Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced today that it has awarded AED 6 million in seed grants to 21 UAE-based medical researchers bringing the total investment to date to AED 20 million for 76 research projects. The seed grants focus on research in the field of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health, Al Jalila Foundation’s five research priorities.

The grants were awarded to scientists from medical institutions across the UAE including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medical Sciences, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, and University of Modern Sciences, Dubai. Four Emiratis were also selected to pursue medical research fellowships at renowned international institutions.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Since inception Al Jalila Foundation has delivered a number of innovative healthcare programs in education, treatment and research that have benefited people locally – and beyond. Cultivating a cutting-edge environment for medical research in line with our vision to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation to improve lives.”

“Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre represents an exciting opportunity to take the next leap forward in medical research. It offers an unrivalled opportunity for the UAE community to come together in our quest to advance scientific knowledge that will help tackle diseases. The promise of this new institute has started building a community of leading scientists that will work together to develop landmark discoveries.”

Her Excellency Dr Raja Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Scientists around the world continue to search for answers into the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting mankind. Our investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy. Medical research has the potential to save lives and our efforts today will pave the way for a healthier world for future generations.”

Out of 111 applications submitted for the seed grants, which represents over 100% increase in the number of applications since the inception of the program, 21 applications were selected following a competitive two-stage review process including international peer review with experts from the world’s most renowned medical institutions, including University of Oxford, King’s College London, University of Glasgow, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania, Mayo Clinic, University of Toronto, University of McMaster, University of Alberta, University of Lund, and University of Queensland. The reviewers were handpicked as leading experts in their specific field of research, in line with the commitment from Al Jalila Foundation to grow a biomedical research ecosystem in Dubai built on international best practice.

This cycle the awarded grants are well spread over the five themes as well as representative of the type of research that Al Jalila Foundation supports. Six grants were awarded in the field of cancer, four in cardiovascular disease, four in diabetes, four in obesity, and three in mental health. The funded studies include 9 basic, 7 translational and 5 clinical research projects.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, added: “Advances in medical research are critical to the nation’s prosperity and this continues to drive our efforts to attract financial support from professionals, philanthropists and corporates in the UAE. Our mission is to inspire medical advancements that will benefit future generations and support our vision to be at the forefront of global medical innovation. Today’s investments in medical research will go a long way to ensuring better treatment options for future generations.”

Four fellowships were awarded comprising one Student Research Elective Fellowship and three Medical Research Training Fellowships. Two Medical Research Training Fellowships have already started their Fellowships at the University of Alabama, USA and Imperial College London, UK. The Fellowships are exclusive to Emirati biomedical students and professionals, offering them the opportunity to gain experience and expertise at an international centre of excellence.

Prof. Sehamuddin Galadari, Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology and Chair of Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are very pleased to see a significant increase in the number and quality of the applications received. This year nearly all Emirates were represented and grants were awarded in all

five research areas supported by Al Jalila Foundation. The successful recipients have been selected following an independent and rigorous competitive selection process engaging international peer review. It is our mission as we progress to bring local and international scientists together to conduct research in the UAE. Our ultimate goal is to elevate the quality and the quantity of research being conducted in the UAE. This is very important in building a knowledge based economy, and transforming the healthcare system to be more research oriented, and hence, improving people’s lives with better treatments.”

Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre was established in 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the UAE at the forefront of medical research and innovation. The centre is fully funded by Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical treatment, education and research.

Summary of research projects and fellowships funded by Al Jalila Foundation:

Dr. Abdelmagyd, from the Gulf Medical University, plans to study the impact of diabetes type 2 on Emirati oral health which is known to have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. (Diabetes)

Prof. Al-Bastaki, from the Dubai Health Authority, aims to study the physical development and eating habits of Emirati children in order to better understand the prevalence and potential factors of children obesity. (Obesity)

Prof. Al-Ramadi, from the United Arab Emirates University, is evaluating the potential of a known anti-hypertensive agent, ambrisentan, in treating breast cancer. (Cancer)

Dr. Al-Safar, from the Khalifa University of Abu Dhabi, studies the clinic patterns, epidemiological determinants, risk factors and associated genetic predictors of kidney disease in an Emirati population with Diabetes type 2 to allow for earlier and better treatment outcome. (Diabetes)

Prof. Al-Sheikh, from the Mohammed bin Rashid University, is looking for genes causing familial hypercholesterolemia in the Emirati population. (Cardiovascular)

Dr. Al-Yateem, from the University of Sharjah, will pilot a community mental health support service for children and adolescent with chronic conditions and evaluate the feasibility of expanding this service to the UAE. (Mental health)

Prof. Amin, from the United Arab Emirates University, investigates the potential of safranal as a novel therapeutic agent against liver cancer. (Cancer)

Dr. Ansari, from the United Arab Emirates University, studies the effect of maternal obesity on embryonic liver development using human embryonic stem cells. (Obesity)

Dr. Ayad, from the University of Sharjah, investigates the potential of galanin-targeted therapeutics as adjuvant to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. (Cancer)

Dr. Banerjee, from the Mohammed bin Rashid University, is investigating dabigatran, which is given against irregular heartbeat, in order to understand its role in inflammation and coagulation and potential role in both brain injury and heart attacks. (Cardiovascular)

Prof. Hadjileontiad, from the Khalifa University of Abu Dhabi, investigates the correlation between mental health and the attributes derived from smartphone keystroke dynamics with the goal to develop better diagnosis and monitoring of mental health in young adults. (Mental Health)

Dr. El Gamal, from the University of Sharjah, is developing novel selective steroid sulfates inhibitors and investigating their therapeutic potential in hormone-dependent cancer. (Cancer)

Dr. Haider, from the University of Sharjah, aims to improve the formulation, permeability, bioavailability and efficiency of the chemotherapeutic agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, thanks to nanotechnology and thermo-sensitive hydrogels. (Cancer)

Dr. Hamoudi, from the University of Sharjah, is interested in the interplays between Herceptin receptor 2, estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer in Emirati women. (Cancer)

Dr. Jarrar, from University of Modern Sciences, aims to induce melanin biosynthesis in adipose cells in-vitro and in-vivo in oder to study its potential to suppress low-grade inflammation in metabolic syndrome. (Obesity)

Dr. Khalaf, from the Khalifa University of Abu Dhabi, investigates the risk of metabolically healthy obese to develop diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease using traditional systemic inflammatory markers as well as novel physiological and musculoskeletal markers. (Obesity, Diabetes)

Prof. Nemmar, from the United Arab Emirates University, is interested in evaluating the impact of water-pipe smoking on cardiovascular health as well as the potential protective effect of Gum Arabic. (Cardiovascular)

Dr. Shmygol, from the United Arab Emirates University, aims to better understand the mechanism responsible for the positive effect of oxytocin on cardiac electrophysiology. (Cardiovascular)

Prof. Sulaiman, from the University of Sharjah, plans to collect clinical, genetic and immunological data from a newly diagnosed population of diabetic patient in order to improve diagnostic categorization rate and develop personalized treatment. (Diabetes)

Dr. Taneera, from the University of Sharjah, investigates the link between iron and diabetes by studying the molecular and metabolic signature of iron store in pancreatic beta-cells. (Diabetes)

Dr. Uddin, from the Mohammed bin Rashid University, aims to characterize rare pathogenic mutations (deletion) that impact a significant portion of autism spectrum disorders as well as related neurodevelopmental disorders, which will be amenable to genetic, therapeutic interventions. (Mental Health)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the 6th edition of the 7EmiratesRun in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation concluded in Hatta at JA Hatta Fort Hotel.

The 497 kilometer, 7-day run is held annually in honour of UAE National Day with the mission to ‘get children back on their feet’. The UAE’s only cross-country charity run aims to raise funds for life-changing surgery and post-operative medical support for children born with limb deformities through Al Jalila Foundation’s iMcan program. iMcan, mobility in Arabic, is dedicated to providing mobility through prostheses to amputees.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “7EmiratesRun is an exceptional sporting endeavour that draws participants united in their passion for running and philanthropy. We are delighted to see the growing interest from international runners with the endurance run attracting several participants from abroad this year, including someone who has completed 1000 marathons around the world. In its sixth edition the UAE cross country run has already become a fixture in the global ultra-marathon calendar helping children back on their feet.”

Wendelin Lauxen, Founder & Director of 7EmiratesRun and Managing Director of DHCC-based German Limbtech, said: “The 7EmiratesRun course has been designed to give runners a chance to explore the beauty of the UAE on foot through its varied landscape. This year, we are excited to welcome international runners with impressive track records of ultra-running around the world. Together, we ran to spread the joy of running, promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness for children in need.”

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC, said: DMCC is proud to sponsor and support the 7EmiratesRun, a challenging cross country endurance race that celebrates the diversity of the UAE whilst bringing people keen to embrace an active lifestyle together with one common goal: To raise funds for children in need by providing a safe and encouraging environment. We would like to thank everyone who have supported this important cause”.

iMcan also aims to end stigma around mobility and inspire others to challenge themselves to go beyond convention and live a life of no limits. Once again amputee runner Abdulmumin Yusuf with prosthetic limbs joined the 7EmiratesRun team for 10 kilometres every day. Proving the popularity of the cross-country run, several international runners participated including acclaimed ultra-marathon runners, Rainer Koch and Klaus Neumann who recently completed 1000 marathons. A number of relay teams participated in the event including an all-women Emirati team from Dubai and a team from Germany.

The 7EmiratesRun, led by Wendelin Lauxen, commenced in Abu Dhabi on 18 November 2017 and traversed Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah concluding in Hatta, with an average of 70 kilometres covered per day.

“We are delighted to welcome the 7EmiratesRun this year and be the finishing point for the runners,” said Deborah Thomson, General Manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel. “We have always encouraged sports and fitness here in Hatta and now it has become the perfect destination for outdoor activities and the perfect fit for athletics. We know it has been a challenge and active week for the participants for such a great cause and we are looking forward to extending our heartfelt welcome to the race participants here at JA Hatta Fort Hotel.”

To date, Al Jalila Foundation has supported more than 25 patients (including 7 children) and invested over AED 1.5 million to empower individuals through its iMcan program.

The 7EmiratesRun was endorsed by Dubai Sports Council and major sponsors included DMCC, Ottobock, German Limbtech, Dubai Healthcare City, DBAJ, Monviso Water and Hertz UAE.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, 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.

It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women. In the UAE the average age of diagnosis is 10 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 program with partners to host almost 100 pink themed activities and events.

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 reinforcing that the disease can be beaten.

The Dubai Fountain turned pink with a giant floating pink ribbon capitalising on the millions of visitors that pass through every month.  Hospitality and retail partners led pink themed initiatives and social clubs organised a series of sports events including pink runs, swims, walks and golf tournaments with proceeds dedicated to breast cancer research and treatment.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer 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 continue this beyond October, 365 days a year, to ensure that we do not lose sight of our mission to fight the disease.”

More than 35 schools and universities supported Al Jalila Foundation’s breast cancer campaign with a host of creative events including bake sales, art workshops and sports days. Educational institutions have taken a lead with young people becoming the messengers of hope in raising awareness on the importance of medical research to save lives.

The month concluded with the first Brest Friends Festival, a community event at Al Barsha Pond Park, with a ‘Walk for Hope’ in solidarity with breast cancer patients and their families.  In line with the Dubai Fitness Challenge visitors to the festival were able to participate in a number of free fitness classes and sports activities to track their #Dubai30x30. The event drew hundreds of families including many breast cancer fighters and survivors proving that the UAE community supports the cause.

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 seven breast cancer research studies and provide quality medical care and treatment to 24 patients in the UAE.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Brest Friends in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation presents the first annual Brest Friends Festival, a fun filled community event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The festival to be held on Friday, 27 October 2017 from 8am to 8pm at Al Barsha Pond Park will host a series of wellness activities, a walk for hope, food trucks, a market and various entertainment bringing residents and organisations together to support a cause that affects millions of women around the world.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

The Brest Friends Festival is expected to draw a crowd of over 2000 people who will take part in the health and wellness initiative with all proceeds from the event going to support patients with breast cancer and funding vital medical research in the UAE. The festival’s primary aim is to raise awareness on the importance of early detection and give hope to breast cancer patients and convey the message that that the disease can be beaten – that there is life after cancer.

It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their life, making it among the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.  In the UAE, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and with the average age of diagnoses 10 years younger than elsewhere in the world.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “With the high prevalence of breast cancer among women in the UAE, it is clear that research and improved treatment are integral to combating the disease and ultimately, saving lives. Historically there has been little medical research on breast cancer done locally. In line with Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to encourage home-grown talent and boost medical research, we have already invested almost AED 2 million towards breast cancer research since 2014. Events like the Brest Friends Festival help us spread awareness on the importance of research and enable everyone to make a contribution to the future health of the UAE.”

Brest Friends, the first breast cancer support group in the UAE, was established by Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, with the mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer and providing a platform where patients and survivors can learn, share experiences and offer moral and emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President and Founder of Brest Friends, commented: “We have all been affected by breast cancer in some way, the Brest Friends Festival is an opportunity to bring the community together to honour breast cancer patients, survivors and remember the people we have lost. It is also a day to give hope that the disease can be beaten. As the month draws to an end, I would like to remind everyone that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to the month of October and call on the community to keep the message alive all-year round. I can not emphasize enough the importance of early detection, do not wait until October to take action.”

The festival will kick off with a 1.5km walk around the park led by Emirati Fitness and Dubai Drums alongside Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends. The walk will be followed by wellness activities including exercise zones offering complimentary classes throughout the day like Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, spinning sessions and much more. For the kids there will be water slides, inflatables and a soft play area. Families can enjoy the food trucks, local vendors and an organic farmers market with various delicacies.

The Brest Friends Festival is supported by Links Group, Emirates NBD, Dhamani, Dubai Stars, Bee’ah, Mediclinic, Masafi, Halza, Grand Millennium Hotel and Elabelz.com.

The activities will be conducted by Fitness Partners including Switch DXB, NRG Fitness, Motion, Rebel Fitness, Dubai Yoga, KO8, Yoga Retreats, Box IQ and Emirati Fitness.

Registration for the event is AED 50 for adults and free for children under the age of 12. All proceeds from the event go to supporting breast cancer patients.

For registration and more information about the festival please visit http://brestfriendsfestival.com/