Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid inaugurates Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed
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Sheikh Mohammed launches the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute an initiative of Al Jalila Foundation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MonViso, a brand with a heart
Stefano Iorini is no ordinary businessman but rather an entrepreneur passionate about philanthropy. With decades of commercial experience behind him, in 2015, Stefano launched MonViso Italian Mineral Water with a mission to develop a product that would give back every day.
With a good cause at the heart of the brand Stefano established the ‘Take Water. Give Life’ initiative which donates AED 1 per 1 litre sold, through designated partners, to Al Jalila Foundation to invest in medical education, treatment and research.
“The ‘Take Water. Give Life’ initiative is at the heart of our business, as we strongly believe it is important to do good in our community, and we are grateful for every individual who chooses MonViso.”
MonViso water has low sodium levels making it a favourite amongst fitness experts in the UAE who promote the brand and its humanitarian initiative. MonViso is also a regular sponsor at the leading sporting events across the country and was the preferred water partner for the 2019 edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Next insight for MonViso is an eco-conscious initiative to recycle used bottles into ‘Take Water, Give Life’ merchandise in collaboration with DGrade who transforms them into t-shirts, caps, string bags, and other products with all net proceeds dedicated to Al Jalila Foundation.
In keeping its CSR promise, MonViso has donated almost 800,000 litres through monthly charitable contributions to support patient treatment and pioneering medical research. Visit the MonViso eShop here to place your order and make every litre count.
Baby’s family grateful for a helping hand
A month after her birth it was apparent that baby Sarah had severe developmental delays and the doctors discovered that she was suffering with nephrotic syndrome, a rare kidney disease.
Sarah’s parents were heartbroken when their daughter had to be admitted to hospital and it could take some time for her condition to improve.
The doctors advised that Sarah required a long-term treatment plan including regular assessments at the nephrology clinic. To add to the family’s turmoil, the lengthy stays at the hospital were not covered under their insurance plan and they desperately needed a helping hand. Al Jalila Foundation in partnership with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) launched an SMS campaign to raise funds to sponsor Sarah’s treatment.
“I’m unable to express my gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation for helping my family emotionally and financially. We had feared we could not support our daughter through her illness and the Foundation treated her as their own. I will never forget this kindness and I hope one day to help other people in the same situation.”
Today Sarah, almost one year old, is responding very well to treatment and her parents are delighted their daughter is home safely with them.
Dubai runners donate miles for smiles
Since inception, Al Jalila Foundation has encouraged thousands of motivated individuals and teams to raise funds by taking part in sports challenges. These endurance runs, triathlons, marathons and more have been instrumental to raising awareness and providing hope to patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, sporting events around the country were cancelled which meant that local athletes had to look for new creative ways to carry on supporting their favourite charitable causes.
Run 4 A Purpose (R4AP) is a Dubai based running club founded by Essam Adam as a way to give back to the local community. Determined to continue to use their passion for running to help save lives, R4AP celebrated their fourth anniversary by donating AED 1 per kilometre run throughout the month of June to Al Jalila Foundation to support children’s treatment. More than 50 members from the running club participated in the RUNniversary charity challenge and raised more than AED 13,000.
R4AP aims to inspire others to make a difference to young patients’ lives in the UAE. You can join them for a run or donate on the R4AP Hopasports page here.