All posts by Carla Duarte

Stories of Hope

Ta’alouf empowers Kerolos to realise his potential

12-year-old Kerolos Mina Albert was born with Autism into a loving family who have always looked for ways to help him live a full life. Unfortunately, children with Autism often have difficulty expressing themselves which in turn makes it very challenging for parents to support them.

Kerolos’ mother, Youstina, had always been eager to learn as much of her son’s communication methods as possible and jumped on the opportunity to attend the Ta’alouf Parents Training program which empowers parents to give their children as much nurturing as they can. Since the training was held online it was very practical for his mother to attend the classes without having to leave home.

Ta’alouf program helped Kerolos’ mother meet her son’s needs: “I was feeling overwhelmed, but the Ta’alouf training was incredibly beneficial and gave me the confidence to focus on my son’s strengths. The trainers were extremely knowledgeable and approachable and really made me fully aware of the rights of people of determination and what services are available in the UAE. I would highly recommend this program to parents who have children of determination.”

These stories give us great joy and inspire us to continue our work to support children of determination and their families.

Stories of Hope

Youssef is blossoming with confidence

In November 2018 one-year-old Youssef was diagnosed with a right retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer that had grown to a become a mass lesion in the right eye globe. The following month he underwent enucleation to remove the eye and the surgery was followed by chemotherapy treatment for 6 months.

As time passed, the doctors had recommended a prosthetic eye to be placed in the socket to assist with Youssef’s confidence as he grew older. Unfortunately, the cosmetic procedure was very expensive for Youssef’s parents to accommodate. They reached out for support and with the help of Al Jalila Foundation the case was presented to long standing partner Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) who lead a company-wide fundraising campaign to raise the much needed funds to give Youssef, now three years old, a high-quality prosthetic eye.

Youssef’s mother was worried that he would have problems fitting in because of his condition: “As a mother, I was afraid that he may be bullied by children and we even avoided going out. Thanks to receiving the prosthetic eye, Youssef’s natural facial features have returned, and we are extremely grateful for all the support we received from Al Jalila Foundation.”

Today Youssef is a happy, confident young boy who enjoys playing with other children.

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation raises a total of AED 300 million for Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that it has so far raised AED300 million to establish the ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the UAE’s first charity hospital that seeks to help cancer patients in need.

The new total, raised in less than three months, brings the Foundation another step closer to reaching its AED750 million fundraising target. The Foundation had previously announced in June that it had raised AED220 million towards the project. A number of philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates have generously donated to the Hospital project.

The latest entities that have donated to the project include the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF), Dubai Islamic Bank, Union Coop, Dar Al Ber Society and the Family of the Late Fardan Bin Ali Alfardan.

Spanning 50,000 square metres, the Al Jalila Foundation’s new 250-bed hospital will be built in two phases and will have a total capacity of treating 30,000 patients a year. The first phase of the hospital is set to open at the end of 2023 and will include 150 beds equipped with cutting-edge technology. The hospital will bring together innovative expertise and advanced medical technologies to provide comprehensive cancer care ranging from prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. The hospital will also work with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute on research studies to advance cancer care.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital stems from our vision to provide truly inclusive healthcare services and the high priority we place on the wellbeing of the UAE’s citizens and residents. The Hospital is set to become a leader in cancer care, and we are immensely grateful to the philanthropic community for their contributions, which are helping us in realising our objective of making quality healthcare accessible to the most vulnerable in society.”

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Health is the cornerstone of a nation’s longevity, economic development and sustainability. At Al Jalila Foundation, we aim to build medical capacity as part of our contributions to strengthen the UAE’s health system. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will be a beacon of hope, and we are grateful for the generosity and support of our donors that are helping us make this project a reality.”

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Donor support is an integral part of our success in developing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. We are grateful to our partners and donors who have committed to helping us realise our vision to help cancer patients. The UAE’s first charity hospital will make a big difference in our community by providing comprehensive cancer care that is based on medical research in collaboration with the best cancer care hospitals in the world.”

Donors supporting the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital have praised the initiative to build the hospital as a pioneering contribution to the nation’s healthcare sector.

His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director of Investment Corporation of Dubai, said: “The Investment Corporation of Dubai is greatly honoured to be part of this initiative to build the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. We believe that the hospital, which is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will make an invaluable contribution to the country’s healthcare sector. The hospital will be another major milestone in the history of the UAE and will help transform the lives of many cancer patients and their families.”

His Excellency Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, said: “The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai is proud to support the construction of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital as part of its commitment to social responsibility. IACAD places great importance on supporting efforts aimed at sustaining charitable and humanitarian work. The hospital honours the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his extraordinary philanthropic work and also gives hope to the most deprived patients.”

His Excellency Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, said: “The late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum was among the first supporters of endowment projects and one of the most prominent contributors to humanitarian work. Today, the Awqaf Foundation, in partnership with various entities, is following in Sheikh Hamdan’s footsteps and his path of compassion and philanthropy, by contributing to the development of the state-of-the-art hospital that will provide the most innovative expertise to cancer patients in need.”

Abdulla Ali Obaid Al Hamli, Managing Director of Dubai Islamic Bank said: “Dubai Islamic Bank is delighted to support the development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, an initiative that will provide the highest level of cancer care to our community. We remain committed to Al Jalila Foundation, especially the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, which we see as a critical player in the progress of the medical and healthcare industry. We believe the hospital will have a strong role in finding solutions and innovations that reduce patient suffering and spreading health awareness among members of society.”

His Excellency Majid Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Union Coop, said: “Union Coop is keen to play an effective role in serving the community, participating in social development and supporting research to advance national prosperity. We are extremely proud to contribute to the development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital to advance education, treatment and research in the medical sector. Supporting non-profit medical initiatives is a top priority for Union Coop as it contributes to reinforcing the status of Dubai and the UAE as a hub for medical innovation.”

Dr. Mohammed Suhail Al Muhairi, CEO and Managing Director of Dar Al Ber Society, said: “Dar Al Ber Society’s contribution to Al Jalila Foundation’s humanitarian projects embodies the Society’s vision to support charitable, humanitarian and development work in its commitment to the values of social responsibility and prioritising the health of vulnerable patients and assisting them in their treatment. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is of exceptional importance as it will help patients receive the urgent treatment they need.”

Dr. Mahdi Al Fardan, Family of the Late Fardan Bin Ali Alfardan, said: “In memory of my late father, Fardan Alfardan, our family wishes to contribute towards the building of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in Dubai. Throughout his life, my father took a keen interest in community outreach through healthcare. It was his mission to make a positive impact on the lives of families facing cancer.  We hope our contribution will help the hospital open new doors in outstanding patient care and deliver the most leading-edge treatments available today.”

Stories of Hope

Kiehl’s employs creative art to make a difference

Kiehl’s, a leading cosmetics brand under L’Oréal, has been supporting Al Jalila Foundation every Ramadan since 2016 through their exclusive limited-edition collections featuring artwork from regionally celebrated artists and designers.

Launched in the Middle East less than a decade ago, we are delighted to see an international brand like Kiehl’s embrace the spirit of Ramadan whilst giving recognition to local talent and raising funds for a good cause.

The one-off designs have featured exceptional regional artists such as Fatma Al Mulla, Marwan Shakarchi, Ayah Tabari, Nourie Flayan and Eezmah. The artists have all expressed their enthusiasm for being selected as part of these charitable initiatives and are proud to display their cultural heritage and use their work to touch the lives of so many people in the UAE.

100% of proceeds from the sales of the designer products and gift boxes are dedicated to support a number of life-changing healthcare programs by Al Jalila Foundation. Through these Ramadan collaborations, Kiehl’s has donated almost USD 100,000.

We are grateful for organisations like Kiehl’s who use their creativity to engage the community to support a charitable cause. We cannot wait to see the next Kiehl’s Ramadan collection!

Stories of Hope

Principal is leading school to inclusion

Like many other adjustments that have been made in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Teachers Training program to empower students of determination has been conducted virtually since March 2020.

The school Principal, Mariyam Nizar Ahamed, and fellow teachers from Habitat School Al Tallah in Ajman, completed the online Ta’alouf program in June 2021 and are looking forward to implementing their new skills to support the students of determination in their school.

The online training has proven to be very insightful and beneficial for the teachers, parents and students alike. The newly launched online awareness sessions at Habitat School for all staff and parents has already been met with immense appreciation from parents who have found the practical and informative sessions invaluable. It has also helped to improve the relationship between teachers and parents.

Ms Mariyam believes that the training has been life-changing:  “As a result of this program, my team and I now have a clear path to implementing inclusion within the school and are applying the policies that have been laid out by the Ministry of Education. I would like to mention our heartfelt thanks to Al Jalila Foundation for improving the lives of students of determination.”

Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation announces Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado as its Sports Ambassador

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives, announced that Real Madrid football legend, Michel Salgado, will serve as its official ‘Sports Ambassador’ to champion charitable causes.

Selected from the sporting community for his exceptional contributions to sport, ambassador Michel Salgado will act as a champion for Al Jalila Foundation by representing the Foundation at various events and promoting partnerships to connect sports with philanthropy for the greater good.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, the Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, welcomed Michel Salgado to Al Jalila Foundation for a signing ceremony to commence the sportsman’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “An active lifestyle is the cornerstone of health. Sports like football serve as an incredible platform to reach hundreds of thousands of people to promote healthy living and raise funds for charitable causes. We are proud to have a football legend like Michel commit to supporting our work, and it is inspiring to see a world-famous personality use their influence to do good and make a difference to people’s lives.”

Michel Salgado, Fursan Hispania FC, said: “Over the years I have admired the work that Al Jalila Foundation does to transform lives and I am so proud to be selected as a sports ambassador and be able to use my work to represent the Foundation. It is our duty as athletes to be role models for children and teach them the importance of giving back to the community. After living in the UAE for nine years, I am proud to call the UAE home and I feel that it is my responsibility as a citizen to do my part to help others. It is also the ideal way that I can use my talents to contribute to the country that has given me so much. I am in awe of the UAE that continues to prosper despite the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that when we work together for the greater good, we can make a real difference in our society.”

Press Release

Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum extends support to the ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security in Dubai, has extended support to the ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the UAE’s first cancer charity hospital in Dubai.

The 250-bed cancer charity hospital pays tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his lifetime of service to the nation and extraordinary global philanthropic achievements and aims to be a pioneer in cancer care for patients in need.

Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security in Dubai, said that the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital embodies the values of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is faithful to the path of charity and benevolence that he chose throughout his life, promoting compassion, cooperation and solidarity between communities and individuals. The Hospital will act as a beacon of hope for cancer patients who will be able to receive free treatment as per the highest international medical standards. It will also promote the UAE’s research and scientific efforts and offer further medical contributions, especially in the fields of oncology and cancer treatment.

“Providing healthcare to the people in need, advancing the healthcare ecosystem and boosting scientific research as the key to developing the medical sector, were among the key aspects of charity and humanitarian aid to which Sheikh Hamdan paid great attention and care to, given his strong belief in their vital role in serving humanity and caring for patients all over the world. The announcement of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honours the memory of the late Sheikh Hamdan and sends the message that the journey of humanity and charity never ends,” Lt. General HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said.

“Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid founded a unique humanitarian school of thought. He was a pioneer of charitable work in the UAE. He introduced a new way of thinking where charitable work opportunities were unlimited. His charity work was not restricted to conventional areas, but rather included diverse fields such as education, culture, health, care for orphans, the poor and the needy, medical treatment for cancer patients and children and relief for those who have been subjected to famine and natural disasters all over the world.  The generous late Hamdan Bin Rashid was always ready to support people in need, meet their needs, build schools for their children and establish healthcare centers to fill them with hope. This is the late Hamdan’s school of thought that will be honored throughout the ages,” His Highness added.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are honoured to have the support of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen our capacity to transform patient care, advance pioneering research, educate medical leaders and improve cancer care for the most vulnerable in society. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will be a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families, and we are grateful to the generosity and support of our partners and donors that make it possible.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and is responsible for about 10 million deaths per year. Late-stage presentation and lack of access to diagnosis and treatment are common, particularly among the most vulnerable in society. In the UAE, approximately 4,500 new cases of cancer are reported every year and cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths.

Stories of Hope

Treatment gives Mariam more days of joy

As a young mother, Mariam moved to the UAE with her husband and children to begin a new life. Three decades later and now retired, the couple love watching their grandchildren grow up close to them in the Emirates.

The COVID-19 pandemic had been difficult for many and particularly the elderly like Mariam and her husband who are at high risk. In April 2020, Mariam felt pain on her tongue but due to the fear of contracting the virus she hesitated to go to the doctor. However, after two months of being unable to eat or drink she visited the doctor and it was confirmed that she had a malignant cancerous tumour that needed to be removed right away.

The family were in shock and were at a loss for how they would financially manage to support Mariam’s treatment, as her husband’s health was also deteriorating and he needed an urgent heart operation.

The family found the support they desperately needed from Al Jalila Foundation and Mariam was able to undergo a successful operation removing the tumour completely. Today Mariam is in very good health and her family is grateful to have many more days to spend with their beloved mother and grandmother.

Research Matters, Stories of Hope

Finding therapies to manage colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer and the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the UAE.

To tackle the issue, Al Jalila Foundation awarded a research grant to Dr Maha Saber-Ayad, a medical Pharmacologist from the College of Medicine at University of Sharjah, to understand the role of galanin in CRC patients and potentially discover therapies that can prevent the progression of the disease.

The colon has a unique network of neurons that secrete various proteins known as “neuropeptides”, one of which is “galanin”.  The study evaluated the role of galanin in different stages of 80 CRC patients’ samples, using different lab techniques, including immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing, to take snapshots of the disease in different stages at the molecular level to decipher the role of the protein in the development of CRC.

Through bioinformatics analysis, several pathways were identified and implicated in tumour progression: cell cycle, cell division, autophagy (self-eating), regulation of expression of tumour suppressor genes, and immune system process.  Twelve key genes were shared among those pathways and in turn the expression of those genes evaluated in several CRC cell lines to validate results. These results can lead to the discovery of potential therapies and give hope to patients with CRC.

Press Release

Donors praise Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital as pioneering initiative that supports cancer patients in need

Philanthropists who have donated to the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital being established by Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, have praised the initiative to build the hospital as a pioneering contribution to the nation’s healthcare sector.

The UAE’s first charity hospital pays tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his lifetime of service to the nation and extraordinary global philanthropic achievements. The contributions of the donors have helped Al Jalila Foundation already raise a total of AED220 million for the construction of the hospital.

The donors include HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Mohammed Ibrahim Obaidullah, Hamad bin Ahmad bin Sougat, the Family of the Late Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, the Family of the Late Abdel Wahid Hasan Al Rostamani, Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Faizal E. Kottikollon & Shabana Faizal, Dr. Rajen A. Kilachand, Raghuvinder Kataria and PNC Menon.

HE Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Founder, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, said: “We deeply appreciate the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a world-class hospital which will be a beacon of hope for cancer patients. Our long-term partnership with Al Jalila Foundation is underpinned by our collective vision to improve the lives of people and communities through medical innovation. Our contribution to build the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is a symbol of our commitment to support free medical treatment for cancer patients who would otherwise be unable to afford it. This is also an expansion of the vision of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation that pays great attention to supporting the provision of medical treatment for low-income and poor families.”

Mohammed Ibrahim Obaidullah said: “The establishment of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in Dubai is a pioneering move and significant contribution to the health sector in the UAE, which has been at the forefront of our wise leadership’s agenda. In the year of the Golden Jubilee, the UAE has become one of the best countries in the world in the field of healthcare. The new hospital will represent all that is good as it bears the name of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and commemorates his memory, as much as it provides a platform for people to be part of a giving movement and helping others. In order for this hospital to become a beacon that radiates hope to those who cannot afford the cost of treatment, I encourage everyone to support its completion as an act of goodwill and humanitarian obligation.”

Hamad bin Ahmad bin Sougat said: “It is one of the biggest privileges to be able to help improve lives. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, instilled in us a culture of giving and he inspired his people to care for those less fortunate. Philanthropy is at the heart of our nation’s fabric and we are immensely proud to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital and honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The new hospital will provide a safe haven for those impacted by cancer and it will become beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families.”

Khalid Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, Chairman of AW Rostamani Group said: “CSR is embedded in our organisation’s culture and we are committed to improving the quality of life of local and international communities. AW Rostamani Group’s partnership with Al Jalila Foundation spans across many years and we would like to convey our appreciation and gratitude to Al Jalila foundation for giving us the opportunity to be part of this initiative and the establishment of Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital which will improve so many lives. Our support for the new cancer hospital is our way of giving back to the nation, its people and its residents. If we can leave the world a better place we have honoured the legacies of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid and our late father Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani both of whom dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of others and improving humanity.”

Marwan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group said: “Al Rostamani Group is honoured to be part of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum initiative to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, a tribute to the person who will be remembered for his generosity and devotion to make a difference in the lives of those in need, both in the UAE and beyond. We believe that the act of giving and contribution is humanitarian in its essence – never fades or diminishes, a principle that the Al Rostamani Group has been committed to since its establishment.”

Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Chairman, Al Zarooni Group of Companies said: “There is a great need for a comprehensive cancer care hospital in Dubai and it will make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Establishing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is a wonderful way to honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan who dedicated his life to improving people’s lives across the globe. It is a privilege for us to support the hospital because it is an inspiring humanitarian project that reminds us of our responsibility as human beings towards those that need it most. Our wise leadership has instilled in us the race to do good and live by the values of giving and human solidarity, instilled in them by the founding fathers of the UAE, and we are committed to doing our part to benefit mankind.”

Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman, Seddiqi Holding said: “The charitable contributions of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are monumental to our country and beyond. With philanthropy and compassion at the core of the Seddiqi family values and Seddiqi Holding, we are humbled to contribute towards the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital in honour of his work and memory. We look forward to working alongside Al Jalila Foundation on this endeavour, which continues to honour the values and beliefs of our late founder Ahmed Qassim Seddiqi and is pioneering development in this field.”

Faizal and Shabana Kottikollon, Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson, KEF Holdings said: “We are pleased to support Al Jalila Foundation to establish the UAE’s first charity hospital to help cancer patients in need. As entrepreneurs, our biggest commitment is to make a positive impact in people’s life. Education and scientific research leading to innovation is the only way to honour that commitment and leave a better, more sustainable world for the coming generations.  Scientific research is a fuel that accelerates human progress and at KEF we believe that through hard work backed by research and commitment leading to revolutionary ideas is the key to a brighter future. We see the same spirit in Al Jalila Foundation and that’s what makes this a perfect partnership.”

Dr Rajen A. Kilanchand, Chairman, Dodsal said: “I am proud to be associated with Al Jalila Foundation as a donor and I was extremely pleased to hear that the new Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital is being built to help cancer patients who cannot afford treatment. Everybody knows someone who has or had cancer and to be able to make a difference to the lives of those suffering with this disease in a specialist hospital is a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid. Al Jalila Foundation aims to be at the forefront of this new era in the fight against cancer by collaborating with renowned research centres and leading oncologists to find new ways to eradicate cancer.”

Raghuvinder Kataria, Chairman of Kataria Holdings said: “I believe the true wealth of a nation is determined by the health of its people. This is echoed through the vision of Al Jalila Foundation in its pursuit of transforming lives through medical education and research in the UAE and for all mankind. Our mission at the Kataria Foundation is to enable people to lead meaningful lives and realize their potential through providing good healthcare and education. We have been associated with various initiatives of Al Jalila Foundation and give our utmost support and blessings to the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital; may its purpose prosper for generations to come.”

PNC Menon, Founder and Chairman, Sobha Group said: “We are honoured to support Al Jalila Foundation in its mission to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital and believe that their work towards advancing local medical research is crucial to the UAE’s progress as a medical hub. The UAE is home to the brightest minds and its healthcare sector is expanding rapidly to meet the evolving needs of a growing population. In this context, it gives me great satisfaction to see the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer get priority.”