Philanthropists who have donated to the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital being established by Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, have praised the initiative to build the hospital as a pioneering contribution to the nation’s healthcare sector.

The UAE’s first charity hospital pays tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his lifetime of service to the nation and extraordinary global philanthropic achievements. The contributions of the donors have helped Al Jalila Foundation already raise a total of AED220 million for the construction of the hospital.

The donors include HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Mohammed Ibrahim Obaidullah, Hamad bin Ahmad bin Sougat, the Family of the Late Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, the Family of the Late Abdel Wahid Hasan Al Rostamani, Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Faizal E. Kottikollon & Shabana Faizal, Dr. Rajen A. Kilachand, Raghuvinder Kataria and PNC Menon.

HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Founder, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, said: “We deeply appreciate the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a world-class hospital which will be a beacon of hope for cancer patients. Our long-term partnership with Al Jalila Foundation is underpinned by our collective vision to improve the lives of people and communities through medical innovation. Our contribution to build the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is a symbol of our commitment to support free medical treatment for cancer patients who would otherwise be unable to afford it. This is also an expansion of the vision of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation that pays great attention to supporting the provision of medical treatment for low-income and poor families.”

Mohammed Ibrahim Obaidullah said: “The establishment of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in Dubai is a pioneering move and significant contribution to the health sector in the UAE, which has been at the forefront of our wise leadership’s agenda. In the year of the Golden Jubilee, the UAE has become one of the best countries in the world in the field of healthcare. The new hospital will represent all that is good as it bears the name of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and commemorates his memory, as much as it provides a platform for people to be part of a giving movement and helping others. In order for this hospital to become a beacon that radiates hope to those who cannot afford the cost of treatment, I encourage everyone to support its completion as an act of goodwill and humanitarian obligation.”

Hamad bin Ahmad bin Sougat said: “It is one of the biggest privileges to be able to help improve lives. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, instilled in us a culture of giving and he inspired his people to care for those less fortunate. Philanthropy is at the heart of our nation’s fabric and we are immensely proud to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital and honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The new hospital will provide a safe haven for those impacted by cancer and it will become beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families.”

Khalid Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, Chairman of AW Rostamani Group said: “CSR is embedded in our organisation’s culture and we are committed to improving the quality of life of local and international communities. AW Rostamani Group’s partnership with Al Jalila Foundation spans across many years and we would like to convey our appreciation and gratitude to Al Jalila foundation for giving us the opportunity to be part of this initiative and the establishment of Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital which will improve so many lives. Our support for the new cancer hospital is our way of giving back to the nation, its people and its residents. If we can leave the world a better place we have honoured the legacies of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid and our late father Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani both of whom dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of others and improving humanity.”

Marwan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group said: “Al Rostamani Group is honoured to be part of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum initiative to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, a tribute to the person who will be remembered for his generosity and devotion to make a difference in the lives of those in need, both in the UAE and beyond. We believe that the act of giving and contribution is humanitarian in its essence – never fades or diminishes, a principle that the Al Rostamani Group has been committed to since its establishment.”

Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Chairman, Al Zarooni Group of Companies said: “There is a great need for a comprehensive cancer care hospital in Dubai and it will make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Establishing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is a wonderful way to honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan who dedicated his life to improving people’s lives across the globe. It is a privilege for us to support the hospital because it is an inspiring humanitarian project that reminds us of our responsibility as human beings towards those that need it most. Our wise leadership has instilled in us the race to do good and live by the values of giving and human solidarity, instilled in them by the founding fathers of the UAE, and we are committed to doing our part to benefit mankind.”

Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman, Seddiqi Holding said: “The charitable contributions of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are monumental to our country and beyond. With philanthropy and compassion at the core of the Seddiqi family values and Seddiqi Holding, we are humbled to contribute towards the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in honour of his work and memory. We look forward to working alongside Al Jalila Foundation on this endeavour, which continues to honour the values and beliefs of our late founder Ahmed Qassim Seddiqi and is pioneering development in this field.”

Faizal and Shabana Kottikollon, Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson, KEF Holdings said: “We are pleased to support Al Jalila Foundation to establish the UAE’s first charity hospital to help cancer patients in need. As entrepreneurs, our biggest commitment is to make a positive impact in people’s life. Education and scientific research leading to innovation is the only way to honour that commitment and leave a better, more sustainable world for the coming generations.  Scientific research is a fuel that accelerates human progress and at KEF we believe that through hard work backed by research and commitment leading to revolutionary ideas is the key to a brighter future. We see the same spirit in Al Jalila Foundation and that’s what makes this a perfect partnership.”

Dr Rajen A. Kilanchand, Chairman, Dodsal said: “I am proud to be associated with Al Jalila Foundation as a donor and I was extremely pleased to hear that the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is being built to help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment. Everybody knows someone who has or had cancer and to be able to make a difference to the lives of those suffering with this disease in a specialist hospital is a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid. Al Jalila Foundation aims to be at the forefront of this new era in the fight against cancer by collaborating with renowned research centres and leading oncologists to find new ways to eradicate cancer.”

Raghuvinder Kataria, Chairman of Kataria Holdings said: “I believe the true wealth of a nation is determined by the health of its people. This is echoed through the vision of Al Jalila Foundation in its pursuit of transforming lives through medical education and research in the UAE and for all mankind. Our mission at the Kataria Foundation is to enable people to lead meaningful lives and realize their potential through providing good healthcare and education. We have been associated with various initiatives of Al Jalila Foundation and give our utmost support and blessings to the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital; may its purpose prosper for generations to come.”

PNC Menon, Founder and Chairman, Sobha Group said: “We are honoured to support Al Jalila Foundation in its mission to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital and believe that their work towards advancing local medical research is crucial to the UAE’s progress as a medical hub. The UAE is home to the brightest minds and its healthcare sector is expanding rapidly to meet the evolving needs of a growing population. In this context, it gives me great satisfaction to see the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer get priority.”

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that it has already raised AED220 million to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital to help cancer patients in need.

The UAE’s first charity hospital pays tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his lifetime of service to the nation and exceptional global philanthropic achievements. The new hospital will accelerate the UAE’s efforts to be a leader in cancer care and a pioneer in medical innovation shaping the future of medicine.

Al Jalila Foundation is investing AED750 million in the 250-bed hospital spanning 50,000 square metres, which will be built in two phases. The facility will be the first fully modular-built hospital in the region. Phase 1 of the hospital, featuring 150 beds equipped with cutting-edge technology, will have the capacity to treat 30,000 patients a year. The comprehensive cancer care hospital will bring together innovative expertise and advanced medical technologies on par with the best in the world. It will provide comprehensive cancer care ranging from prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.

A special ceremony held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, saw the donor names for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital being revealed. To mark this momentous occasion Al Jalila Foundation launched a donor recognition programme called the ‘Trustees Circle of Hope’.

The donors include HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Mohammed Ibrahim Obaidullah, Hamad bin Ahmad bin Sougat, the Family of the Late Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, the Family of the Late Abdel Wahid Hasan Al Rostamani, Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Faizal E. Kottikollon & Shabana Faizal, Dr. Rajen A. Kilachand, Raghuvinder Kataria and PNC Menon.

Al Jalila Foundation had unveiled the plans for the hospital,to be developed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during Ramadan.

During the event His Highness Sheikh Mohammed talked about Hamdan bin Rashid’s humility and selfless giving that touched millions of lives. He also talked about how his devotion to education, healthcare and orphans continued throughout his lifetime, and how the impact of his work is still seen in every corner in Dubai. Hamdan bin Rashid will always be remembered “for giving more than he was asked, and for working silently for the service of humanity,” His Highness had said.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “There is no greater priority than health and we have an obligation to help improve the lives of the most vulnerable in society. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will bring together innovative expertise, advanced medical technologies and wellbeing strategies to propel the UAE’s vision forward to become a leader in cancer care. The hospital is a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, one of the world’s greatest philanthropists, and we are proud to come together to build on his legacy to make quality healthcare within reach for all.”

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: “We are building a state-of-the-art facility for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer with some of the world’s leading oncologists to deliver the best cancer treatment available. At Al Jalila Foundation, we believe that no patient should be left behind; 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 make it possible.”

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The UAE is one of the most charitable countries in the world and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will be made possible with the help of philanthropists, corporate organisations and donations from the community. We are grateful for the donors who have already come forward to help us realise our vision to provide quality cancer care to patients in need.”

Currently, Al Jalila Foundation has raised AED220 million towards the AED480 million needed to build Phase 1 of the hospital and the first year of operations. The hospital is expected to open its doors to the first patient in 2023.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Jalila Foundation, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today unveiled plans to establish the UAE’s first charity hospital to help cancer patients in need. To be completed in two phases, the state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer facility will open its doors in 2023.

The 250-bed hospital, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will have the capacity to treat 30,000 patients a year, offering comprehensive services ranging from prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.

The cancer care hospital will bring together innovative expertise and highly qualified medical professionals and advanced medical technologies on par with the best in the world. It will also support cancer research and train medical practitioners to deliver world-class treatment services.

The name of the new hospital was revealed at a special event held in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation; HE Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future and the Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI); and HE Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Chairman of Protocols for the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. The hospital’s name pays tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his lifetime of service to the nation and extraordinary global philanthropic achievements that continue to touch millions of lives around the world.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tweeted, “Today, we announce plans to establish the ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’ to provide free cancer care for people in need. Spanning 50,000 square meters, the 250-bed capacity hospital will treat 30,000 patients a year.”

He added, “Hamdan bin Rashid was known for his humility and selfless giving that touched millions of lives. His devotion to education, healthcare and orphans continued throughout his lifetime, and the impact of his work is still seen in every corner in Dubai. His demise left a void.”

He noted, “Hamdan bin Rashid will always be remembered in our nation for giving more than he was asked, and for working silently for the service of humanity.”

“We commend Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed’s efforts to make the new hospital a reality and honour Hamdan bin Rashid’s legacy.”

Spanning 50,000 square metres, the seven-storey hospital will be Dubai’s first fully modular-built hospital equipped with the latest medical technologies.

A total of 150 beds will be created in the first phase while expansion plans implemented in the second phase will expand capacity to 250 beds.

The new hospital aims to accelerate the UAE’s efforts to be a leader in healthcare excellence and a pioneer in medical innovation shaping the future of medicine.

A Fitting Tribute
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As the UAE prepares for its Golden Jubilee and the next 50 years, there is no greater priority than good healthcare and the Al Jalila Foundation aims to play its part in providing medical excellence in the UAE – especially for the most vulnerable in society.”

He added, “The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will bring together innovative expertise, advanced medical technologies and wellbeing strategies to propel the UAE’s vision forward to become a leader in cancer care.” He stressed that “the hospital is a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, one of the world’s greatest philanthropists, and we are proud to come together to build on his legacy to make quality healthcare within reach for all.”

Beacon of Hope
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “We are building a state-of-the-art facility for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer with some of the world’s leading oncologists to deliver the best cancer treatment available.”

She added, “At Al Jalila Foundation, we believe that no patient should be left behind; the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will be a beacon of hope and we are grateful to the generosity and support of our donors that make it possible.”

Making a Difference
Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Most people have been touched by cancer in some way. The number of people being diagnosed with cancer continues to rise and as a healthcare philanthropic organization, we feel it is our obligation to do what we can to help save lives.”

He added, “the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will make a real difference by providing quality healthcare to people who would otherwise be unable to access treatment.”

Cancer in the UAE
According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for about 10 million deaths per year. Late-stage presentation and lack of access to diagnosis and treatment are common, particularly among the most vulnerable in society. In the UAE, approximately 4,500 new cases of cancer are reported every year and cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths.

Cancer Research in the UAE
Al Jalila Foundation empowers cancer researchers to push the boundaries of science to make discoveries that can be translated into improved treatment protocols. Due to the high prevalence and importance of the disease, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded 43 cancer research grants that will pave way for breakthroughs to treat this debilitating disease and ultimately, save lives. The new cancer hospital will provide the best and most advanced cancer treatment for those who cannot afford it and will work with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute to advance cancer research.

Unique Building Features
The new facility will be Dubai’s first fully modular comprehensive hospital delivered through the most advanced technologies and construction techniques using plug-and-play components optimised for off-site factory production. The modular concept allows flexibility for future expansion and reduces design time by 50%, construction time by 30% and cost by 20%.  The first phase will see the construction of the first wing of the hospital with 150 beds while the second phase will see capacity expanded to 250 beds. The facility will incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESS) principles across its design and construction, whilst reducing energy use and operational cost.

In observation of World Kidney Day, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital (AJCH), Mediclinic City Hospital and Al Jalila Foundation are launching a month-long awareness campaign around kidney disease, organ donation, and transplantation.

As part of the ‘Think Kidney’ campaign, there will be three virtual sessions amongst other initiatives that will put the spotlight on kidney health, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), transplantation, organ donation, contributing to support transplant programs, and patient experiences. The first session will be held in English on March 14 and will have Pritvik Sinhadc, Dubai’s first-ever recipient of pediatric kidney transplant from a live donor, his father Bhaskar who donated his kidney to his son, Dr Waldo Concepcion, Head of Al Jalila Children’s Organ Transplant Center, and Dr Farhad Janahi, Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon at Mediclinic City Hospital and Assistant Professor of Surgery at MBRU, led the team that operated on Pritvik.

The second session on March 16 will be conducted in Arabic and will feature Dr Ali Al Obaidli, Chair of the National Transplant Committee, Hind Al Muhairi, a beneficiary of the kidney donation and transplantation program, and her brother Ali Al Muhairi, whose kidney Hind has received. The third will be the World Kidney Day Paeds x symposium series.
An approximate 4,500 patients are reported to be suffering from kidney failure in the UAE and initiatives like ‘Think Kidney’ are crucial in providing more information to patients, promote organ donation, and explain the significant improvements in quality of life after organ transplantation.

Jamal Abdulsalam, CEO, DHCA, said “Since 2015, we in Dubai Healthcare City have built expertise and capacity in kidney transplant. Through our enabling ecosystem and strategic partnerships, we were able to create a hub for organ transplant in DHCC with our three key players, Al Jalila Children’s, MBRU and Mediclinic City Hospital creating a unified front for organ transplantation in Dubai. In this context, our recently launched ‘Think Kidney’ Campaign will raise awareness on kidney health, transplantation and organ donation as well as highlight DHCC’s contribution in increasing access to quality care for people suffering from kidney diseases in Dubai and the UAE.”

World Kidney Day held on March 11th annually aims to raise awareness around the importance of kidney health and the contribution of these organs to the overall health of an individual along with shedding light on the frequency and impact of kidney diseases and attendant health problems across the globe.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, said “World Kidney Day is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness on the importance of our kidneys to our overall health. In the UAE chronic kidney disease is particularly prevalent partly due to high instances of associated illnesses like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. At Al Jalila Foundation our top priority is to transform lives through medical innovation and with the support of our donors we invest in research and provide life-saving treatment to those suffering from kidney disease. Through our A’awen program we offer patients the opportunity to undergo the latest medical procedures at world-class medical institutions, offering them renewed health and hope for the future.”

Dr Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO of Al Jalila Children’s, said “This initiative, which aims to raise awareness on kidney diseases, transplantation and donation will support Al Jalila Children’s effort in providing organ transplantation services for our young patients through our recently launched Organ transplant Center. In line with the national efforts to advance to advance organ transplantation programs, the center provides the full spectrum of care to children suffering from organ failure including disease management, transplantation evaluation, organ transplant and post transplantation care.”

As part of MBRU’s mission to advance health in the region and provide innovative medical solutions to the community, the University runs the successful MBRU Organ Transplant Program, established in June 2016, that has developed a comprehensive framework for organ transplantation in Dubai through various public and private partnerships, to meet the growing demand in the UAE. Over the years, MBRU has further refined the Organ Transplant Program through signing a tripartite MOU with Mediclinic Middle East and Al Jalila Children’s to act as one-front in supporting organ donation and transplantation efforts in the UAE, organizing the first UAE Organ Transplant Summit, and the inaugural UAE Organ Donation Forum. Until date the program has had 20 successful organ transplantation surgeries from living and deceased donors.

Matthew Dronsfield, Hospital Director at Mediclinic City Hospital, said “The renal transplant program has achieved outstanding patient outcomes since its launch in 2016. The deceased donor program has resulted in a welcome increase in the number of renal transplants being performed and this has been enhanced through the development of the living donor program in 2020. The success of the renal transplant program has been made possible through the incredible work performed by a multidisciplinary team and through collaboration between the public and private sectors in order to provide patients access to the latest treatments and follow up care. This year the Think Kidney campaign will build on the achievements so far and highlight the importance of kidney health by raising awareness so that more patients can benefit from the expertise available in Dubai.”

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration & Professional Services at MBRU said that the University is deeply committed to advancing health through comprehensive public-private partnerships and implementing quality community engagement programs that better outcomes for patients and improve the quality of life in the community. “Our goal is to advance health in the UAE and beyond. Our core values of connectivity, giving, and excellence is reflected in this collaborative ‘Think Kidney’ campaign. Our goal is to amplify the discussion around kidney health, organ transplantation, and organ donation in the UAE and bring international best practices in the field to the UAE in order for communities to live healthier lives,” he said.

To know more about the campaign go to www.thinkkidney.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced that it has received a donation of AED 1 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 financial aid for medical care to patients in the UAE who are unable to afford quality treatment. Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 1094 patients from 54 nationalities, including 602 children, and invested almost AED 74 million to provide relief to patients who have suffered a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions. The treatment costs for patients, newborn to 90 years of age, have ranged from to AED 20,000 to AED 250,000 per individual.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, the Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, welcomed the Dubai Islamic Bank team, to the Foundation to engrave the name of DIB on Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed, the first-of-its kind robotic donor recognition wall, marking the bank’s generosity and support. Dr Abdulkareem said: “We are extremely grateful to Dubai Islamic Bank for its longstanding support to our A’awen program and delighted to see their name on Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed alongside fellow Champions of Hope. It is a privilege to work with distinguished banking and financial institutions like DIB to make a difference to patients’ lives.”

Dedicated to the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, renowned for his humanitarian achievements, Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed is a unique giving campaign that uses cutting-edge technology to recognise the donor community advancing local medical research to save patients’ lives. For more information on how to be a part of Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/bassmat.

In yet another success story of public-private collaboration in Dubai’s medical sector, a team of physicians from Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital (Al Jalila Children’s), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Mediclinic Middle East have successfully carried out the first pediatric kidney transplant from a live donor in the UAE on a 16-year-old boy suffering from end-stage kidney. The surgery was funded by Al Jalila Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical research, education and treatment in the UAE.

In a special letter sent to the patient, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai told Pritvik Sinhadc that the UAE is his home and that he would receive the best care possible. In the letter, His Highness said: “To my dear Pritvik, this is a small gesture from me to you to remind you that you are here at home and that you are in safe hands, and I will pray to God to keep you in good health and safe… keep smiling little warrior.”

In June 2020, Pritvik arrived at the nephrology clinic of Al Jalila Children’s suffering from complete kidney failure. Having been born with small, partially functioning kidneys, Pritvik had reached end stage kidney disease and required immediate renal replacement therapy, according to his doctors.

Pritvik’s father, Bhaskar Sinhadc, was identified as a successful match following which he was placed through a full donor evaluation process. The transplant was successfully executed by Dr. Ramzi Ayache, Nephrologist at Mediclinic City Hospital, in collaboration with Dr. Farhad Janahi, Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon at Mediclinic City Hospital and Assistant Professor of Surgery at MBRU and Dr. Waldo Concepcion, Head of the Al Jalila Children’s Organ Transplant Center. The operation, which has saved Pritvik’s life, is also expected to improve the quality of his life in the years ahead.

Before undergoing his surgery, His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) visited Pritvik to enquire about his condition and reiterated DHA’ s unwavering support towards the welfare of the family.

Al Qutami said the exceptional transformation witnessed in Dubai’s healthcare sector reaffirms the emirate’s global position as a preferred destination for people looking for a distinctive medical experience in a safe and healthy climate.

He highlighted the success of government and private healthcare facilities in Dubai in providing the highest levels of care to patients when performing various kinds of operations, including rare and complicated surgeries, thanks to their state-of-the-art facilities and skilled medical professionals.

“The success of Pritvik’s operation marks an important step forward in conducting such highly precise operations. It also supports the development efforts taking place in Dubai,” said Al Qutami. The Director General of DHA congratulated the medical team who performed the operation, including all the teams who contributed to its success.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, MBRU, said the University was honoured to be part of the historic procedure in the UAE. “Our mission at MBRU is to advance health in the UAE and beyond, and this historic procedure is proof that we are on the right path. Our core values of connectivity, giving and excellence came to the fore through our connectivity with long-standing partners, a commitment to medical excellence and giving back to communities.” she said.

“We are proud of the achievements of MBRU’s Organ Transplant Programme thus far and its role in bringing partners together to create better outcomes for patients. Most importantly, we are humbled to have played a part in allowing this impressive young man Pritvik to live his life and press ahead while enjoying quality time with his family and realising his full potential.”

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Through our A’awen programme we are helping parents give their children the opportunity to undergo the latest medical procedures at world-class medical institutions, offering them renewed hope for their child’s future. The programme helps alleviate the financial burden on families so that they can focus on their child’s treatment plan and recovery. Our top priority at Al Jalila Foundation is to transform lives through medical innovation, and without investments in research, advances in life-changing healthcare are not possible. We are grateful to our partners and generous donors for working with us to give children like Pritvik a chance to have a healthy, prosperous future. Pritvik is a bright young boy with a full life ahead of him. We wish Pritvik a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him on a personal and academic front.”

Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital, said: “We are proud of this joint achievement which has given Pritvik a new lease of life. This pioneering surgery puts us one step closer towards achieving our government’s vision of increasing access to quality transplant services and putting the UAE at the forefront of organ transplant regionally and globally. Our dedicated team of experts in the newly launched Al Jalila Children’s Organ Transplant is working day and night to provide children suffering from acute and chronic kidney disease with quality care in a child friendly environment, helping improve the lives of children in the UAE and beyond.”

Matthew Dronsfield, Director of Mediclinic City Hospital, said: “We at Mediclinic Middle East are proud to be a part of the first successful living donor paediatric renal transplant. This marks another important milestone for the development of transplant services in Dubai which is the result of the close collaboration by our multi-disciplinary transplant teams at MBRU, Al Jalila Children’s and Mediclinic Middle East. Pritvik’s father, Bhaskar Sinha, was operated on in Mediclinic City Hospital on the day of transplant and will continue to be closely monitored by the transplant team.”

A talented young boy, Pritvik has been accepted as an official affiliated researcher at BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science to research astrophysics. He is a published co-author on NASA’s Primer on Astrobiology and graduated as a World Science Scholar in June 2020. However, his medical condition was taking a heavy toll on his research work and his schoolwork, necessitating an urgent kidney transplant.

Pritvik, who was named a UAE Ambassador of Organ Donation, said: “I pledge to work towards raising awareness on the crucial need for organ donation in saving lives of patients like me, who would otherwise not make it without a transplant. I have been lucky to have my father as my donor. However, there are many who need transplants to survive and I shall be working closely with MBRU and the Al Jalila Foundation to ensure that there is increased awareness on organ donation.”

In December 2020, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that the government has approved an organ transplant programme to further cement Dubai’s leadership in this field and raise the bar for healthcare excellence. The programme will contribute to the efforts to transform Dubai into a global healthcare tourism destination and a centre for medical research. Pritvik’s case, amongst many others, reflects the progress that key entities are making in working together to transform Dubai into a global healthcare destination.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced today that it has awarded AED2.5 million in seed grants to five UAE-based medical researchers. The COVID-19 research grants in the areas of genetics, therapies and diagnosis are the first to be awarded under the auspices of the recently inaugurated Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute to help enhance the UAE’s capacity to address the pandemic and other viral diseases in the future.

The research awards were presented by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, during a ceremony at Al Jalila Foundation.

The award recipients are highly talented scientists from some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the UAE including United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, Al Ain University and Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital.

During the event, Al Jalila Foundation engraved the name of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on a first-of-its-kind donor recognition wall called Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed. The donor recognition wall pays tribute to the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s philanthropic legacy and honours generous donors who invest in medical research.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said the Foundation’s efforts to advance medical research support the UAE leadership’s vision for the future of healthcare and the high priority they place on scientific and medical fields.

“The Foundation’s initiatives reflect its strong commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the country’s healthcare system by supporting research organisations and talented scientists as well as forging cooperation with international research entities and public and private sector institutions in the UAE. The Al Jalila Foundation is keen to work with medical institutions to enhance the UAE’s readiness to face health challenges, the most critical of which is the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when the world is racing against time to find solutions for eradicating the virus, well-funded research efforts are critical to mitigate current and future health and economic challenges,” he added.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the efforts of Al Jalila Foundation and the researchers who received grants for their commitment to advancing research to combat COVID-19.

His Highness said: “Dubai is committed to supporting research in healthcare and medical fields as part of the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform the UAE’s growth and development through new knowledge and innovation. Exploring new possibilities and breakthrough discoveries in healthcare and medical sectors is key to the UAE’s and Dubai’s efforts to create future-ready economic and social systems that are geared to meet the evolving needs of a post-COVID world. Al Jalila Foundation’s efforts to promote COVID-19 research is consistent with Dubai’s strong strategic focus on these sectors and its commitment to creating long term value by advancing the frontiers of learning and science.”

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: “We are proud to support the nation’s efforts to combat COVID-19. These research awards are testament to our commitment to adapting to the changing needs of the medical landscape to ensure the health and safety of our people. “Our investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy.”

“By supporting talented scientists and investing in research, we are developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences and paving the way for medical breakthroughs to save lives.” Dr Raja added.

The applications were assessed through a competitive two-stage review process that included independent international peer reviews by experts from the world’s most renowned medical institutions across the globe from USA, Belgium, Norway, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Italy, India, UK, and Australia. The process was overseen by the Al Jalila Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee which is made up of some of the most brilliant minds in the region. They worked with an international peer review panel to award research grants to the most deserving scientists. 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.

Out of 91 applications, five were selected to receive grants of up to AED500,000 each.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, added: “The COVID-19 global outbreak has amplified the need to invest in pioneering medical research. Now, more than ever, we are counting on scientists and doctors coming together to develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and gain a better understanding of the coronavirus and other viral diseases. We are delighted with the incredible response we have received from the scientific community and confident about the contributions this round of research grants can make to support the fight to combat COVID-19.”

Each research project has strong collaborations with scientists and researchers in the UAE and abroad, with the engagement of over 40 co-investigators from renowned research institutions across the globe. Collectively, the principal investigators have co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious international journals. The research projects comprise of multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, scientists, and medical students from major academic and health entities in the UAE and abroad, including geneticists, epidemiologists, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, pulmonologists, and such. They have outstanding expertise and resources to contribute to Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to support the UAE Government in its fight against COVID-19.

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives, has provided opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED28 million to award 101 research grants and eight international research fellowships at leading global institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges.

Summary of research projects that received grants:

Diagnosis

Dr. Farah Mustafa, from United Arab Emirates University, aims to characterize microRNAs induced during different stages of COVID-19 as biomarkers for better diagnosis, disease prognosis, and development of novel RNA-based therapies against COVID-19.

Genetics

Professor Rabih Halwani, from University of Sharjah, is determining inborn errors of immunity associated with life-threatening COVID-19 infections in previously healthy young individuals.

Dr. Ahmad Abou Tayoun, from Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, is studying the genetics of COVID-19 in children and young adults in the UAE.

Therapies

Professor Taleb H. Al-Tel, from University of Sharjah, aims to develop novel and nature-inspired therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 by inhibiting the proteins and enzymes of the virus that are responsible for host-cells entry and for the replication of the virus inside the human cells.

Dr. Mohammad Ghattas, from Al Ain University, is discovering new drug candidates as potential treatments for COVID-19 via targeting the main protease enzyme (Mpro) of the virus.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, has recognised a number of donors of Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, for their significant contributions to the advancement of medical research in the UAE.

The recognition ceremony was attended by HE AbdulRahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; HE Sara Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology; HE Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of Dubai Health Authority; and members of the Al Jalila Foundation Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Management Team.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed, accompanied by the founding donors, visited the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, the UAE’s first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research centre, recently inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which is housed in the Al Jalila Foundation building, an AED300 million facility, located in Dubai Healthcare City.

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has provided opportunities to increase innovative, impactful medical research investing AED25 million to award 95 research grants and eight international research fellowships at world-leading institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges. Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipients have garnered 18 national and international awards, five medical breakthroughs and five patents. In April 2020, Al Jalila Foundation expanded its research portfolio in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak with dedicated research grants to address the pandemic and infectious diseases.

In response to the current global health crisis, Al Jalila Foundation is more dedicated than ever to finding the cures of the future through advances in medical research. It has launched a unique giving campaign titled ‘Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed’, which pays tribute to Sheikh Rashid’s philanthropic legacy and recognises generous donors who invest in medical research. The campaign features a first-of-its-kind donor-recognition wall that gives donors a chance to engrave their name on a tile virtually or live. The wall’s cutting-edge robotics technology makes it possible for donors to make an impact from anywhere at any time.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Al Jalila Foundation Board of Trustees, said: “Sheikh Rashid’s visionary leadership and philanthropic spirit brought to reality many of the great advancements that transformed Dubai into the modern city it is today. Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed pays tribute to the legacy of Sheikh Rashid and creates a path for future pioneers to advance medical breakthroughs that could save millions of lives.”

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: “As a young Foundation with great ambitions, our progress made to date reaffirms our commitment to becoming a global leader in medical research. With the right support from philanthropists, corporates, the academic and research fraternity, and the wider community, we are on the right track to cultivate an inspiring research eco-system to propel the UAE to the forefront of medical innovation.”

The Crystals of Hope, a magnificent crystal installation featuring HH Sheikh Mohammed’s profile and the names of the 25 founding donors was unveiled as a tribute to His Highness for championing innovation and research.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Research has the power to advance medical breakthroughs to change the fabric of science as we know it and we salute the researchers, scientists and doctors that are shaping the future of medicine. We are immensely grateful to our founding donors that make it possible for Al Jalila Foundation to continue to break the boundaries of research to transform patients’ lives.”

The donors recognised for their generosity and support included Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, Dr. Rajen Kilachand, Raghuvinder Kataria, AW Rostamani Group, Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Apparel Group, Amity University, Late Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, Union Co-operative Society, Emaar Properties, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Aster DM Healthcare, Sobha Group, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Landmark Group, Faizal & Shabana Kottikollon, Sunny Varkey, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), Ahmed Seddiqi Family, Azizi Investments, DUTCO Group, The Abdulghaffar Hussain Foundation, Al Ansari Exchange, Dubai Holding, and Khansaheb Civil Engineering.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, the UAE’s first independent biomedical research centre.

Deputy Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum; Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Mohammed Al Gergawi attended the inauguration.

His Highness toured the facility that seeks to conduct research to address the COVID-19 pandemic and other viral diseases. Established with an initial investment of AED300 million, the Institute is part of the Al Jalila Foundation, an entity under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met a group of scientists who presented their research projects. His Highness was briefed on Al Jalila Foundation’s accomplishments and extensive research portfolio.

On the occasion of the inauguration, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Medical research is an integral part of prevention and medical security in the UAE. Supporting research helps ensure sustainable economic, social and human development. Scientific research has been the main approach of scientists and researchers for many centuries in our region and is key to building a stable and prosperous future.”

“Everyone can access the Institute’s research. The new centre is an important addition to the global network of research institutions. It is part of the UAE’s contribution to biomedical research in the world and its research findings will be shared with other centres,” His Highness said. On the new facility’s contribution to the global scientific research community, he said, “We need specialised centres to conduct research that caters to our environment and responds to the health challenges facing our region.”

The Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute aims to prepare the next generation of researchers across various specialisations as part of the overarching vision to create an integrated health map and provide the local, regional and global research community with sound, specialised medical research. The state-of-the-art facility seeks to boost medical innovation, accelerate the use of artificial intelligence to monitor new diseases and develop proactive plans to contain outbreaks. By establishing an integrated medical database using big data analysis techniques, the centre strives to support global efforts to find effective treatments and vaccines.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute seeks to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation regionally. It also provides a platform for researchers and specialists to exchange knowledge and expertise related to global medical developments.

With the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in over 20 million cases and claiming 728,000 lives across the world, there is an urgent need for extensive medical and prevention research. Researchers across the world are working around the clock to find effective ways to contain the virus and decrease its impact on people.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute aims to contribute to global efforts against the pandemic by providing advanced equipment and funding to support pioneering research led by scientists, specialists and experts. By supporting talented scientists and investing in ground-breaking research, the Institute will contribute to developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences as well as advancing medical research and innovation for the benefit of the world.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute will help boost medical innovation and empower the next generation of professional researchers in different biomedical fields. It will support new pharmaceutical and therapeutic innovations that can help advance the country’s healthcare sector. Driven by an unwavering commitment to boost medical research capacities, the new facility, located at the Al Jalila Foundation, embodies Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision to build a positive future for the region and create a knowledge-based society.”

The Institute seeks to forge local and global partnerships with research institutions specialised in biomedicine and medical innovation as part of its aim to utilise all possible resources and share pioneering research projects with specialists across the world.

The centre supports intellectual property rights for medical research and adheres to the frameworks governing the procedures for registration of internationally-approved patents. It also seeks to promote partnerships to find treatments and vaccines for viral diseases and pandemics and make them available to people across the world.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute will use the latest technologies to help develop medical research tools. It will also use immersive and augmented reality technologies for genetic mapping, proactively monitor potential outbreaks using biomarker analysis techniques for individuals and deploy artificial intelligence, algorithms and machine learning to predict disease patterns. The specialised facility will work to improve communication among research sectors and invest in developing research and development talent.

The Institute aims to equip researchers to bridge the medical research gap that currently exists in the region. It also seeks to encourage young researchers to pursue medical and scientific research and motivate institutions and individuals to support research as part of efforts to advance healthcare systems and improve wellbeing in the Arab world.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute is the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research centre in the UAE with its own board of trustees. It was established with a initial investment of AED300 million focused on equipping specialised researchers and funding scientific projects. The UAE’s first medical research endowment is expected to bring a 4% return on investment amounting to AED10.5 million annually, which will be reinvested in healthcare and research programmes.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s tour also saw the unveiling of Crystals of Hope, a crystal installation featuring his profile, which pays tribute to His Highness’ role in supporting innovation and research and advancing the country’s healthcare sector. The installation features the names of 25 donors who have invested in medical research.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that 91 scientists from 26 educational institutions across the UAE have applied for seed grants for research on combating the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In line with its mission to transform lives, the global philanthropic organisation has been supporting talented biomedicine scientists in a number of research areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes since its inception in 2013 investing over AED25 million to advance medical research. In April, Al Jalila Foundation expanded its research portfolio in response to the COVID-19 global outbreak.

The sixth seed grant cycle offers research grants of up to AED500,000 to support scientists in conducting 1 to 2-year research projects to investigate the pathology, diagnostics, epidemiology, transmission, therapeutics, and prevention related to COVID-19 with a specific focus on the UAE population and demographics. Applications received support 46 basic, 27 translational, and 18 clinical research projects. The prestigious grants open to UAE Nationals and residents saw applications from scientists of 31 nationalities conducting research at the nation’s most prestigious institutions including Mohamed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Khalifa University of Science and Technology; United Arab Emirates University; New York University Abu Dhabi; American University of Sharjah and University of Sharjah.

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 healthcare strategy. By supporting talented scientists and investing in research, we are developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences and paving the way for medical breakthroughs to save lives.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The COVID-19 global outbreak has amplified the need to invest in pioneering medical research. Now, more than ever, we are counting on scientists and doctors coming together to develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and gain a better understanding of the coronavirus and other viral diseases. We are delighted with the incredible response we have received from the scientific community and confident about what this round of research grants will yield towards supporting the fight to combat the coronavirus.”

The applications are assessed through a stringent independent international peer review process overseen by a Scientific Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of the most brilliant minds in the region who work with the international peer review panel to award research grants to the most deserving scientists.

Professor Yousef Mohamed Abdulrazzaq AlBastaki, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are very pleased by the great interest in our research grants and the quality of applications received from leading scientists at prestigious institutions across the UAE. Research is vital in building a knowledge-based economy and transforming the healthcare system to be more research oriented, and hence, improving people’s lives with better diagnostics and treatments. We look forward to supporting new ground-breaking research projects that will hopefully lead to medical discoveries and potentially a treatment for COVID-19 and other such viruses.”

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has provided opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED25 million to award 95 research grants and 8 international research fellowships at leading global institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges.

The successful applicants will be announced by the end of September 2020 with research commencing in October 2020.