provided to citizens and is open to UAE nationals across all ages.
• Participants are required to donate either a blood sample or a buccal swab during their visit to the collection sites where a team will guide them through the process. The programme operates in line with ethical and governance standards and ensures the anonymity of all participants.

Emirati Genome Programme executed by G42 Healthcare

The Emirati Genome Programme is being executed in Dubai by G42 Healthcare, in collaboration with DHA. The authority will work with G42 Healthcare to provide Emiratis in Dubai with information on the importance and the strategic objectives of the programme as well as how they can register for it.

Read: G42 Healthcare, ProPhase to collaborate on genomic sequencing capabilities, data insights

The programme is looking to build the first de novo Emirati reference genome, based on the DNA of UAE nationals.

This will allow scientists, researchers and medical experts to understand the unique genetic make-up of Emiratis, which will help establish the foundation for innovation in health and wellness in the UAE.