All posts by Carla Duarte

Stories of Hope

ADCB rallies the community in the fight against breast cancer

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is a leading financial institution in the UAE driving innovation and service excellence in the industry that also spearheads impactful locally relevant CSR initiatives. Every October for the past 12 years ADCB has dedicated the Pink Month initiative to support breast cancer awareness.

The ADCB Pink Run is held at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi annually and is one of the most popular sports events to mark #PINKtober. The Pink Run is more than just a run, it is a highlight on the UAE sporting calendar with as many as 1200 people from different backgrounds and abilities participating to show their solidarity with breast cancer patients and survivors. The Pink Run, now in its 10th edition, has raised hundreds of thousand of dirhams for Al Jalila Foundation to support breast cancer research.

In addition to the Pink Run, ADCB offers a host of other pink-themed initiatives.

The ADCB Tree of Hope is available at pink events throughout October and spreads the message of hope while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. With a minimum donation of AED 10, guests can leave messages of hope on pink leaves on the branches of the tree bringing the tree to life.

ATM users can ‘Donate A Dirham’ when using ADCB ATMs throughout the month of October and online customers can donate through ADCB’s Internet Banking to support Al Jalila Foundation all year-round.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Research is the answer to curing breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women affecting 1 in 8 women and studies show the average age of diagnosis in the UAE is 10 years younger than elsewhere in the world.

In efforts to fight breast cancer, Al Jalila Foundation invested in an important study with Dr Farah Benyettou from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) who is working on a drug delivery system to target the cancer directly and minimise the side effects.

Potent chemicals have long been used to fight cancer. These drugs are a vital mode of treatment, but they have a major drawback: they kill both healthy and cancerous cells, and patients who undergo chemotherapy experience serious side effects, such as hair loss and nausea.

Dr Farah Benyettou collaborated with Dr Ali Trabolsi, assistant professor of chemistry at NYUAD, to create a magnetic nanoparticle that can carry the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin straight to tumour sites.

Breast cancer tumors tend to be accessible and localised and nanoparticles tend to naturally accumulate when injected into the bloodstream. The approach uses therapeutic magnetic nanoparticles that travel directly to the tumor when injected into the bloodstream and destroy it without damaging healthy tissues, thus avoiding the systemic toxicity usually associated with chemotherapy.

A new nanoparticle could change the future of how drug delivery systems are used, and help doctors directly target cancer cells, thus increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy and avoiding damage to healthy cells.

Stories of Hope

First Emirati female surgeon leads the fight on breast cancer

Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, has spent more than 20 years campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in saving lives.

Dr Houriya was inspired to become a breast surgeon as a young doctor in her hometown of Dubai after seeing many patients with advanced stages of breast cancer due to lack of awareness of the disease and cultural barriers that prevented them from seeking life-saving medical attention.

After obtaining her fellowship in general surgery and specialising in breast surgical oncology from the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK, Dr Houriya returned home inspired to help her community and established the Well Woman Clinic.

In 2005 Dr Houriya launched Dubai’s first breast cancer support group, Brest Friends, to support women through their journey. Brest Friends provides a safe space for patients and survivors to learn, share experiences and offer emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process.

In 2015 Al Jalila Foundation partnered with Brest Friends with a joint mission to encourage early detection of breast cancer, facilitate medical treatment and fund locally-based research. The partnership lead to the annual #PINKtober campaign which rallies the community together to fight breast cancer, honour survivors and bring hope to patients.

Dr Houriya underlines “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of early detection is in the treatment of the disease – it saves lives.”

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation partners with MBRU to advance local medical research on diseases affecting mankind

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, today announced that Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, a subsidiary of the Foundation, has established a partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) to advance biomedical research in the UAE.

As part of the partnership agreement, Al Jalila Foundation has pledged AED8 million of funding annually to support MBRU research efforts. The partnership aims to inspire collaborative research and enhance the quality of both entities’ research programmes to contribute to the UAE’s thriving medical research ecosystem.

The partnership will foster collaboration among the research community, create opportunities for students and faculty to further their education and explore ways to support each other’s research objectives.

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: “Al Jalila Foundation’s investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the UAE’s long-term strategy to safeguard the health of the nation.  We are proud to partner with MBRU, a leading academic and research institution in the UAE, to strengthen and complement the research conducted by Al Jalila Foundation.”

Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU have been working together since inception. To date, the Foundation has provided scholarships for 18 postgraduate students and 17 undergraduate students pursuing medicine at MBRU investing AED13 million to advance the UAE’s medical expertise. The Foundation also awarded six research grants in the areas of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, added: “Scientific research is a critical resource for discovering new ways to diagnose and treat diseases affecting mankind. Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU share a commitment to advance medical research on treatments that will benefit the UAE population. This agreement combines the strengths of our institutions and we are confident that it will have a positive impact on the lives of people.”

Dr Amer Sharif, Vice Chancellor MBRU, commented, “Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU have a long-standing history of collaboration. They have supported our mission since inception, and we are very honoured to join hands once again to advance health through an integrated academic health system.”

“We recognise the significant role scientific research plays. This pledge is a valuable resource that will further stimulate research in the UAE and enable scientists at MBRU to further progress in their work. It will also enhance the supportive environment for scientific and clinical research which will improve health outcomes for individuals and communities, in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation. Together with Al Jalila Foundation, we will reinforce Dubai’s position on the global map.”

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has provided opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED28 million to award 100 research grants and nine international research fellowships at leading global institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges. In line with the vision to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation, the Foundation established the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research institute with an investment of AED300 million solely funded by philanthropic partners.

By supporting talented scientists and investing in groundbreaking research, Al Jalila Foundation is developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences.

Stories of Hope

Thannon all set to fulfil his dream to be a doctor

Al Jalila Foundation is invested in nurturing the next generation of medical talent in the UAE through providing scholarships to promising young medical students.

One shining student was 2016 high school graduate Thannon Aysar Thannon who excelled in his studies and was looking to get into a prestigious medical school. Thannon was accepted into Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) six-year program in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). In addition to earning the coveted place at MBRU his record was so outstanding that he received the Al Jalila Foundation scholarship based on merit.

“As a result of receiving the Al Jalila Foundation scholarship, I have been able to follow my passion to become a doctor and transform the lives of people. It is an honour to receive the scholarship, which has helped me to gain new skills and move forward towards my goals. The scholarship has given me the freedom to seek out learning opportunities in the UAE and beyond. This has further prepared me to serve the local community and become a better equipped doctor in the process.”

Thannon has excelled at every level of his studies and is on track to graduate the class of 2022 and we look forward to watching as he starts the next chapter of his medical career.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Researcher evaluates the effect of smoking on health

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of non-infectious disease deaths worldwide. Globally, and in the Middle East, cigarette smoking and alternative forms of tobacco smoking such as shisha and dokha has attracted serious public health concern.

Professor Sausan Al Kawas from University of Sharjah lead an investigation, supported by Al Jalila Foundation, on the effects of smoking dokha and other tobacco on the composition of oral microbiome in relation to oral health and associated with increases in the risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.

The oral microbiome plays a key role in human health and contributes to many diseases including both oral and systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Tobacco smoking affects the microbial ecology through several mechanisms leading to unbalanced microbiome or dysbiosis.

The effect of smoking different tobacco types on the supragingival and subgingival microbiome has not been reported previously.

By conducting a comprehensive oral examination and assessment of oral microbiome composition in different groups of smoker and none smoker individuals, the team found altered subgingival microbial communities in smokers. These findings suggest that periodontal microbiome dysbiosis is promoted by smoking tobacco and is associated with periodontitis.

In conclusion, cigarettes and alternative types of tobacco including dokha and shisha significantly altered both supragingival and subgingival plaque microbiome. Understanding the factors which alter the microbial community in the oral cavity is crucial to the design of health-promoting strategies for tobacco cessation for better oral and general health.

Press Release

DEWA donates AED30 million to Al Jalila Foundation for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has donated AED30 million to support ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the UAE’s first charity hospital aimed at helping cancer patients in need.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced last April plans to establish the‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’.

The hospital was named after the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In less than four months since the announcement of the hospital by HH, Al Jalila Foundation has already raised AED330 million, towards the AED750 million fundraising target, with major donations from philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Health is the cornerstone of a nation’s longevity, economic development and sustainability and Al Jalila Foundation aims to build medical capacity to strengthen the UAE’s health system. The health and wellbeing of the UAE’s citizens and residents is one of our top priorities and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will become a leader in cancer care serving patients in need.  We are grateful to DEWA and the philanthropic community for coming together to help make quality healthcare accessible to the most vulnerable in society.”

“DEWA supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the values of goodness, giving and benevolence. We are pleased to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in Dubai, the first of its kind in the UAE. This hospital commemorates the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s legacy in humanitarian and charity projects in the development, urban, educational and medical sectors. Since the UAE union by the Founding Fathers, the UAE is pioneering in humanitarian work worldwide. Apart from providing electricity and water according to the highest availability, reliability and efficiency standards, DEWA also aims to be a key contributor to developing the medical infrastructure of the country, enhancing the efficiency of the health ecosystem and responding to change and emergencies,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Al Jalila Foundation works with its partners and donors to deliver innovative treatment, education and research programmes to support the UAE National Health Agenda to achieve a world-class healthcare system. We are extremely grateful to DEWA for their continued generosity and for supporting the work we do to transform lives. The UAE’s first cancer charity hospital aims to redefine cancer care for those in need and become a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Donor support is an integral part of our success in developing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital and we are grateful to our long-term partner DEWA who has committed to helping us realise our vision to support cancer patients and their families. The hospital will bring together cancer expertise and make an invaluable contribution to the country’s healthcare sector putting patient care first.”

The 250-bed hospital will occupy 50,000 square meters. It will provide best-in-class outpatient, ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as inpatient and surgical services in a nurturing environment that features personalised patient care. It will be built in two phases with Phase 1 expected to open at the end of 2023 with 150 beds and the capacity to treat 30,000 patients a year.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation raises a total of AED 300 million for Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that it has so far raised AED300 million to establish the ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the UAE’s first charity hospital that seeks to help cancer patients in need.

The new total, raised in less than three months, brings the Foundation another step closer to reaching its AED750 million fundraising target. The Foundation had previously announced in June that it had raised AED220 million towards the project. A number of philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates have generously donated to the Hospital project.

The latest entities that have donated to the project include the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF), Dubai Islamic Bank, Union Coop, Dar Al Ber Society and the Family of the Late Fardan Bin Ali Alfardan.

Spanning 50,000 square metres, the Al Jalila Foundation’s new 250-bed hospital will be built in two phases and will have a total capacity of treating 30,000 patients a year. The first phase of the hospital is set to open at the end of 2023 and will include 150 beds equipped with cutting-edge technology. The hospital will bring together innovative expertise and advanced medical technologies to provide comprehensive cancer care ranging from prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. The hospital will also work with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute on research studies to advance cancer care.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital stems from our vision to provide truly inclusive healthcare services and the high priority we place on the wellbeing of the UAE’s citizens and residents. The Hospital is set to become a leader in cancer care, and we are immensely grateful to the philanthropic community for their contributions, which are helping us in realising our objective of making quality healthcare accessible to the most vulnerable in society.”

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Health is the cornerstone of a nation’s longevity, economic development and sustainability. At Al Jalila Foundation, we aim to build medical capacity as part of our contributions to strengthen the UAE’s health system. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will be a beacon of hope, and we are grateful for the generosity and support of our donors that are helping us make this project a reality.”

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Donor support is an integral part of our success in developing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. We are grateful to our partners and donors who have committed to helping us realise our vision to help cancer patients. The UAE’s first charity hospital will make a big difference in our community by providing comprehensive cancer care that is based on medical research in collaboration with the best cancer care hospitals in the world.”

Donors supporting the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital have praised the initiative to build the hospital as a pioneering contribution to the nation’s healthcare sector.

His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director of Investment Corporation of Dubai, said: “The Investment Corporation of Dubai is greatly honoured to be part of this initiative to build the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. We believe that the hospital, which is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will make an invaluable contribution to the country’s healthcare sector. The hospital will be another major milestone in the history of the UAE and will help transform the lives of many cancer patients and their families.”

His Excellency Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, said: “The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai is proud to support the construction of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital as part of its commitment to social responsibility. IACAD places great importance on supporting efforts aimed at sustaining charitable and humanitarian work. The hospital honours the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his extraordinary philanthropic work and also gives hope to the most deprived patients.”

His Excellency Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, said: “The late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum was among the first supporters of endowment projects and one of the most prominent contributors to humanitarian work. Today, the Awqaf Foundation, in partnership with various entities, is following in Sheikh Hamdan’s footsteps and his path of compassion and philanthropy, by contributing to the development of the state-of-the-art hospital that will provide the most innovative expertise to cancer patients in need.”

Abdulla Ali Obaid Al Hamli, Managing Director of Dubai Islamic Bank said: “Dubai Islamic Bank is delighted to support the development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, an initiative that will provide the highest level of cancer care to our community. We remain committed to Al Jalila Foundation, especially the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, which we see as a critical player in the progress of the medical and healthcare industry. We believe the hospital will have a strong role in finding solutions and innovations that reduce patient suffering and spreading health awareness among members of society.”

His Excellency Majid Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Union Coop, said: “Union Coop is keen to play an effective role in serving the community, participating in social development and supporting research to advance national prosperity. We are extremely proud to contribute to the development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital to advance education, treatment and research in the medical sector. Supporting non-profit medical initiatives is a top priority for Union Coop as it contributes to reinforcing the status of Dubai and the UAE as a hub for medical innovation.”

Dr. Mohammed Suhail Al Muhairi, CEO and Managing Director of Dar Al Ber Society, said: “Dar Al Ber Society’s contribution to Al Jalila Foundation’s humanitarian projects embodies the Society’s vision to support charitable, humanitarian and development work in its commitment to the values of social responsibility and prioritising the health of vulnerable patients and assisting them in their treatment. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is of exceptional importance as it will help patients receive the urgent treatment they need.”

Dr. Mahdi Al Fardan, Family of the Late Fardan Bin Ali Alfardan, said: “In memory of my late father, Fardan Alfardan, our family wishes to contribute towards the building of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in Dubai. Throughout his life, my father took a keen interest in community outreach through healthcare. It was his mission to make a positive impact on the lives of families facing cancer.  We hope our contribution will help the hospital open new doors in outstanding patient care and deliver the most leading-edge treatments available today.”