Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced it raised AED 1 million for breast cancer research and treatment during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the international health campaign held every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The events across the UAE drew thousands of people and families including many breast cancer fighters and survivors proving that the community is steadfast in its support for the cause.

It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women. According to studies it is now believed that in the UAE the average age of diagnosis is 20 years younger than elsewhere in the world. The high prevalence of breast cancer in the UAE reinforces the critical need for medical research and improved treatment to combat the disease and ultimately, save lives.

During the month of October Al Jalila Foundation led a month-long community campaign #PINKtober bringing together over 120 partners who hosted pink themed activities and events across the UAE; highlights included a pink Abra parade on Dubai Canal; 11 public sports events; 49 school carnivals; and a number of public activations across the country. Sports events included pink runs, swims, walks, yoga, scuba diving, ballet and golf tournaments with proceeds dedicated to breast cancer research and treatment.

Government and corporates organised employee wellness days which included talks by medical practitioners and survivors. Topics covered the importance of early detection, how to conduct self-examinations and the symptoms of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors shared their personal stories of courage, hope and triumph reinforcing that the disease can be beaten.

Sulaiman Baharoun, Director of Partnerships & Sustainability of Al Jalila Foundation: “Once again we have received overwhelming support from the community to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research during the month of October. It is heartening to witness the philanthropic spirit that takes over during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our aim is to continue this beyond October, 365 days a year, to ensure that we do not lose sight of our mission to fight the disease.”

The month concluded with the annual Brest Friends gathering bringing together 80 women who have been personally touched by breast cancer. The inspiring event celebrated life and survivorship with the reminder that the disease can be overcome.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President and Founder of Brest Friends, commented: “We have all been affected by breast cancer in some way and it is important to bring the community together to raise awareness and give hope that the disease can be beaten. As we move away from October, I would like to remind everyone that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to one month and call on the community to keep the message alive all-year round.”

Breast cancer is one of the many healthcare programs that Al Jalila Foundation leads in its mission to advance medical treatment and research. Since inception, Al Jalila Foundation has invested approximately AED 5 million to fund nine breast cancer research studies and provide quality medical care and treatment to 33 patients in the UAE.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Emirati journalists, Nahid Al Naqbi and Iman Ben Chaibah, have successfully completed the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) Fellowship Program and graduated in the presence of former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter at the annual fellows meeting held in Atlanta recently. The program is the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East, launched in the UAE in 2016 by Al Jalila Foundation.

For nearly two decades, the Center has awarded one-year fellowships to 200 journalists to connect them with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world. The program is currently in the United States, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar and was previously in New Zealand, South Africa, and Romania.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Journalists have immense power to inform, educate and influence society. Their support is essential to raise awareness and create a dialogue about mental health in the region. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that people with mental illnesses are not marginalized and that they receive the required support to live happy productive lives. We are very proud of the dedication of our fellows to spread President and Mrs Carter’s message to the UAE paving the way for a national conversation to overcome the cycle of stigma.”

“These fellows can reshape how media in the Middle East covers one of the most significant, misunderstood public health problems. Like the fellows before them, they will have the opportunity to impact their colleagues and newsrooms, and become the point person in their field on mental health issues.” said former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Nahid Al Naqbi, Deputy Head of Editorial Content Support, Al Bayan Newspaper, explored why the treatment of mental illnesses remains shrouded in fear and misconception in the UAE and how to reduce mental health stigma. Nahid authored several mental health articles in the UAE’s most widely read Arabic newspaper and initiated a social media campaign, #ShareYourExperience, as a safe space for people suffering to share their stories and realise that they are supported. “The UAE is forging the path for mental health awareness in the region and I am honoured to be placed at the frontline of this national conversation.”

Iman Ben Chaibah, CEO of Sail Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of Sail Magazine, studied mental health issues among UAE youth and how to support people who suffer from mental illnesses. Iman and her team at Sail Magazine published a number of articles focusing on potential causes that lead to higher mental health volatility, including academic anxiety and social perceptions which resonates with so many today. “I am grateful for this unique opportunity that enabled me to connect with pioneers in mental health journalism giving me invaluable knowledge to continue to support our youth.”

The Carter Center leadership team commended the UAE Fellows’ efforts citing their admiration for the “groundbreaking work done in the UAE”.

Since the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism were established in 1996, fellows have produced more than 1500 stories, documentaries, books, and other works during and after their fellowship year. Their projects have garnered Emmy Awards, nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, and other awards.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, marks Emirati Women’s Day by reaffirming its commitment to women in science. To date, Al Jalila Foundation has invested AED 9 million to empower Emirati women pursuing careers in medicine and scientific research.

The Year of Zayed commemorates 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, whose timeless legacy and noble values continue to inspire generations. Sheikh Zayed believed that investing in people’s welfare, knowledge and capabilities would produce the highest dividends, and his investments in healthcare and education transformed the country and its quality of life. Sheikh Zayed was a strong advocate for women’s rights. He believed that “the woman is half of the society” and should be empowered, respected and developed to contribute equally to the country’s success.

The goal of Emirati Women’s Day is to highlight the accomplishments of women and honour them for their contributions to the development and advancement of the nation. In recognition of these remarkable efforts, this year’s Emirati Women’s Day will be held under the theme ‘Women on the Course of Zayed’.

In its efforts to be a leader in medical innovation, Al Jalila Foundation invests in the next generation of doctors by offering medical scholarships to Emirati students and research grants to UAE-based scientists. Since 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded 59 medical scholarships of which 65% were to Emirati women pursuing careers in medicine and health sciences. In addition, 7 Emirati women pioneering important research for the region’s most pressing health issues are recipients of Al Jalila Foundation research and fellowship grants.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to see so many Emirati women seizing the opportunity to take on leading roles in science. Today, with the support and encouragement of our leaders, Emirati women are already playing a prominent role across all industries and professions in the UAE. These women have proven to be strong, hardworking and resilient leaders with a goal to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. On this Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s contributions to the development and advancement of the UAE and know that by empowering our women, we empower our nation. It is with great pride and gratitude to our nation’s leaders, donors and the community that we mark this Emirati Women’s Day, in the Year of Zayed, and pledge our continued commitment to women in science.”

Dalia Al Nuaimi, first graduate of Al Jalila Foundation scholarship for the Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD) at Harvard Medical School, said: “Studying at HMS has added considerable depth to my career path and opened many doors for me as an Emirati researcher. I am proud to draw attention to the incredible work the UAE does in leading aid distribution globally. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support and guidance of Al Jalila Foundation, and the scholarship, which allowed me to follow my dream of studying at Harvard Medical School.”

Emirati women researchers are pioneering ground breaking research, such as Dr Habiba Al Safar, recipient of two (2015, 2017) Al Jalila Foundation research grants to study cancer and diabetes. Dr Habiba has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science: UAE First Pioneer Medal for Genomics Research (2014); Emirates International Award of Genetic Diseases Prevention in the category of Best Scientific Researcher in the field of Genetic Diseases Prevention (2014); and has ranked number 52 among the most powerful women in the Arab world by ArabianBusiness.com (2015).

Al Jalila Foundation has supported 44 Emirati women to date through postgraduate medical scholarships, research and fellowship grants, with an investment of over AED 9 million.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced that it has received a donation of AED 3 million from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to support its A’awen (treatment in Arabic) program which helps patients in need.

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 467 patients from 36 nationalities, including 190 children, and invested AED 34 million to provide relief to patients who have suffered a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions. The treatment costs for patients, newborn to 90 years of age, have ranged from to AED 20,000 to AED 250,000 per individual.

DIB’s support echoes the values of the Year of Zayed as announced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to foster and strengthen a sense of social responsibility across the public and private sectors, in addition to developing the spirit of volunteering and service to the nation.

Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees, Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are extremely grateful to Dubai Islamic Bank for its longstanding support to our A’awen program that offers hope and healing to patients in need of medical care. It is a privilege to work with distinguished banking and financial institutions like DIB to help deliver the UAE’s vision to be one of the happiest nations in the world.”

In its efforts to be a leader in medical innovation, Al Jalila Foundation works closely with healthcare partners to develop special treatment programs that meet the needs of patients. It also invests in local medical research to discover better treatment options for future generations.

His Excellency Abdul Razzaq Al Abdullah, Head of Community Services Department, Dubai Islamic Bank, said: “Dubai Islamic Bank is a long term supporter of Al Jalila Foundation and we are honoured to be able to support the organisation’s noble mission to make a difference in people’s lives. Our support mirrors the values and teachings of Sheikh Zayed and we are honoured to continue his legacy of compassion and service to humanity.”

Al Jalila Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education, treatment and research. It was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives, announced the successful completion of the Ramadan campaign ‘basma’, smile in Arabic, launched in partnership with a number of hospitality, leisure and retail outlets across the UAE. The month-long charity campaign was a great success thanks to the support of over 40 partners who engaged their customers raising AED 1 million to provide life-saving treatment and medical care to children in need.

In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “to create hope, life and happiness for everyone in the UAE”, Al Jalila Foundation believes that health is the cornerstone to happiness and every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, dream and realise their potential.

Al Jalila Foundation works closely with healthcare partners to develop special treatment programs that meet the needs of patients who are unable to afford quality treatment. Farah, happiness in Arabic, is the Foundation’s paediatric treatment program which has helped 190 children in the UAE: from life-saving heart surgeries to treatment of childhood cancers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs, all have been given a fresh start in life after receiving special care by some of the best medical providers and physicians in the region.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Ramadan is a time of giving and there can be no greater cause than to support and improve the health and well-being of children. Through our healthcare programs, Al Jalila Foundation sponsors some of the best medical treatment in the world and invests in vital research to eliminate illnesses in the future. Our partners and donors continue to inspire us with their generosity and, every day, we witness the culture of giving that is embedded in the nation’s DNA instilled by the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. We are grateful to the business community for lending their support to Al Jalila Foundation and our mission to improve the lives of young patients.”

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Al Jalila Foundation also ran a digital campaign in partnership with Al Bayan and Emarat Al Youm featuring 5-year old Bushra who underwent open heart surgery to correct a life-threatening congenital heart defect. The video garnered great support in SMS donations from the community which will ensure that more children like Bushra receive the treatment they need.

Ramadan is about connecting people; Al Jalila Foundation praised the basma partners for their creative fundraising initiatives and admirable efforts in engaging their patrons during the month of giving.

The ‘Magical Wishing Well’ at Dubai Festival City Mall saw 7,000 messages sent around the world, including 5 marriage proposals! Haji Sahab distributed thousands of Iftar packs at labour camps in Dubai; Al Madani Group dedicated a portion of sales proceeds across 9 dining and shopping outlets to basma; 15 Marriott hotels came together for ‘Ramadan with Marriott’; a number of hospitality partners offered Iftar and Suhour proceeds including an exclusive event ‘Majlis by Gossip’ dedicated to help children in need; and for the sweet-toothed Shakespeare and Co. donated a portion of patisserie sales throughout the month.

The basma campaign was not just about food; there were a number of beauty inspired offers from Kiehl’s, L’Occitane en Provence, NStyle Beauty Lounge, and Urban Male Lounge. At Splash ‘n’ Party children were able to ‘Dunk the Mermaid’ to donate AED 20 to Al Jalila Foundation and, for the thrill-seekers, XDubai’s #DareToDonate campaign sent donors Ziplining through the Dubai night skyline with 100% of proceeds donated to basma to spread hope and healing to sick children.

In addition to the basma campaign, Al Jalila Foundation also received generous donations from a number of organisations including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank; Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Atlantis, The Palm; Commercial Bank of Dubai; The Indian High School, Dubai; and Kaloti amongst others.

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 467 patients from 36 nationalities, and invested AED 34 million to provide relief to patients who have suffered a number of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses. The treatment costs have ranged from to AED 20,000 to AED 250,000 per individual.

As a non-profit organisation Al Jalila Foundation relies on the support of its partners and 100% of donations are invested directly into healthcare programs to benefit those in need.