Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, hosted the second MENA SEN Conference in partnership with the Dubai SEN Network. The special education needs conference brought together over 250 counsellors, educators and social workers from the UAE to exchange ideas and best practices on special education needs.  The key objective of the conference was to discuss best practice and identify SEN improvements in the UAE.

The two day conference held at Dubai Healthcare City hosted over 30 experts with a rich understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) across the Middle East.  The workshops, presentations and discussions focused on current issues surrounding mental health and Special Educational Needs in the UAE including behavioural difficulties, dyslexia and anxiety.

The highlight of the conference was a session by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) about initiatives and provisions for students with special education needs and disabilities in Dubai.

Al Jalila Foundation, through the flagship program Ta’alouf, is one of the forerunners in promoting social inclusion in the UAE. Ta’alouf funds educational courses to equip parents with life-changing skills that enable them to better support their children’s individual needs and empower teachers with knowledge and skills to further broaden their understand and practice of inclusive education. Since its launch in 2013, Ta’alouf has graduated 134 teachers and 420 parents.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The UAE government is making great strides in inclusiveness and our Ta’alouf program is well aligned with the National Strategy to Empower People of Determination. With this second MENA SEN Conference it is clear that this strategy is fully embraced by educators and the discussion and eagerness today to move forward is inspiring. ”

“Every child has unique characteristics, interests, abilities and learning needs – and education systems and programmes should be designed to take into account the wide diversity of their individual needs.”

Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said, “Dubai aspires to be a fully inclusive city by 2020 and we believe inclusive education is at the heart of effective education. When we improve the quality of inclusion within our schools we improve education for all. Our aim is to encourage all schools to continue providing a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment for learners with special educational needs and disabilities.”

Dubai SEN Network, established in January 2015, has grown rapidly in a few short years to bring together more than eight hundred special educational needs coordinators, specialist teachers and learning support assistants. Their mission is to offer teachers a support network, and to bring the issue of special needs and inclusive education to the attention of policymakers. The network works closely with experts in their fields, from a range of centres and clinics, to ensure a wealth of connections and services are available across the region.

Rachel Green, Founding Member of Dubai SEN Network, said: “Special education needs are evidently becoming a focal point for policy makers and we are encouraged that our efforts to bring educators together in unity are paying off. The support that teachers receive today encouraging inclusion in classrooms is invaluable. Thanks to organisations like Al Jalila Foundation progress in this area has developed enormously over the past few years and we can see a real transformation in classrooms. We are excited to realise the outcomes from educators’ attendance at the MENA SEN Conference 2017 being put into action.”

Conference delegates had the opportunity to choose from over 20 seminars, 9 workshops. Themes covered during the 2-day programme included behavioural, social and emotional; early years; interventions; learning difficulties and the influence of English as an additional language. The conference inspired the engaging exchange of ideas and insights across a range of curricula.

The school and community exhibition featured more than 19 organisations showcasing best practices in schools as well as specialized services available in the UAE. Among the exhibitors was Enable, Desert Group’s agricultural social enterprise, which provides training opportunities and employment for individuals with special needs. Enable demonstrates the importance of post-secondary opportunities for people with special needs a critical issue as the large youth population transitions into adulthood.

The conference was sponsored by ATIC, kidsFIRST Medical Center and Maudsley Health Abu Dhabi.

Al Jalila Foundation, in partnership with The Carter Center, announced two UAE recipients of the 2017-2018 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism program. Selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants, the two Emiratis join the 21st annual class and 200 journalists who have been awarded the fellowships to date from around the world. The program is the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East, launched in 2016 in the UAE by Al Jalila Foundation with two journalism fellows.

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: “Journalists have immense power to inform, educate and influence society. Their support is essential to raise awareness and create a dialogue about mental health in the region. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that people with mental illness are not marginalized and that they receive the required support to live happy productive lives.”

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the world, yet sensationalized news coverage or underreporting of these issues can perpetuate myths and misconceptions and discourage people from seeking effective treatment.

“These fellows can reshape how media in the Middle East covers one of the most significant, misunderstood public health problems. Like the fellows before them, they will likely impact their colleagues and newsrooms, and become the point person in their field on mental health issues,” said former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The Carter Center provides training, mentorship, evaluation tools, and technical assistance to Al Jalila Foundation to develop a sustainable and tailored program in the UAE.  Al Jalila Foundation manages the program in the UAE and is responsible for the selection of journalists and adapting the program to meet the needs of the Emirates.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “It is a huge privilege to partner with The Carter Center to continue the incredible work that former United States First Lady Rosalynn Carter has done to combat the stigma associated with mental illness. This is the second year that we have offered the mental health journalism program in the UAE and we look forward to working with the new fellows to initiate positive conversations on mental health to overcome the cycle of stigma.”

The UAE program is overseen by an Advisory Board which is chaired by Al Jalila Foundation and comprised of distinguished business professionals and experts in the field of mental health and journalism from a number of organisations including Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Al Ansari Exchange, Al Bayan newspaper, Zayed University and the UAE Federal Government.

The Advisory Board provides guidance to develop a more informed cadre of Emirati journalists that inform the public about mental health issues. The board helps raise awareness in the community and contributes to raising the happiness index of the UAE through a selection of initiatives and campaigns for mental health.

Since the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism were established in 1996, fellows have produced more than 1500 stories, documentaries, books, and other works during and after their fellowship year. Their projects have garnered Emmy Awards, nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, and other awards.

The 2017-2018 recipients of the UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism are:

Iman Ben Chaibah

CEO and Editor-in-Chief (Founder)

Sail Publishing and Sail Magazine

Dubai, UAE

Project: A study on mental health issues among UAE youth and to disseminate information on why and how to support people who suffer from mental illnesses.

Nahid Mubarak Khamis Faraj Alawani Alnaqbi

Senior Reporter

Albayan Newspaper

Sharjah, UAE

Project: Explore why the treatment of mental illnesses remains shrouded in fear and misconception in the UAE and how to reduce mental health stigma.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation whose mission is to transform lives through medical education and research, and Monviso, Dubai’s premier Italian Alpine mineral water, have partnered in the “Take Water. Give Life” initiative to raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation’s lifesaving humanitarian work.

“Take Water. Give Life” – an original sales donation programme designed by Monviso especially and exclusively for Al Jalila Foundation – donates 1 AED to Al Jalila Foundation for every 1 liter sold by programme participants. These include participating retailers, hospitality venues, sports clubs, and includes online orders placed directly on the Monviso website. The humanitarian programme also has a sustainability aspect: Monviso will collect and recycle the empty plastic bottles from various locations, then sell the recycled plastic and donate its net returns to Al Jalila Foundation.

From 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017, Monviso has donated the equivalent of 59,286 liters (59,286 AED in donations) to support Al Jalila Foundation’s goal to save lives. Programme adoption is growing rapidly, with 40 of organizations in 10 sectors already participating.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation said: “‘Take Water, Give Life’ is the brainchild of Monviso and a great example of how creative partnerships and initiatives deliver sustainable charitable revenues. We encourage the community to support our partnership with Monviso as such programmes will further empower Al Jalila Foundation to achieve its mission to transform patients’ lives through medical research.”

Stefano Iorini, Monviso CEO said: “Water being a vital source of life, we wish to do something remarkable with Monviso for the years to come by partnering with Al Jalila Foundation to support their mission to save lives. We are proud to announce that the initiative has won the official endorsement of Dubai Sport Council, which is partnering with us to propose it to all sports events in Dubai and all clubs that operate under the Council’s authority.”

The initiative’s objective is to attract as many participating institutions, companies, clinics, sport academies, and individuals as possible and to turn a simple essential like water into the driver for something big and a force for doing good – to unite people around one cause.

To be in line with Dubai’s vision to be the smartest city in the world, “Take Water. Give Life” is supported by the Monviso mobile app where online orders can be placed very conveniently. If giving were made easier and integrated into people’s lifestyles, most people would be more charitable, and this is exactly what “Take Water. Give Life” does.

Al Jalila Foundation today announced that The Indian High School in Dubai has pledged AED 500,000 to support its healthcare programmes.

Present at the occasion were Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Mr Sunil Umrao, Honorary Chairman of The Indian High School; Dr Ashok Kumar, CEO of The Indian High School and members of the Management Committee, senior School Leaders and Student Council members of The Indian High School in Dubai.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama said: “We are delighted by the commitment and generosity extended by The Indian High School. This partnership is further testament to the support that the Indian community in Dubai has devoted to Al Jalila Foundation. We value their patronage and investment and look forward to seeing the impact of our collective efforts to improve lives through medical education and research.”

The support from The Indian High School echoes the values of the UAE Year of Giving as announced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to foster and strengthen a sense of social responsibility across the public and private sectors.

Dr Ashok Kumar said: “To commemorate the month of Ramadan and the Year of Giving we have partnered with Al Jalila Foundation to support their healthcare programmes. Our contribution is a token of our commitment to support the meaningful work carried out by Al Jalila Foundation. We look forward to making a difference to the lives of people, together.”

Al Jalila Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research. It was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation today announced that it has received a donation of AED 3 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 support, treatment and medical care to patients in the UAE who are unable to afford quality treatment. Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported more than 208 patients, including 62 children, from 29 nationalities with a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions.

DIB’s support echoes the values of the UAE Year of Giving as announced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to foster and strengthen a sense of social responsibility across the public and private sectors, in addition to developing the spirit of volunteering and service to the nation.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation, said:  “We are extremely grateful to Dubai Islamic Bank for its longstanding support to our A’awen program that offers hope and healing to patients in need of medical care. It is a privilege to work with distinguished banking and financial institutions like DIB to help deliver the UAE’s vision to be one of the happiest nations in the world.”

In its efforts to be a leader in medical innovation, Al Jalila Foundation works closely with healthcare partners to develop special treatment programs that meet the needs of patients. It also invests in local medical research to discover better treatment options for future generations.

Abdul Razzaq Al Abdullah, Head of Community Services Department, Dubai Islamic Bank, said: “Dubai Islamic Bank is a long term supporter of Al Jalila Foundation and we are honored to be able to support the Foundation’s mission to make a difference in people’s lives. This donation demonstrates the pioneering role of Dubai Islamic Bank to serve the UAE community to lead happier lives.”

Al Jalila Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research. It was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation has so far invested AED 59 million and transformed the lives of millions of beneficiaries with innovative medical treatment, research and education programs.

The young organization, founded in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, celebrated the end of a successful year bringing it closer to achieving its goal of positioning Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

Testament to its ethos of transforming lives, Al Jalila Foundation has invested millions in high-impact healthcare programs in the areas of medical treatment, education and research in the UAE and globally. Relying solely on donor funding, it has reached over 1.6 million beneficiaries from 129 nationalities.

The Foundation celebrated its fourth anniversary by publishing the achievements it has made until 2016, a very successful year for its programs. On a local level, it provided 55 research grants and 6 fellowships to advance research into the biggest health challenges in the region, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

In support of efforts to increase the national workforce, Al Jalila Foundation awarded scholarships to 58 Emiratis across a range of medical specialties in the UAE and abroad. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, underlined the importance of such programs in the Foundation’s 2016 report. “By championing homegrown solutions to overcome tomorrow’s health challenges, we aim to make the UAE the global backbone of medical progress and innovation,” he said.

It also funded life-saving treatment for over 270 patients suffering from cancer, heart disease, limb deformities, hearing disabilities and a range of other chronic illnesses. As part of its programs, it helped transform the lives of many children through the Cochlear hearing implants and through prosthetics that restore mobility. It even provided the first 3D printed hand to a young Emirati girl born with a limb abnormality.

Furthermore, education and awareness programs tackled the inclusion of people with disabilities into education curricula through the Ta’alouf training program for parents and teachers. The Foundation is also proud to partner with The Carter Center and has supported two Emirati journalists who were awarded the UAE Rosalynn Carter Journalism Fellowships for Mental Health in its effort to break the silence around mental health.

On a global level, Al Jalila Foundation partnered with UNICEF to provide 1.6 million vaccines across 15 countries to treat maternal and neonatal tetanus, and help 5,625 families across 35 countries get access to clean drinking water and sanitation. In partnership with Sentebale in Lesotho, the Foundation helped establish the Mamohato Children’s Centre to support vulnerable children, including orphans, living with HIV and other disabilities.

Al Jalila Foundation is one of the 28 member entities operating under Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It relies solely on the support of donors and the community in its mission to transform the lives of as many people as possible in the UAE and beyond.

The Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, perhaps the Foundation’s most ambitious project, is set to open in 2017 and will be the UAE’s first independent multi-disciplinary research center. As a AED 200 million not-for-profit centre, it will bring together leading local and international scientists to work on finding solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges. It will also collaborate with renowned research institutions around the world to foster scientific collaborations, and nurture homegrown biomedical researchers.

Al Jalila Foundation has partnered with over 40 organisations to fight diabetes, breast cancer and promote good health across the country. It continues its work to meet the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 of developing life-transforming healthcare programs, and fostering medical entrepreneurship and medical innovation. According to Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees: “The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform lives [is] a responsibility we are proud to uphold, and one which will continue to guide us to deliver innovative and sustainable philanthropic programs that will impact generations to come.”

The Foundation’s programs have seen support from people from all walks of life from across the country and beyond. Its community fundraising events range from cake sales at schools to marathons, mountain climbing, among other charity challenges. For example, cyclists from across the country participated in the BeWell Cycle Tour UAE to raise awareness on obesity, and participants from around the world climbed up the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers Offices as part of the Dubai Holding SkyRun. The Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ ‘Road to Awareness’ campaign helped raise funds to provide life-saving treatment to children with cancer and chronic illness in the UAE, and the 7EmiratesRun contributed to efforts to get children back on their feet with the support of prosthetics.

Alongside the efforts of its partners, the Foundation would not have been able to make such an impact without the support of the business men and women, philanthropists and members of the community who contributed the funds necessary to invest in medical research. Their generous support has enabled the Foundation to invest its efforts and funds to transform the lives of people and their families everywhere. Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, voiced his appreciation by saying: “Our success depends on the support we receive from our donors, strategic partners and the wider community.”

As the 2017 Year of Giving is underway, Al Jalila Foundation sees more possibilities than ever to achieve its goals and deliver on its commitment to the nation’s health, happiness and prosperity. Inspired by the message of unity behind UAE Vision 2021, it seeks to reinforce unity between the public and private sectors, donors, partners, the academic and scientific communities, and show solidarity with patients and the community. “The momentum is building in 2017 as the ‘Year Of Giving’ is underway – now, more than ever, the possibilities to achieve our shared goals are limitless,” Dr Al Olama added.

For more information please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, today opened the highly-anticipated fourth edition of Destination Medicine Summit, a 3-day event welcoming 2000 Emirati students (aged 11 to 14) from 40 schools, both private and government, from across the Emirates. The global philanthropic organisation aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in medicine in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda to build a world-class healthcare and education system.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Destination Medicine Summit runs from 17 to 19 April 2017 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Centre at DHCC.

The opening was attended by a number of VIPs including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Al Jalila Foundation; HE Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Health Authority; HE Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board for Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Al Jalila Foundation; HE Khalid Al Shamsi, CEO of DHCA; Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; DHCC leadership and other prominent healthcare professionals and representatives from the education and healthcare sectors.  The VIP delegation toured the event spread across several exhibits including TechMed and the Medical Garden which featured more than 20 leading healthcare organisations.

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: “The summit aims to expose the students to the world of medicine and the rewards of this fulfilling career. Nothing would make us prouder than to see these students join one of our programmes in the future – and become doctors, save lives and give back to their community. That is the essence of Destination Medicine Summit.”

As the title sponsor, DHCA endorses the possibilities Destination Medicine Summit can provide for the future of healthcare in the UAE. His Excellency Khalid Ahmed Al Sheikh Al Shamsi, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said: “The authority is proud to play a role in guiding, motivating and encouraging Emirati youth to pursue careers in medicine. As more Emiratis join the UAE health sector, our country’s health system will benefit from increased capacity in the healthcare workforce. Institutions in Dubai Healthcare City offer several programs in medical education for aspiring healthcare professionals, and a platform such as Destination Medicine helps increase our youth’s interest in the field of medicine. We are delighted to work together with our stakeholders and partners to inspire physicians of tomorrow.”

The students dressed in lab coats and stethoscopes participated in various workshops, interactive panel discussions, inspirational talks, emergency response demonstrations and simulations, and witnessed futuristic medical advancements in healthcare.

In efforts to captivate the imagination and inspire young minds to the possibilities of a future in medicine, TechMed, a high-technology tunnel and one of the summit highlights, showcased innovative medical technologies from leading organisations. On show was the Siemens’ Robotic Advanced X-ray technology (RAX); a BioDigital touch screen of the human body; 3D printing by 3DBee; the UAE Drones for Good Award recipient, Sanad Academy; Medtronic Body Simulator; augmented reality showing the effects of bad lifestyle choices on the human body and other advanced technologies.

The Khalaf Al Habtoor Medical Simulation Center team from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences demonstrated a clinical simulation of a person going through anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, and how to medicate.

The Medical Garden features ‘REX’ the Exoskeleton Robot, CPR demonstrations, an ultrasound scan, interactive medical games among other activities. A collection of mobile clinics including Dubai Ambulance, Dubai Dental Clinic and Aster DM Healthcare were displayed at the venue to show the advantages of ‘doctors on wheels’.  A giant interactive human heart exhibit gives students a better understanding of the complexities of heart anatomy.

Speaking at the event were leading UAE physicians and medical pioneers including Dr Manal Taryam, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dubai Health Authority and CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation; Dr Alawi Alsheikh Ali, Consultant Cardiologist, Mohammed Bin Rashid University; Dr Arif Al Nooryani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CEO & Head of Cardiac Centre Al Qassimi Hospital; Dr Anwar Al Hamadi, Consultant Dermatologist and Dr Entesar Al Hammadi , Director of Arab Board Residency Program at Dubai Health Authority.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said “Al Jalila Foundation aims to develop a generation of home-grown medical professionals and Destination Medicine Summit is the perfect platform to connect aspiring young minds with leaders in healthcare. We have been impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and the positive results over the years and we hope that this experience will continue to instil the spirit of medical discovery and innovation. Thank you to Dubai Healthcare City Authority and Total for sponsoring this year’s event.”

Destination Medicine Summit is one of many education programmes offered by Al Jalila Foundation to position the UAE to the forefront of medical innovation. The Foundation awards scholarships, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to students showing promise and ability to serve their country in the field of medicine and health sciences. A new generation of Emirati doctors will ensure a sustainable national workforce to support the UAE Vision to be a front runner in education and healthcare.