All posts by Abdullah Zafar

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Developing solutions to support mental health

During these uncertain times, mental health support has never been more vital and Al Jalila Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of pioneering research in the UAE by supporting scientists addressing the issue.

Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Professor Leontios Hadjileontiadis from Khalifa University, used cutting-edge technology to develop a first-of-its-kind mobile app to help diagnose and detect depression in users.

The innovative app called ‘Type of Mood’, available on Android and iOS, detects depressive disorders by recording four parameters related to keystroke dynamics while the user interacts with the phone’s keyboard. The data calculated is sensitive to the pressure applied on the keys and the time taken to switch between keys while typing. The app also connects to healthcare professionals and encourages those found at risk to consult with doctors for medication, if necessary.

The app is linked to the American Neurology Centre and has been operational for more than two years. Since launching, it has helped detect and record several cases of depression signaling support from professionals.

In 2019, Professor Leontios Hadjileontiadis was recognised for his ground-breaking work with the Applied Sciences Research Award as part of Dubai Healthcare City Authority’s Excellence Awards.

Press Release

Ahmed Seddiqi Family donates AED 10 million to Al Jalila Foundation to advance local medical research to combat coronavirus disease

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today announced that the Ahmed Seddiqi Family donated AED 10 million to advance local medical research focused on coronavirus and other viral diseases affecting mankind.

While the world is still coming to terms with the novel coronavirus COVID-19 global outbreak there has never been a greater need for life saving treatment and medical breakthroughs that could end the pandemic and save millions of lives. Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has invested over AED 25 million to advance medical research in the UAE and now aims to extend its research portfolio to address the current COVID-19 global health crisis.

Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, Vice Chairman, Seddiqi Holding, said: “The world is going through a very challenging time and we salute the healthcare workers on the frontlines working tirelessly to save lives. We have been working closely with Al Jalila Foundation over the years and we are honoured to support the organisation’s mission to advance medical research in the UAE. It is our national duty to safeguard the health and safety of our people and continue to uphold the values of philanthropy, compassion and service to humanity instilled by our forefathers.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As the UAE looks toward the next 50 years we are inspired by the great strides we are taking in medical innovation and the advancement of science and research. We are extremely grateful for this significant donation from the Ahmed Seddiqi Family who, like us, believe that investing in medical research is critical to the longevity and sustainability of future generations. The world has changed significantly and as we go through this critical phase we are depending on science to save lives. 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 SARS-CoV-2 biology to combat the disease.”

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has lead opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED 25 million to award 95 research grants and 8 international research fellowships to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health. In line with the vision to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation, the Foundation has established the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research institute with an investment of AED 200 million solely funded by philanthropic partners.

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: “This pandemic has united the world like never before. Now more than ever, scientists around the world continue to search for answers into the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting mankind with the coronavirus taking centre stage. Our investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy and to adapt to the changing landscape. Medical research has the potential to save lives and our efforts today will pave the way for a healthier world for future generations.”

As a non-profit organisation Al Jalila Foundation relies on the support of its partners and donations are invested in healthcare programs to transform patients’ lives. In February, Al Jalila Foundation launched ‘Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed’ to lead the march for pioneering medical research to address the healthcare needs in the UAE. Dedicated to the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum the campaign honours his philanthropic spirit and aims to continue his legacy to improve humanity. Bassmat, ‘fingerprint’ in Arabic, signifies the power donors have to leave their distinctive mark on the future of medicine through this unique fundraising campaign with the first-of-its-kind donor recognition wall.

As a non-profit organisation Al Jalila Foundation relies on the support of its partners and donations are invested in healthcare programs to transform lives. For more information on how to be a part of Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/bassmat.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

An inspiring role model for women in science

Dr Habiba Alsafar, a two-time Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, was a curious youngster who dreamed of becoming a scientist. Encouraged by her parents, she pursued her scientific aspirations gaining her PhD in Forensics and Medical Sciences and fulfilled her dream to ‘build the UAE’s capability in genetic research’.

Today, Dr Habiba is a faculty member at Khalifa University with research interests aimed at constructing Arab race genomic structures and identifying segments that carry genes predisposed to disease.

“My research is about discovering personalised preventive medicine for early detection. I am very grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion and make my country proud.”

Dr Habiba was appointed to the Emirates Scientists Council in 2016 and has received numerous accolades for scientific contributions including the UAE First Pioneer Medal for Genomics Research in 2014 and the L’Oreal-Unesco For Women in Science Award in 2016.

An inspiring role model for young women, Dr Habiba is passionate about women entering the scientific field and takes pride that the majority of her students are female which is testament to the UAE’s leadership which empowers women.

Read Dr Habiba’s Story of Hope here.

Stories of Hope

Cancer patient plays football with heroes

7-year-old Mohammed suffered from headaches and vomiting for three months and after careful observation the MRI scans showed a large cystic mass in his brain and he was at risk of losing his vision. He underwent immediate surgery with success and the biopsy results revealed that it was a rare brain benign tumour (craniophyryngioma).

Unfortunately, a year later, the scans showed residual tumour and Mohammed needed continued treatment. Al Jalila Foundation stepped in to support Mohammed’s radiotherapy treatment to which he responded very well.

Though Mohammed was enduring a great deal of pain from the treatment it did not break his spirit and the brave young boy continued his studies, played with friends and practiced his various hobbies which included football.

As part of an initiative by Mediclinic City Hospital where he was receiving his treatment, Mohammed was invited to attend a special football match honouring young patients with cancer.

Mohammed’s family expressed great joy at being able to share this special day with him: “Thanks to the great care and support Mohammed has been given he had the opportunity to kick the football with some of his heroes.”

Stories of Hope

Delivering results for students of determination

Our Own English High School Fujairah took part in the 6th cohort of Al Jalila Foundation Ta’alouf Teachers Training program in partnership with Zayed University. The program trains educators to champion inclusivity within classrooms so students of determination can learn to their full potential.

Since enrolling in the program, the team implemented several new inclusion initiatives at the school across early years to grade 12. The initiatives include: putting comprehensive special needs systems in place; conducting orientation activities to highlight positive individual difference; and actively encouraging students of determination to participate in extracurricular activities.

One of the most impressive systems implemented is the Buddy System where the students ‘buddy up’ with children of determination to ensure they have a partner from school to rely on. The students make sure their buddy has someone to talk to, motivates them to complete classwork, shares notes and gives any feedback to the teacher that may be helpful.

Principal Ms Saleema Mahmoodi “Thanks to the training from Al Jalila Foundation we can ensure our school community is equipped for inclusive education even during times of distance learning. The Ta’alouf program has transformed our school and empowered people of determination.”

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation invites UAE scientists to apply for biomedical research grants focused on COVID-19

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that application for its sixth cycle of seed grants has opened in response to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) global outbreak to help develop the UAE capacity to address this pandemic and other viral diseases in the future. 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 AED 25 million to advance medical research in the UAE.

Researchers are invited to apply for seed grants of up to AED 500,000 over a 1 to 2 year period to investigate the pathology, diagnostics, epidemiology, transmission, therapeutics, and/or prevention related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) specific to the UAE population and demographics. The seed grants support basic, translational, or clinical research projects (excludes research that requires clinical trials). The grants are available to UAE Nationals and residents of the UAE provided the research is conducted locally. Applicants should hold positions at local universities, research or clinical institutions in the UAE.

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: “Scientists around the world continue to search for answers into the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting mankind. Our investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy. Medical research has the potential to save lives and our efforts today will pave the way for a healthier world for future generations.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, added: “As we come to terms with COVID-19 global outbreak there has never been a greater need for life saving treatment and medical breakthroughs that could end the pandemic and save millions of lives.  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 COVID-19 and other viral diseases. Al Jalila Foundation is dedicated to advancing medical research to transform lives. We are more determined than ever in our mission and count on you, our partners, to help us pave the way for a healthier, brighter future for all.”

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: “Research plays an important role in improving the quality of the UAE’s medical sector. It is very important in building a knowledge based economy, and transforming the healthcare system to be more research oriented, and hence, improving people’s lives with better diagnostics and treatments. As we launch the sixth cycle of research grants, we look forward to supporting ground-breaking research projects that will lead to life-changing discoveries.”

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has provided opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED 25 million to award 95 research grants and 8 international research fellowships at global leading institutions in the UK, USA and Japan to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges. In line with the vision to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation, the Foundation has established the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research institute with an investment of AED 200 million solely funded by philanthropic partners.

With this investment the Foundation has brought together 350 scientists from around the world to further boost scientific medical research in the UAE. The grants have created training opportunities for more than 400 young students and post-doctoral associates and contributed to 245 publications in a number of international scientific journals.

By supporting talented scientists, Al Jalila Foundation is building on its mission to transform lives by paving the way and developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences.

The application deadline for the seed grants is 9 June 2020 and successful applicants will be announced by the end of September 2020. For more information and application details please visit Al Jalila Foundation website: www.aljalilafoundation.ae/research

Stories of Hope

Adam receives life-saving kidney transplant

Adam was diagnosed with renal dysplasia after birth which led to atrophy in both kidneys and severe deficiency in renal functions. He underwent dialysis for five years at his home in Ras Al Khaimah, before his condition deteriorated. At this point, his family took him to Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital where Adam received hemodialysis with up to five hours of treatment three to four times a week.

The need for a kidney transplant was evident and in July 2019 his parents’ prayers were answered, and thanks to a kidney donor young Adam underwent the successful surgical procedure. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University for Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and was supported by Al Jalila Foundation.

Adam’s father expressed “It is a dream come true and with God’s grace that Adam is here with us today. Thank you to the incredible medical team and the generosity of the foundation.”

Al Jalila Foundation is dedicated to investing in medical research as it is only through advances in medicine that patients like Adam can receive life-saving treatment. With the support of donors we are able to sponsor pioneering treatment and alleviate some of the financial burden so that patients can focus on regaining their health.

Read about Adam’s reunion with his donor’s family here.