All posts by Abdullah Zafar

Press Release

Ahmed bin Saeed recognises Al Jalila Foundation donors for significant contributions to medical research in the UAE

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.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Researchers delve into diabetes and fasting

Data shows that 1 in 5 people in the UAE has diabetes making it one of the most pressing healthcare challenges today. Fasting as part of religious practice is keenly observed in the region and many people with diabetes fast throughout Ramadan with no negative impact on their health while some are considered high risk.

Al Jalila Foundation grant recipients, Dr Fatheya Alawadi and Dr Mohammed Hassanein from Dubai Hospital, lead a novel study to get a better understanding on the exact level of risk by recruiting a cohort of 180 diabetic patients to monitor glucose levels continuously over a six-week period.

The study provided unique data as patients with high risk diabetes who fasted did not show significant biometric changes and no significant change in lipids profile nor in renal function. While glycemic control improved, nonsevere hypoglycemic episodes increased during fasting.

Optimum diabetes care, including Ramadan focused diabetes education, glucose monitoring and dose adjustments could be the key for reducing the complications of fasting in high risk diabetes patients.

The team’s detailed data analysis has already been published in 5 medical research journals and they continue to investigate the field to conclude medical recommendations.

Learn more about Dr Fatheya and Dr Mohammed’s study here.

Press Release

Sheikh Mohammed launches the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute an initiative of Al Jalila Foundation

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.

Stories of Hope

Dubai runner on a charitable quest

Around the globe sport has proven to be one of the greatest charitable avenues with running holding a strong lead in charitable fundraising and participation.

Although the global pandemic meant many running events were canceled, Dubai resident Ahmed Ali was not about to let that stop him supporting his favourite charity.

Ahmed got creative and initiated the #Eid2EidChallenge to raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric treatment program ‘Farah’ to give hope to sick children. Despite the heat and humidity, Ahmed ran 5 kilometers every day for 67 days from Eid Al Fitr to Eid Al Adha and invited the UAE running community to join him on his quest.

Every day different runners joined him at various locations across Dubai including local celebrity Big Rossi from Virgin Radio. The 5:30 Run club organised a charity run to support Ahmed raising almost AED 5,000.

The #Eid2EidChallenge has raised AED 12,850 with MonViso, Al Jalila Foundation longstanding partner, matching the funds raised.

In addition to this incredible feat, Ahmed is a true inspiration with a long list of humanitarian projects and has been volunteering on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic since mid-March 2020.

Read more about Ahmed’s running challenge here.

Newsletters

Hope Connects Us All

August 2020
I trust that you had a blessed, joyful and healthy Eid Al Adha. Eid Al Adha is known as the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ and over the last months we have all had to make immense sacrifices at work, at home and in our communities to stay safe and healthy. Life amid the global pandemic continues to evolve as we adapt to the changing times armed with resilience and filled with hope for better days ahead.Whilst people around the world continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19 hope inspires us to imagine a brighter future.

Stories of Hope

Scholarship recipient determined to give back

When HedaietAllah Ghanem discovered she was selected to be one of the first to receive a full 6-year scholarship from Al Jalila Foundation to attend Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) she was speechless. Throughout high school she had explored many professions but nothing inspired her like medicine. The determination to pursue her dream had paid off and she was on her way to becoming a doctor.

Now completing year four of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, HedaietAllah has taken keen interest in cardiology and pediatrics and intends to continue her studies upon graduation in 2022. In addition to regular studies, HedaietAllah is part of MBRU’s Summer Scholars Program where she volunteers and is able to develop knowledge through observerships and research.

“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to attend medical school and attribute much of my personal and professional growth to the support of Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU. My ultimate goal is to take all that I achieve and give it back to my birthplace and home, Dubai.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, HedaietAllah remains steadfast in her goals and is proud to be co-leading the Child Health and Safety Team as part of the #Students_Against_COVID global movement to raise awareness in the community.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Scientist files patent for novel chemotherapy treatment

UAE breast cancer statistics emphasise the need for local research as it is the most common cancer affecting women with incidences steadily increasing and constituting 38% of all female cancers in the country.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Dr Ghaleb Husseini from American University of Sharjah, lead a ground-breaking study focused on improving treatment methods for breast cancer patients which is currently filed for a US patent.

Chemotherapy practice requires the use of high drug doses to increase the effectiveness on tumours, which also results in detrimental side effects on healthy cells. These side effects significantly decrease the patient’s quality of the life and may result in life-threatening conditions. Dr Ghaleb’s study developed an ultrasound triggered, targeted drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment. The research investigated the ability of the system to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents on tumor cells and to decrease their side effects on healthy cells.

Recognised as an authority in his field, Dr Ghaleb already has one published US patent in addition to this one under review. He is also a finalist in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal of Scientific Distinction and among the first to receive a 10-year UAE residency visa for scientific accomplishments.

Click here to learn about Dr Ghaleb’s research study.