All posts by Abdullah Zafar
Dr Saba, a leading woman in science
Worldwide, lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women and in the UAE it is ranked the second deadliest disease among UAE nationals.
Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Dr Saba Al Heialy, Assistant Professor of Immunology at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is a brilliant researcher who aims to identify genes involved in severe asthma and their correlation with the development of early lung cancer.
Interestingly, recent data from Dr Saba’s study has identified common genes, such as TLR4 and FCγRIIIB, between asthma and lung cancer which are both heterogeneous diseases of the lungs. Many studies have focused on the genetic alterations in asthma and lung cancer separately; however, there are no studies on the common genetic alterations in both lung cancer and asthma which she is exploring through her pioneering research.
Dr Saba Al Heialy was one of 15 female scientists worldwide honoured as ‘International Rising Talent’ at the 21st L’Oréal-Unesco For Women In Science Award Ceremony. The award is Dr Saba’s second L’Oréal-Unesco for Women in Science recognition; last year, she was one of only four ‘Outstanding Female Scientists’ from the GCC awarded a Middle East Fellowship.
Dr Saba’s father, an accomplished researcher, her inspiration and mentor, instilled “the core values and self confidence that have allowed me to become the researcher I am today. I hope my story will inspire many girls and young women in the Middle East to pursue their scientific dreams and reach their full potential.”
Research Grants Portfolio 2020
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Research Grants Portfolio 2018
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Our ‘Circle of Hope’ Transforms Lives
January 2020
As the curtain raises on a new decade, my team and I would like take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible partners, donors and the community for supporting Al Jalila Foundation in 2019. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported our mission to transform lives through donating, fundraising or helping us spread the word about the work we do and the support we need to continue to make an impact. Your contribution makes all the difference, and together, we can do so much more to impact lives…
Research – Obesity
Uncovering the sleep and weight loss connection
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 4.8 million people in the UAE suffer from obesity. These numbers underscore the need for long-term funding into scientific research to develop discoveries in the field of obesity.
Al Jalila Foundation research grant recipient, Dr Teresa Arora from Zayed University, is conducting a pilot study to assess the feasibility of sleep improvement intervention for weight loss, and its maintenance in sleep impaired obese adults.
There is a well established association between sleep and obesity. However, the approach that has not yet been explored is the possibility and effectiveness of treating sleep impaired obese patients with sleep improvement to enhance weight loss and its maintenance.
The study takes obese, sleep impaired adults into two groups to receive lifestyle intervention to improve dietary and exercise habits using evidence-based psychological approaches. One group will additionally undertake a six-week training program to improve sleep targeting sleep duration, quality and timing. Should the twelve-week lifestyle intervention be feasible, secondary outcomes including weight loss and its sustainability will be assessed over six months along with other outcomes, such as mood, sleep, food intake and quality of life
Guidance leads to empowerment
Mohammed Alraidi and his wife have long been the greatest supporters of their son who was born with Down syndrome. Always on the lookout for ways to improve their son’s reality and life experiences, they came across Ta’alouf, Al Jalila Foundation’s flagship program that equips parents with the best possible tools to nurture children of determination.
Enrolling in Ta’alouf Parents Training, they eagerly absorbed the knowledge delivered in the course and began implementing it in the family’s daily life. Upon completing the program, Mohammed Alraidi received the certificate with great joy and appreciation for the invaluable knowledge.
“We are so grateful to Al Jalila Foundation and Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination for delivering this special educational program taught by passionate instructors to empower children of determination. We have learned so much and leave prepared with better skills to interact with, educate and empower our son. Our son shines in his own way and we hope to inspire other parents with special children to nurture these strengths.”
The Alraidi family moves forward as a positive example encouraging their son’s integration into all areas of society, championing him to participate in hobbies that spark his interest and guiding him to be confident, independent and empowered.
Knocking on the door of hope
It was the beginning of summer 2019 when 6-year-old Vinit Vasandani was devastatingly diagnosed with acute blood cancer (leukemia). The specialists at Dubai Hospital began treatment immediately. However, the family’s medical insurance had reached its annual limit by August. More funds were needed to complete Vinit’s medical plan and his father, Anil, was steadfast in his commitment to provide the best possible treatment for his son.
Undeterred by circumstance, Anil reached out to various channels for support and when the case arrived at Al Jalila Foundation’s door he found the much needed assistance to facilitate the continued treatment.
“As a parent your greatest wish is that your children are healthy and happy. We were heartbroken to learn of our son’s illness, but knowing that Vinit is supported with the greatest care is the ultimate gift for our family.”
Today, Vinit’s treatment continues with positive progress bringing him a step closer every day to a full recovery.
In addition to offering treatment to young patients, Al Jalila Foundation focuses on medical research as it is only through research that illnesses like leukemia are able to be treated successfully today.
Give to Research, Give to Humanity
December 2019
Happy 48th UAE National Day! Celebrating the birth of our nation fills us all with pride and sincere gratitude for the vision of our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, one of the world’s greatest humanitarians who extended his generosity and support to improve the lives of people. At Al Jalila Foundation, we are most proud that the spirit of giving is embedded in our culture making the Emirates a global leader in philanthropy and a beacon of hope. 7 years ago, our Founder His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai…