Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation whose mission is to transform lives through medical education and research, and Monviso, Dubai’s premier Italian Alpine mineral water, have partnered in the “Take Water. Give Life” initiative to raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation’s lifesaving humanitarian work.

“Take Water. Give Life” – an original sales donation programme designed by Monviso especially and exclusively for Al Jalila Foundation – donates 1 AED to Al Jalila Foundation for every 1 liter sold by programme participants. These include participating retailers, hospitality venues, sports clubs, and includes online orders placed directly on the Monviso website. The humanitarian programme also has a sustainability aspect: Monviso will collect and recycle the empty plastic bottles from various locations, then sell the recycled plastic and donate its net returns to Al Jalila Foundation.

From 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017, Monviso has donated the equivalent of 59,286 liters (59,286 AED in donations) to support Al Jalila Foundation’s goal to save lives. Programme adoption is growing rapidly, with 40 of organizations in 10 sectors already participating.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation said: “‘Take Water, Give Life’ is the brainchild of Monviso and a great example of how creative partnerships and initiatives deliver sustainable charitable revenues. We encourage the community to support our partnership with Monviso as such programmes will further empower Al Jalila Foundation to achieve its mission to transform patients’ lives through medical research.”

Stefano Iorini, Monviso CEO said: “Water being a vital source of life, we wish to do something remarkable with Monviso for the years to come by partnering with Al Jalila Foundation to support their mission to save lives. We are proud to announce that the initiative has won the official endorsement of Dubai Sport Council, which is partnering with us to propose it to all sports events in Dubai and all clubs that operate under the Council’s authority.”

The initiative’s objective is to attract as many participating institutions, companies, clinics, sport academies, and individuals as possible and to turn a simple essential like water into the driver for something big and a force for doing good – to unite people around one cause.

To be in line with Dubai’s vision to be the smartest city in the world, “Take Water. Give Life” is supported by the Monviso mobile app where online orders can be placed very conveniently. If giving were made easier and integrated into people’s lifestyles, most people would be more charitable, and this is exactly what “Take Water. Give Life” does.

Al Jalila Foundation today announced that The Indian High School in Dubai has pledged AED 500,000 to support its healthcare programmes.

Present at the occasion were Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Mr Sunil Umrao, Honorary Chairman of The Indian High School; Dr Ashok Kumar, CEO of The Indian High School and members of the Management Committee, senior School Leaders and Student Council members of The Indian High School in Dubai.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama said: “We are delighted by the commitment and generosity extended by The Indian High School. This partnership is further testament to the support that the Indian community in Dubai has devoted to Al Jalila Foundation. We value their patronage and investment and look forward to seeing the impact of our collective efforts to improve lives through medical education and research.”

The support from The Indian High School echoes the values of the UAE Year of Giving 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.

Dr Ashok Kumar said: “To commemorate the month of Ramadan and the Year of Giving we have partnered with Al Jalila Foundation to support their healthcare programmes. Our contribution is a token of our commitment to support the meaningful work carried out by Al Jalila Foundation. We look forward to making a difference to the lives of people, together.”

Al Jalila Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education 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.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation today 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.

Al Jalila Foundation through its A’awen program provides support, treatment and medical care to patients in the UAE who are unable to afford quality treatment. Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported more than 208 patients, including 62 children, from 29 nationalities with a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions.

DIB’s support echoes the values of the UAE Year of Giving 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 Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer, 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.

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 honored to be able to support the Foundation’s mission to make a difference in people’s lives. This donation demonstrates the pioneering role of Dubai Islamic Bank to serve the UAE community to lead happier lives.”

Al Jalila Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education 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.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation has so far invested AED 59 million and transformed the lives of millions of beneficiaries with innovative medical treatment, research and education programs.

The young organization, founded in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, celebrated the end of a successful year bringing it closer to achieving its goal of positioning Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

Testament to its ethos of transforming lives, Al Jalila Foundation has invested millions in high-impact healthcare programs in the areas of medical treatment, education and research in the UAE and globally. Relying solely on donor funding, it has reached over 1.6 million beneficiaries from 129 nationalities.

The Foundation celebrated its fourth anniversary by publishing the achievements it has made until 2016, a very successful year for its programs. On a local level, it provided 55 research grants and 6 fellowships to advance research into the biggest health challenges in the region, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

In support of efforts to increase the national workforce, Al Jalila Foundation awarded scholarships to 58 Emiratis across a range of medical specialties in the UAE and abroad. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, underlined the importance of such programs in the Foundation’s 2016 report. “By championing homegrown solutions to overcome tomorrow’s health challenges, we aim to make the UAE the global backbone of medical progress and innovation,” he said.

It also funded life-saving treatment for over 270 patients suffering from cancer, heart disease, limb deformities, hearing disabilities and a range of other chronic illnesses. As part of its programs, it helped transform the lives of many children through the Cochlear hearing implants and through prosthetics that restore mobility. It even provided the first 3D printed hand to a young Emirati girl born with a limb abnormality.

Furthermore, education and awareness programs tackled the inclusion of people with disabilities into education curricula through the Ta’alouf training program for parents and teachers. The Foundation is also proud to partner with The Carter Center and has supported two Emirati journalists who were awarded the UAE Rosalynn Carter Journalism Fellowships for Mental Health in its effort to break the silence around mental health.

On a global level, Al Jalila Foundation partnered with UNICEF to provide 1.6 million vaccines across 15 countries to treat maternal and neonatal tetanus, and help 5,625 families across 35 countries get access to clean drinking water and sanitation. In partnership with Sentebale in Lesotho, the Foundation helped establish the Mamohato Children’s Centre to support vulnerable children, including orphans, living with HIV and other disabilities.

Al Jalila Foundation is one of the 28 member entities operating under Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It relies solely on the support of donors and the community in its mission to transform the lives of as many people as possible in the UAE and beyond.

The Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, perhaps the Foundation’s most ambitious project, is set to open in 2017 and will be the UAE’s first independent multi-disciplinary research center. As a AED 200 million not-for-profit centre, it will bring together leading local and international scientists to work on finding solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges. It will also collaborate with renowned research institutions around the world to foster scientific collaborations, and nurture homegrown biomedical researchers.

Al Jalila Foundation has partnered with over 40 organisations to fight diabetes, breast cancer and promote good health across the country. It continues its work to meet the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 of developing life-transforming healthcare programs, and fostering medical entrepreneurship and medical innovation. According to Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees: “The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform lives [is] a responsibility we are proud to uphold, and one which will continue to guide us to deliver innovative and sustainable philanthropic programs that will impact generations to come.”

The Foundation’s programs have seen support from people from all walks of life from across the country and beyond. Its community fundraising events range from cake sales at schools to marathons, mountain climbing, among other charity challenges. For example, cyclists from across the country participated in the BeWell Cycle Tour UAE to raise awareness on obesity, and participants from around the world climbed up the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers Offices as part of the Dubai Holding SkyRun. The Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ ‘Road to Awareness’ campaign helped raise funds to provide life-saving treatment to children with cancer and chronic illness in the UAE, and the 7EmiratesRun contributed to efforts to get children back on their feet with the support of prosthetics.

Alongside the efforts of its partners, the Foundation would not have been able to make such an impact without the support of the business men and women, philanthropists and members of the community who contributed the funds necessary to invest in medical research. Their generous support has enabled the Foundation to invest its efforts and funds to transform the lives of people and their families everywhere. Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, voiced his appreciation by saying: “Our success depends on the support we receive from our donors, strategic partners and the wider community.”

As the 2017 Year of Giving is underway, Al Jalila Foundation sees more possibilities than ever to achieve its goals and deliver on its commitment to the nation’s health, happiness and prosperity. Inspired by the message of unity behind UAE Vision 2021, it seeks to reinforce unity between the public and private sectors, donors, partners, the academic and scientific communities, and show solidarity with patients and the community. “The momentum is building in 2017 as the ‘Year Of Giving’ is underway – now, more than ever, the possibilities to achieve our shared goals are limitless,” Dr Al Olama added.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, today opened the highly-anticipated fourth edition of Destination Medicine Summit, a 3-day event welcoming 2000 Emirati students (aged 11 to 14) from 40 schools, both private and government, from across the Emirates. The global philanthropic organisation aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in medicine in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda to build a world-class healthcare and education system.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Destination Medicine Summit runs from 17 to 19 April 2017 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Centre at DHCC.

The opening was attended by a number of VIPs including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Al Jalila Foundation; HE Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Health Authority; HE Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board for Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Al Jalila Foundation; HE Khalid Al Shamsi, CEO of DHCA; Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; DHCC leadership and other prominent healthcare professionals and representatives from the education and healthcare sectors.  The VIP delegation toured the event spread across several exhibits including TechMed and the Medical Garden which featured more than 20 leading healthcare organisations.

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: “The summit aims to expose the students to the world of medicine and the rewards of this fulfilling career. Nothing would make us prouder than to see these students join one of our programmes in the future – and become doctors, save lives and give back to their community. That is the essence of Destination Medicine Summit.”

As the title sponsor, DHCA endorses the possibilities Destination Medicine Summit can provide for the future of healthcare in the UAE. His Excellency Khalid Ahmed Al Sheikh Al Shamsi, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said: “The authority is proud to play a role in guiding, motivating and encouraging Emirati youth to pursue careers in medicine. As more Emiratis join the UAE health sector, our country’s health system will benefit from increased capacity in the healthcare workforce. Institutions in Dubai Healthcare City offer several programs in medical education for aspiring healthcare professionals, and a platform such as Destination Medicine helps increase our youth’s interest in the field of medicine. We are delighted to work together with our stakeholders and partners to inspire physicians of tomorrow.”

The students dressed in lab coats and stethoscopes participated in various workshops, interactive panel discussions, inspirational talks, emergency response demonstrations and simulations, and witnessed futuristic medical advancements in healthcare.

In efforts to captivate the imagination and inspire young minds to the possibilities of a future in medicine, TechMed, a high-technology tunnel and one of the summit highlights, showcased innovative medical technologies from leading organisations. On show was the Siemens’ Robotic Advanced X-ray technology (RAX); a BioDigital touch screen of the human body; 3D printing by 3DBee; the UAE Drones for Good Award recipient, Sanad Academy; Medtronic Body Simulator; augmented reality showing the effects of bad lifestyle choices on the human body and other advanced technologies.

The Khalaf Al Habtoor Medical Simulation Center team from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences demonstrated a clinical simulation of a person going through anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, and how to medicate.

The Medical Garden features ‘REX’ the Exoskeleton Robot, CPR demonstrations, an ultrasound scan, interactive medical games among other activities. A collection of mobile clinics including Dubai Ambulance, Dubai Dental Clinic and Aster DM Healthcare were displayed at the venue to show the advantages of ‘doctors on wheels’.  A giant interactive human heart exhibit gives students a better understanding of the complexities of heart anatomy.

Speaking at the event were leading UAE physicians and medical pioneers including Dr Manal Taryam, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dubai Health Authority and CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation; Dr Alawi Alsheikh Ali, Consultant Cardiologist, Mohammed Bin Rashid University; Dr Arif Al Nooryani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CEO & Head of Cardiac Centre Al Qassimi Hospital; Dr Anwar Al Hamadi, Consultant Dermatologist and Dr Entesar Al Hammadi , Director of Arab Board Residency Program at Dubai Health Authority.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said “Al Jalila Foundation aims to develop a generation of home-grown medical professionals and Destination Medicine Summit is the perfect platform to connect aspiring young minds with leaders in healthcare. We have been impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and the positive results over the years and we hope that this experience will continue to instil the spirit of medical discovery and innovation. Thank you to Dubai Healthcare City Authority and Total for sponsoring this year’s event.”

Destination Medicine Summit is one of many education programmes offered by Al Jalila Foundation to position the UAE to the forefront of medical innovation. The Foundation awards scholarships, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to students showing promise and ability to serve their country in the field of medicine and health sciences. A new generation of Emirati doctors will ensure a sustainable national workforce to support the UAE Vision to be a front runner in education and healthcare.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that application for its fourth cycle of seed grants and fellowships has opened.  The global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation and research aims to improve healthcare in the UAE by supporting talented biomedicine academics in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

Researchers are invited to apply for seed grants of up to AED 300,000 over a 2-year period, which will give them the opportunity to investigate regional health issues through basic science, applied, or clinical research projects. The grants are available to all nationalities, provided the research is conducted in the UAE. Applicants should hold positions at local universities, research institutions or hospitals/clinics and will be assessed through an international peer review process.

The fellowships are available exclusively to Emirati biomedical students and professionals, offering them the opportunity to train at world-renowned institutions and centres of excellence.  Two international fellowship options are available: a Student Elective Fellowship of up to AED 50,000 supporting a 3-month placement and a Research Training Fellowship of up to AED 200,000 supporting a year-long placement.

In efforts to advance medical research in the UAE, Al Jalila Foundation has to date awarded over AED 14 million toward 55 research projects and supported Emirati scientists to train at international fellowships at global leading institutions in the UK, USA and Japan.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Research and training play an important role in developing the UAE’s medical sector and eventually will lead to life-changing discoveries. By supporting talented scientists, Al Jalila Foundation is building on our mission to transform lives by paving the way and developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences. We extend our gratitude to our generous donors, who are not only changing the lives of gifted individuals but are enabling the advancement of medicine to better the health and happiness of the nation for years to come.”

Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As we launch our fourth research grants cycle, we hope to attract even more aspiring researchers to the programme. Our funding last year enabled 4 fellowship grant recipients and 20 promising scientists to focus their imagination and time towards developing innovative medical research. We continue to support the brightest local minds in biomedical research to study at leading institutions and develop both personally and academically. By attracting local talents to medical research we are empowering the next generation to find innovative solutions to our most pressing healthcare challenges bringing hope to patients.”

The application deadline for the fellowships is 30 April 2017 and for seed grants 15 May 2017. Fellowship recipients will be announced by 15 June 2017 and the seed grant recipients by 20 October 2017.

For more application details please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/research.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that the second application cycle for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) has opened for applications. The program, in partnership with The Carter Center, was launched in the UAE in 2016 and is the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East.

For nearly two decades, the Center has awarded one-year fellowships to 181 journalists to connect them with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world.

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: “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.”

“For nearly two decades, Carter Center fellows have accurately and sensitively covered mental health issues around the world, helping communities better understand illnesses that affect so many people,” said former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. “Too often we only hear about mental health in the news following a crisis or tragic event. Yet, every day, millions of people living with these illnesses go to work, care for their children, and contribute to their communities. They are valuable members of society, and their stories deserve to be told.”

The Carter Center provides trainings, educational materials, mentorship, evaluation tools, and technical assistance to develop a sustainable and tailored program in the UAE.  Al Jalila Foundation manages the program and is responsible for the selection of journalists, facilitating media trainings, adapting the program to meet the needs of the Emirates, and local evaluations.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “It is a huge privilege to be the first to offer the mental health journalism program in the region and continue the incredible work that former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter has done to combat the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Our 2016 fellows have been instrumental in shining a light and raising awareness about mental health in the UAE. We are excited to continue to grow the program to benefit our nation.”

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.

How to Apply

The program is open to UAE nationals and residents working in all media forms with a minimum of three years of professional experience. Projects are tailored to the experience and interests of the fellows. Fellows should be bilingual (Arabic and English) and are not required to leave their current employment or relocate for the duration of the fellowship.

The 2016-2017 recipients of the UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, and part of the 20th class of fellows, are:

Khalid Al-Ameri, Opinion Writer, The Gulf Times
Topic: Examine the topic of depression and its prevalence in Arab society in an attempt to establish a culture that is supportive and equipped with responsive and adequate treatment.

Amna Al-Haddad
Sports Pioneer from The Middle East, Journalist, and Motivational Speaker, Dubai
Topic: Encourage open discussion about mental illness in the UAE through anonymous support group meetings and a monthly newspaper column.

The application for the 2017-2018 UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism is available online and should be submitted before 11 May 2017. The fellowship recipients will be announced on 13 July 2017 and the 2017-2018 fellowship year begins in September 2017.

For more information on the UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism program please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/mental-health or contact fellowships@aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced today that it received a two-year Health Access Grant for the amount of USD100,000 from Medtronic Foundation.

The grant will fund a local research programme focusing on Vitamin D deficiency in adults and children across the United Arab Emirates. The study will concentrate on early detection, evaluation, and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. The grant will allow Al Jalila Foundation to screen thousands across the UAE to promote early detection and prevention of the debilitating disease.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), up to 90 percent of those living in the emirates suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. IOF stated that the number of UAE residents suffering from the deficiency, which causes osteoporosis, a bone degeneration disease, is one of the highest in the world with the highest incidences among women. Osteoporosiscauses the deterioration of bone tissue and creates low bone mass, leading to bone fragility and a higher risk of broken bones.

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. We are grateful to the Medtronic Foundation for their support and look forward to working together on this important study. It is our hope that through increased awareness and early detection patients will be better equipped to manage the disease to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.”

“At Medtronic, we are driven by a belief that access to quality healthcare is fundamental for all people around the world,” says Majid Kaddoumi, Vice President and Managing Director of Medtronic, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey region. “Through the Medtronic Foundation, we invest in localized health access initiatives that support and recognize community-based organizations such as Al Jalila Foundation, allowing them to continue and expand their great work.”

Medtronic Foundation Health Access Grants are awarded in 72 different communities around the world in recognition of community-based programs and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to chronic disease care for the underserved.

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, 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)