Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, today announced the launch of ‘Together Against Osteoporosis’. This is the first osteoporosis research study of its kind in the United Arab Emirates and will be conducted by Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ). Gargash Enterprises, the general distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has donated two fully equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to facilitate the pioneering research in line with their corporate social responsibility giving initiative.

The ‘Together Against Osteoporosis’ medical research study investigates the prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in the UAE, as well as the correlation of vitamin D, diabetes mellitus and other risk factors with bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable, however, many people are not diagnosed in time to receive effective therapy during the early phase of the disease. The goal of this study is to raise awareness about this silent disease, preventative measures and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The study will be conducted during a 24 month period and aims to asses a total of 2,500 participants. The data collected will be published to provide healthcare professionals with accurate epidemiological information about osteoporosis in the UAE.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation said: “Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health concern. Studies have shown that insufficient levels of Vitamin D can lead to a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases. As the ‘Year of Giving’ kicks off we are grateful to Gargash Enterprises for their support and look forward to working together on this important study to advance medical research, improve patients’ lives and contribute to a healthier and happier nation.”

Shehab Gargash, Board Member of Gargash Enterprises supported: “With more than a 70% prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among the UAE population, we see it as our privilege, as well as our duty, to be part of this noble cause, and we are proud to stand side by side with the Al Jalila Foundation and Dubai Bone & Joint Center to accomplish it. The journey ahead of us to raise awareness is a long one, but with the Mercedes-Benz mobile clinic Sprinter vehicles that Gargash Enterprises has contributed, we have the confidence that the research team will be readily equipped for the challenges they may face and we look forward to raising awareness about Osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency and thus helping people learn about treatment and prevention.”

The two fully equipped mobile clinic vehicles that Gargash Enterprises has donated, will facilitate the country-wide medical assessments of adults across the United Arab Emirates. These mobile clinics will drive the research programme and allow Dubai Bone & Joint Center to screen thousands to promote early detection and prevention of the debilitating disease.

Michael Stroud, CEO of DBAJ, said: ‘’Dubai Bone & Joint Center are extremely grateful to Al Jalila Foundation and Gargash Enterprises for sponsoring this very important research and we are delighted that DBAJ can make a positive contribution to the future healthcare of the UAE’’.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, continues to invest in innovative healthcare programmes to position Dubai at the forefront of medical innovation. 100% of donations are invested in medical treatment, education and research to improve lives in the UAE and the region.

Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, the UAE’s first independent and non-for-profit research centre, announced today that it has awarded AED 5 million in seed grants to 20 UAE-based medical researchers bringing the total investment to date to AED 14 million for 55 research projects. The seed grants focus on research in the field of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health, Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre’s five research priorities. The grants were awarded to scientists from medical institutions across the UAE including Dubai Health Authority, UAE University, University of Sharjah, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, and New York University of Abu Dhabi. Three Emirati graduates were also selected to pursue medical research fellowships at renowned international institutions.

Out of 78 applications submitted for the seed grants, 20 applicants 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, Imperial College, University of Glasgow, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Toronto, 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 Research Centre to grow a biomedical research ecosystem in Dubai built on international best practice.

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 Research Centre, 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.”

Prof. Sehamuddin Galadari, Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology and CEO of Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, said: “We are very pleased to see an increase in the quality of applications and types of research which entails basic, translational, and clinical research. Mental health and cancer remain high as research topics among our research and scientific community. The successful recipients have been chosen following an independent and a very rigorous competitive selection process featuring international peer review. It is our mission, as we progress with the development of the Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, 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. We are very grateful to the Al Jalila Foundation for funding Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre and enabling this vision to come true.”

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.”

The 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 Mazin Magzoub, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, aims to identify physiologically relevant neurotoxic amyloid-beta species in Alzheimer’s disease and to improve our understanding of their stoichiometry, composition, supramolecular organization and mechanism of action. (Mental Health)

Professor Iain Blair, from the United Arab Emirates University, is conducting a cohort study on mental and social factors that are associated with successful aging in the Emirati population. (Mental Health)

Dr Ali Trablosi, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, is evaluating the anti-carcinogenic activity of new metal-organic complexes. This new class of muti-metal-centered organometallic non-trivial structures could serve as efficient and effective chemotherapeutic agent. (Cancer)

Dr Wegdan Bani issa, from the University of Sharjah, is studying the relationship between stress levels and sleep quality, physical activity and dietary habits among women living in the UAE. (Mental Health)

Professor Salah Gariballa, from the United Arab Emirates University, is addressing the feasibility of increasing fruits, vegetables and whole-grain fiber consumption in subjects with visceral obesity and whether when combined with low energy intake it could mitigate cardio metabolic risk factors associated with visceral obesity. (Obesity)

Dr Hany Omar, from the University of Sharjah, studies SU-CG5, a promising Energy Restriction Mimetic Agent (ERMA), and other ERMAs in targeting cancer multidrug resistance. These compounds could be a safer and effective alternative to antitumor agents. (Cancer)

Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, from the Al Jalila Foundation Research Center, follows a multi-disciplinary approach to explore and exploit the novel role of the Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), a tumor-suppressor protein, which can selectively destroy a wide variety of cancer cells via induction of apoptosis, leaving normal cells unaffected. (Cancer)

Dr Yong‐Ak (Rafael) Song, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, investigates the relationship between the loss of muscle strength and diabetes using C. elegans. As people age and especially if diabetic, their muscle strength and mass decrease. It could be possible to quantify the efficacy of anti‐diabetic drugs on the loss of muscle strength using C. elegans in a high‐throughput manner. (Diabetes)

Dr Dipesh Chaudhury, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which sleep deprivation (SD) rapidly alleviates the depressive phenotype. (Mental Health)

Drs Abdulshakur Abdulle and Yvonne Valles, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, explore gut microbial community dynamics in infants born from normal-weight healthy mothers, and obese but otherwise healthy mothers. (Obesity)

Dr Hasan Mir, from the American University of Sharjah, investigates the use EEG as cost‐effective, efficient, and convenient method for localizing the brain position where seizures originate. (Mental Health)

Professor Mawieh Hamad, from the University of Sharjah, evaluates the anti-carcinogenic potential of biologically-driven intracellular iron depletion. (Cancer)

Dr Raafat Abdel Gawad El-Gharib El-Awady, from the University of Sharjah, investigates the molecular mechanisms of newly developed 5-aminosalicylate-4-thiazolinone hybrid molecules. These molecules have shown promising anticancer activity comparable to the anticancer drug doxorubicin with minimal impact on normal cells. (Cancer)

Dr Anas Al Azzam, from the Khalifa University of Science and Technology, is working on a microfluidic system that can characterize circulating tumor cells based on the measurement of their electrical resistance, capacitance and response to radio frequency signals. (Cancer)

Dr Dymitr Ruta, from the Khalifa University of Science and Technology, uses Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to discover, detect and record detailed patterns of daily human activity to evaluate their role in health behaviours. (Cardiovascular, Diabetes & Obesity)

Drs Youssef Idaghdour and Louis Ashall, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, are looking for the genes that are activated/deactivated by advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) in diabetes. (Cardiovascular, Diabetes & Obesity)

Dr Maria Baias, from the New York University of Abu Dhabi, is studying the structure of a new polymorph of aspirin using nuclear magnetic resonance crystallography. A small change in aspirin’s structure could improve its pharmaceutical properties and increase its efficacy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. (Cardiovascular)

Mr Nezar Ahmed Salim, from the Dubai Hospital, investigates the knowledge and attitude of oncology nurses towards pain management. (Cancer)

Dr. Naoufel Weghi, from the Khalifa University of Science and Technology, is investigating an efficient non-invasive computer aided diagnosis system for early prostate cancer detection using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images. Early and accurate detection of prostate cancer would allow clinicians to initiate treatment at earlier stages, and thus potentially decrease the mortality rate of the prostate cancer. (Cancer)

Dr Samrein Ahmed, from the University of Sharjah, is addressing whether melanoma cells induce the expression of signalling adaptor protein ShcD upon prolonged oxidative stress. Understanding the mechanism of ShcD induced anti-apoptotic signal and migration upon cellular stresses will provide further insights on how to interrupt ShcD-induced survival signal, which eventually leads to the demise of melanoma cells. (Cancer)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the fifth edition of the 7EmiratesRun, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, commenced today in Hatta.

The 490 kilometre, 7-day charity run is being held in honour of the 45th UAE National Day and will conclude in Abu Dhabi on 30 November 2016 on the occasion of Commemoration Day. The event aims to raise funds to ‘get children back on their feet’. All funds raised will be used to pay for life-changing surgery and post-operative medical support for children born with limb deformities.

The cross-country run commenced at the Hatta Fort Hotel where students from a number of schools in Hatta joined the 7EmiratesRun full distance team. Among the participants were a number of employees representing the Title Sponsor RAKBANK and Platinum Sponsor Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA).

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Over the next 7 days runners will demonstrate their endurance by crossing the seven Emirates. We thank them for their commitment and dedication as they use this exceptional sporting endeavour to raise funds for a greater good. This is a wonderful example of how the community can come together to positively impact people’s lives. Last year, we were able to help a number of children walk again with prosthetic support. This year, we hope to be able to extend that support to many more children in the UAE. There is no greater joy than being able to give the gift of mobility.”

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, commented on the event: “The UAE’s ambition is to enhance its health, happiness and well-being and sports is integral to this. Sports transcends all barriers and unites people. It’s wonderful to see the community, adults and children, come together to celebrate the UAE through sports.”

Wendelin Lauxen, Founder & Director of 7EmiratesRun and Managing Director of DHCC-based German Limbtech, said: “The 7EmiratesRun team is back for the fifth year with a new course starting in Hatta and finishing in Abu Dhabi. The course has been designed to give runners a chance to explore the beauty of the UAE on foot through its varied landscape. We are excited to welcome the community to run a few kilometres – or the full distance – with us as we make our way through the United Arab Emirates. We run for the pure joy of running, to promote a healthy lifestyle and to raise awareness for children in need.”

Peter England, CEO of RAKBANK, said: “We are pleased to be sponsoring the 7EmiratesRun, for the second consecutive year, which is in line with the Bank’s commitments to supporting people with special needs and encouraging sports events especially for charitable causes. We look forward to working alongside Al Jalila Foundation in their endeavour to improve the lives of children in the UAE.”

David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer of JA Resort & Hotels, said: “JA Hatta Fort Hotel is delighted to be the starting point of this year’s 7EmiratesRun. Located in the idyllic Hajar mountains just over an hour’s drive from central Dubai, Hatta is the perfect upcoming destination for outdoor fitness and sports activities and it is fitting that the team have chosen to set off from here. We value the passion and dedication of the organisers and have extended a JA heartfelt welcome to them during their preparation for the challenge ahead. We wish all the participants the very best and look forward to seeing them cross the finishing line on 30th November.”

This year, for the second time, runners with prosthetic limbs will join the 7EmiratesRun team for a few kilometres every day. Among the amputee runners are Nigerian national Abdulmuminu Yusuf, a double amputee, who lost his legs as a child and Brazilian national Luiz Pradines who lost his left leg below the knee in an accident when he was 11 years old. A relay team consisting of 7 novice runners from German Limbtech (GLT) will also participate in the 7EmiratesRun. The GLT corporate team see the run as an opportunity for team building and to support a great cause.

The 7EmiratesRun will be led by Wendelin Lauxen. The route goes from Hatta to Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai and finally arriving in Abu Dhabi, with an average of 70 kilometres per day. Participants can join the full-distance runners every day for 10km or 70km.

The title sponsor is RAKBANK and the strategic partners are Hamdan Bin Mohammed Community Sports Initiative and Dubai Sports Council. Other major sponsors include Dubai Healthcare City, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), German Limbtech and Ottobock.

To support 7EmiratesRun please visit www.7emiratesrun.com and https://www.hopasports.com/7er