Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced today the fifth edition of the nationwide #PINKtober campaign in the lead to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

In the UAE, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women constituting 38% of all female cancers which has steadily increased over the last 3 decades. Due to the high prevalence and importance of the disease, Al Jalila Foundation partnered with Brest Friends in 2015 to focus on medical research and improve treatment to combat the disease and ultimately, save lives. To date, Al Jalila Foundation has dedicated over AED 5 million to provide life-saving treatment to 34 patients and fund 9 breast cancer research projects, comprising of 32 leading scientists, investigating the epidemiology of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global movement that has been present in the UAE for over 20 years with the pink ribbon emerging as a symbol of hope. What began as just a few people spreading the message on the existence of the disease, urging women to seek early detection, has turned into a bold campaign championed by people from all cultures, backgrounds and age groups proving that breast cancer is a disease that touches everyone.

2019 marks the 5th edition of #PINKtober led by Al Jalila Foundation in partnership with Brest Friends that has witnessed 419 pink themed community fundraising events to support breast cancer treatment and research.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Breast cancer remains one of the most serious health challenges and we must support medical research to improve survival rates. Every year during October, we receive overwhelming support from the community to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer treatment and research in the UAE. #PINKtober events have the power to bring communities together to champion charitable causes and we are proud of our partners’ extraordinary efforts and philanthropic spirit.”

In the past 4 years the month-long community campaign has seen over 400 pink-themed activities and events by government entities, corporates, schools, retailers, hospitality and individual fundraisers. Hundreds of schools in the UAE have taken a lead with young people becoming the messengers of hope in raising awareness on the importance of medical research to save lives by organising bake sales, concerts, art exhibitions, amongst others.

Sports events have proven to be a successful platform uniting the community to champion healthy living. Since inception Al Jalila Foundation has actively promoted sports as a vehicle for fundraising and has been the official charity partner for hundreds of sports events across the UAE including annual flagships events: IGNITE Pink in Punk, ADCB Zayed Sports City Pink Run, Emirates Golf Club Pink Ball Competition and the Fitness First Pink Party.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President and Founder of Brest Friends, said: “Dealing with cancer is one of the hardest challenges that patients and their families could face and Brest Friends in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation aims to be that nurturing support to those coping with the disease. Through spreading the message and giving hope, thousands of women’s lives have been changed as they are able to receive the life-saving treatment they need. Our aim is to keep the campaign message alive beyond October, 365 days a year, echoing the success of the collective efforts for a breast cancer-free world.”

Since the launch of the iconic pink ribbon in 1992, the global campaign attracts support from every sector of society to champion research to end the disease. Major landmarks around the world, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, have turned pink in honour of the campaign’s mission to create a breast cancer-free world. The campaign continues to grow with hundreds of pink-themed events held across the UAE to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama invites the community to be part of #PINKtober: “Join Al Jalila Foundation this October and make a difference in the lives of patients and families affected by breast cancer.”

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives, announced the successful completion of the annual Ramadan campaign ‘basma’, smile in Arabic, launched in partnership with a number of hospitality, leisure and retail outlets across the UAE. In its third year the month-long charity campaign has proven to be an established feature on the Ramadan calendar with the record number of 130 retail, hospitality and strategic partners engaging their customers and raising AED 1.5 million to provide life-saving treatment and medical care to children in need.

In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “to create hope, life and happiness for everyone in the UAE”, Al Jalila Foundation believes that health is the cornerstone to happiness and every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, dream and realise their potential.

Al Jalila Foundation works closely with healthcare partners to develop special treatment programs that meet the needs of patients who are unable to afford quality care. Farah is the Foundation’s paediatric treatment program which to date has invested AED 22 million to help sick children in the UAE.

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: “There can be no greater gift than to contribute to the well-being of children in our community and empowering the next generation. We are delighted that our basma campaign has once again brought together an unprecedented number of partners who devoted the month of giving to support Al Jalila Foundation in its mission to improve the lives of young patients.”

Al Jalila Foundation praised its basma partners for their creative initiatives and fundraising efforts to support medical treatment for children under the Ramadan campaign’s slogan “your gift, their smile”.

Long term partners Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD) launched unique SMS campaigns to engage their networks through existing donation platforms. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) also lead an internal SMS campaign encouraging donations from employees.

noon, the home-grown digital marketplace, included a donation option at check-out, tajawal, a digital solution for holiday bookings, donated AED 5 from each transaction and My Quality & Convenience offered 10% of proceeds from online grocery sales.

The leading hospitality brands in the UAE joined the basma campaign including: 21 Marriott hotels; 11 Jumeirah Restaurant Group dining outlets; 7 Millennium Hotels and Resorts properties; Hyatt hotels; Atlantis The Palm; Media Rotana; Taj Dubai and Pullman Dubai JLT dedicated Iftar and Suhour proceeds to support the campaign. Haji Sahab Restaurant doubled their charity efforts by donating proceeds from Iftar packs distributed to thousands at labour camps in Dubai while Nando’s placed donation boxes at 21 outlets across the UAE. For the sweet-toothed 35 Shakespeare and Co. cafés, La Serre, Pastel Cakes and eat well Restaurant donated a portion of patisserie sales throughout the month.

Kiehl’s created a limited edition collection in collaboration with Lebanese illustrator Nouri Flayhan exclusively for Al Jalila Foundation and The Surf Café in partnership with MonViso Water curated a charity exhibition by local artists donating all sales proceeds. Splash ‘n’ Party, a Dubai kids water park, dedicated proceeds from ‘zipline’ tickets.

In addition to the basma campaign, BNI UAE chapter in partnership with Millennium Hotels and Resorts hosted an elegant charity gala ‘My Giftar’. Al Jalila Foundation also received generous donations during Ramadan from a number of organisations including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank; Commercial Bank of Dubai; amongst others.

To conclude the month of giving and in celebration of Eid, Team Al Jalila visited young patients at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital and spent time reading stories to the children, playing games and bringing some joy to the little ones. Drawing on the support of basma partners and the campaign’s values of generosity and compassion Al Jalila Foundation touched hearts and spread smiles to sick children most in need.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organization dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today celebrated longstanding partner Brest Friends 14th anniversary acknowledging the impact the home-grown program has contributed to breast cancer awareness in the UAE.

It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and it is the second leading cause of death among women. The high prevalence of the disease reinforces the critical need for medical research and improved treatment to save lives. Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends work together to raise awareness, fund treatment and invest in pioneering research.

Brest Friends was established in 2005 as the first breast cancer support group in the UAE, by Dr Houriya Kazim, the UAE’s first female surgeon, with the mission to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer and providing a platform where patients and survivors can learn, share experiences and offer moral and emotional support to each other which has proven to be instrumental in a woman’s healing process.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President, and Founder of Brest Friends commented: “We are delighted to achieve this milestone by honouring survivors and reflecting on the impact Brest Friends has made to women in the UAE. Breast cancer awareness has improved dramatically since 2005, thanks to the support of strong advocates and the community who promote and run campaigns highlighting the importance of early detection throughout the year. We would like to mark this anniversary by amplifying a message of hope that the disease can be beaten – there is life after cancer – and through ground-breaking research, we aim to develop tangible results to transform the future health of women.”

Brest Friends partnered with Al Jalila Foundation in 2015 expanding its capabilities to facilitate medical treatment and fund locally-based research into the epidemiology of breast cancer. The partnership has already yielded positive results with more than AED 5 million invested in life-saving treatment to support 34 women and fund 9 breast cancer research studies in the UAE.

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: “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Brest Friends who, over the last 14 years, has established itself as a beacon of hope for breast cancer patients in the UAE. Through our partnership, and with the help of our donors, we have been able to provide quality medical care and support to women with breast cancer. In line with our mission to advance medical research in the region we have funded a number of pioneering projects which are underway and promise to yield positive outcomes that will offer hope and healing to patients in the future.”

The anniversary event was generously sponsored by Grosvenor House Dubai who hosted Afternoon Tea at Rhodes W1 specially prepared by celebrity Chef Gary Rhodes himself who welcomed more than 100 Brest Friends members, patients, and survivors, commemorating the positive impact Brest Friends has had on women in the UAE. During the event, Pam Wilby, Complex General Manager, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and the Grosvenor House Dubai, presented a cheque of AED 540,000 a contribution from the two hotel properties to support Al Jalila Foundation’s breast cancer program.

Pam Wilby commented: “We are honoured to join hands with Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends to host their 14th Anniversary event at Rhodes W1 and raise awareness for the breast cancer programme. For five years, Grosvenor House Dubai has been supporting this deeply important cause and raising funds and hope for breast cancer patients. This year will be no different, as it remains our goal to bring the community together to honour breast cancer patients, celebrate life with the survivors and give back.”

In addition to the delightful luxury Afternoon Tea, every guest was entered into a big prize raffle draw to win stays at various Marriott properties and everyone walked away with goody bags provided by Benefit, B/Attitude Spa and Elemis which included specialty cosmetics and spa vouchers.

The celebratory event wraps up another successful season of hope as Brest Friends in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation turns its focus toward October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with another edition of #PINKtober. The month-long community campaign unites hundreds of Champions of Hope – education, corporate, retail and government partners – who host pink-themed events across the UAE to raise awareness, fund ground-breaking research and support breast cancer treatment.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced today that it has awarded AED 5.4 million in seed grants to 20 UAE-based medical researchers bringing the total investment to date to AED 25 million for 95 research projects. The seed grants focus on research in the field of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health, Al Jalila Foundation’s five research priorities.

The grants were awarded to scientists from medical institutions across the UAE including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, Gulf Medical University Ajman, Abu Dhabi University, Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation and Zayed University. One Emirati medical student was also selected to pursue medical research elective fellowship training at Beaumont Hospital in Ireland.

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.”

“Advances in medical research are critical to the nation’s prosperity and our mission is to inspire medical advancements that will benefit future generations and support our vision to be at the forefront of global medical innovation. Today’s investments in medical research will go a long way to ensuring better treatment options for future generations.” Dr Raja added.

Out of 130 applications submitted for the seed grants in 2018, which represents over 141% increase in the number of applications since the inception of the program, 20 applications were selected following a competitive two-stage review process including international peer review with experts from the world’s most renowned medical institutions. The institutions include University of Oxford, King’s College London, University of Glasgow, Harvard Medical School, University of Pennsylvania, Mayo Clinic, University of Toronto, University of McMaster, University of Alberta, University of Lund, and University of Queensland. The reviewers were handpicked as leading experts in their specific field of research, in line with the commitment from Al Jalila Foundation to grow a biomedical research ecosystem in Dubai built on international best practice.

In its fifth cycle grants were awarded across all five themes with the highest number being for cancer which is representative of one of the most serious diseases this generation and leading cause of death. Twelve grants were awarded in the field of cancer, one in cardiovascular disease, three in diabetes, two in obesity, and two in mental health. The funded studies include 6 basic, 11 translational and 3 clinical research projects.

Prof. Sehamuddin Galadari, Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology and Chair of Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are very pleased to see a significant increase in the number and quality of the applications received. This year nearly all Emirates were represented and grants were awarded in all five research areas supported by Al Jalila Foundation. The successful recipients have been selected following an independent and rigorous competitive selection process engaging international peer review. It is our mission as we progress to bring local and international scientists together to conduct research in the UAE. Our ultimate goal is to elevate the quality and the quantity of research being conducted in the UAE. This 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 treatments.”

Two UAE-based researchers funded by Al Jalila Foundation were recently honoured during the third edition of Dubai Healthcare City Authority’s (DHCA) Excellence Awards 2019 presented by HE Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority.

The ‘Excellence in Healthcare Research Award’ recognizes efforts by scientists funded by DHCC-based organizations to advance research. The Basic Sciences Research Category award, was presented to Taleb H. Al-Tel, a professor from Sharjah University, for his research in the development of a unique 3D chemical molecule that has a significant role in developing lead drug candidates targeting cancer, hyperlipidemia and acting against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The Applied Sciences Research Category award was presented to Leontios Hadjilentiadis, Professor at Khalifa University, for his innovative method to detect depressive disorders through a smart phone application that records four parameters related to keystroke dynamics while the user interacts with the phone’s keyboard.

Al Jalila Foundation was established in 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the UAE at the forefront of medical research and innovation. Over the last 5 years Al Jalila Foundation has invested AED 25 million to advance medical research and create a platform to support local scientists and researchers.

Summary of research projects funded by Al Jalila Foundation in 2018:

Professor Thomas E Adrian, from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, to investigate novel drug combinations to treat cancer. (Cancer)

Professor Rabah Iratni, from United Arab Emirates University, investigates the anti-triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) activity of carnosol, a natural compound extracted from culinary plant, through the downregulation of the death-associated protein kinase. (Cancer)

Dr Rania Zaarour, from Gulf Medical University Ajman, aims to study the effects of smoking on remodeling the tumor microenvironment and shaping stemness and immunogenicity in lung cancer. (Cancer)

Dr Sausan Al Kawas, from the University of Sharjah, is evaluating the effects of Dokha smoking on health in the UAE population. (Cardiovascular Disease)

Professor Gulfaraz Khan, United Arab Emirates University, is investigating how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induces cell transformation and carcinogenesis with the aim to develop methods of prevention of EBV-associated malignancies. (Cancer)

Dr Jibran Sualeh Muhammad, from University of Sharjah, to address the question of whether estrogen signaling is capable of inducing epigenetic modifications in cancer cells. (Cancer)

Dr Hany Omar, from University of Sharjah, to investigate on metabolic reprogramming as a novel approach to sensitize cancer cells to immunotherapy.  (Cancer)

Dr Mohammed Ghazal, from Abu Dhabi University, to develop a novel software for the early diagnosis and optimal management of diabetic retinal diseases. (Diabetes)

Dr Teresa Arora, from Zayed University, to assess the feasibility and adherence of a sleep improvement intervention for weight loss and its maintenance in sleep impaired obese adults. (Obesity)

Dr Bashair Mohammed Mussa, from University of Sharjah, to investigate the role of FOS and BECLIN1-inducing autophagy in pathogenesis of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure in diabetes. (Diabetes)

Dr Mohammad Ameen Qasaimeh, from New York University Abu Dhabi, to propose a high-throughput technique that will enable researchers and clinicians with a rapid measurement platform to assess RBCs deformability in diabetic patients. (Diabetes)

Dr Mohamed Rahmani, from University of Sharjah, to study deciphering mechanisms of triple negative breast cancer resistance to PI3K inhibitors. (Cancer)

Dr Ibrahim Elfadel, from Khalifa University, aims to design a wearable system for reliable continuous weight monitoring. (Diabetes)

Dr Mazin Magzoub, from New York University Abu Dhabi, to develop a cancer drug delivery nanoplatform with improved stability, capacity, targeting specificity with superior imaging and real-time monitoring and simultaneous delivery of chemotherapeutics and photosensitizers for enhanced treatment efficacy. (Cancer)

Dr Kirsten Sadler Edepli, from New York University Abu Dhabi, to investigate the role of epigenetic regulator UHRF1 in hepatocyte senescence and liver tumorigenesis by taking Zebrafish as a model. (Cancer)

Dr Riyad Bendardaf, from University of Sharjah, to study the role and therapeutic implications of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 in colorectal cancer in the UAE. (Cancer)

Dr Saba Al Heialy, from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, aims to identify genes involved in severe asthma and their correlation with the development of early lung cancer. (Cancer)

Dr M Emdadul Haque, from United Arab Emirates University, to deepen an understanding of Parkin and PINK1 in the process of regulating mitochondrial turnover. (Cancer and Mental Health)

Dr Tareq Qassem, from Erada Center for Treatment and Rehab, to evaluate the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on behavior of individuals with identified substance abuse disorder. (Mental Health)

Dr Zubaida Shebani, from United Arab Emirates University, aims to study whether or not the activation of the motor system is necessary for language procession. (Mental Health)

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives, announced today the launch of the third edition of the annual Ramadan campaign ‘basma’, smile in Arabic, in partnership with hospitality, leisure and retail outlets across the UAE.

Ramadan is about connecting people; Al Jalila Foundation works with the basma partners to engage their patrons during the month of giving through creative fundraising activities under the slogan “your gift, their smile” to spread hope and healing to sick children.

In the past the month-long charity campaign has brought together hundreds of partners who have raised over AED 2 million, through the support of patrons and customers, to provide life-saving treatment and medical care to children in need.

In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “to create hope, life and happiness for everyone in the UAE”, Al Jalila Foundation believes that health is the cornerstone to happiness and every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, dream and realise their potential.

Al Jalila Foundation works closely with healthcare partners to develop special treatment programs that meet the needs of patients who are unable to afford quality treatment. Farah, happiness in Arabic, is the Foundation’s paediatric treatment program which has helped 254 children in the UAE: from life-saving heart surgeries to treatment of childhood cancers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs, all have been given a fresh start in life after receiving special care by some of the best medical providers and physicians in the region. In 2018, Al Jalila Foundation sponsored the first kidney transplant in Dubai as part of its efforts to transform the lives of children and fund cutting-edge treatment to improve patients’ lives.

As a non-profit organisation Al Jalila Foundation relies on the support of its partners and donations are invested directly into healthcare programs to benefit those in need. For more information on how to participate in basma please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/basma.

On the occasion of the Emirati Children’s Day, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, in cooperation with Al Jalila Foundation, hosted a number of young patients of the Foundation’s “Farah” program and their families for a day of arts and culture with the aim to spread happiness to sick children.

The 17 children, ages 6 to 16, participated in art workshops including music, ceramics, drawing, fashion design and theatre. The children enjoyed learning technical skills and had the opportunity to retain their artistic pieces, along with enjoying some quality family time at the centre dedicated to nurturing children’s creativity.

The children’s centre believes that art is one of the most important means in the child’s therapeutic journey supporting them psychologically and enhancing their positive energy and confidence; art also has the power to distract them from their suffering by focusing on their artistic talents and abilities.

Farah, Al Jalila Foundation’s paediatric program in Dubai, is dedicated to saving young patients’ lives by providing medical treatment, funding research and spreading hope to sick children and their families.

Through Farah, Al Jalila Foundation is transforming children’s lives in the UAE; the humanitarian program also brings the community together to raise funds through community-based campaigns and encourages donations from the wider society. All funds raised are invested in vital treatment and research of paediatric medical conditions. The program helps to alleviate the financial burden on families with sick children allowing them to focus on the treatment plan and recovery.

Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children contributes to all community initiatives that serve children in the UAE. It also provides artistic activities for orphans and sick children, in order to give every child in the community an opportunity to discover his/her talents and become the best versions of themselves and confident citizens of the world.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced it raised AED 1 million for breast cancer research and treatment during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the international health campaign held every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The events across the UAE drew thousands of people and families including many breast cancer fighters and survivors proving that the community is steadfast in its support for the cause.

It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women. According to studies it is now believed that in the UAE the average age of diagnosis is 20 years younger than elsewhere in the world. The high prevalence of breast cancer in the UAE reinforces the critical need for medical research and improved treatment to combat the disease and ultimately, save lives.

During the month of October Al Jalila Foundation led a month-long community campaign #PINKtober bringing together over 120 partners who hosted pink themed activities and events across the UAE; highlights included a pink Abra parade on Dubai Canal; 11 public sports events; 49 school carnivals; and a number of public activations across the country. Sports events included pink runs, swims, walks, yoga, scuba diving, ballet and golf tournaments with proceeds dedicated to breast cancer research and treatment.

Government and corporates organised employee wellness days which included talks by medical practitioners and survivors. Topics covered the importance of early detection, how to conduct self-examinations and the symptoms of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors shared their personal stories of courage, hope and triumph reinforcing that the disease can be beaten.

Sulaiman Baharoun, Director of Partnerships & Sustainability of Al Jalila Foundation: “Once again we have received overwhelming support from the community to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research during the month of October. It is heartening to witness the philanthropic spirit that takes over during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our aim is to continue this beyond October, 365 days a year, to ensure that we do not lose sight of our mission to fight the disease.”

The month concluded with the annual Brest Friends gathering bringing together 80 women who have been personally touched by breast cancer. The inspiring event celebrated life and survivorship with the reminder that the disease can be overcome.

Dr Houriya Kazim, President and Founder of Brest Friends, commented: “We have all been affected by breast cancer in some way and it is important to bring the community together to raise awareness and give hope that the disease can be beaten. As we move away from October, I would like to remind everyone that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to one month and call on the community to keep the message alive all-year round.”

Breast cancer is one of the many healthcare programs that Al Jalila Foundation leads in its mission to advance medical treatment and research. Since inception, Al Jalila Foundation has invested approximately AED 5 million to fund nine breast cancer research studies and provide quality medical care and treatment to 33 patients in the UAE.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Emirati journalists, Nahid Al Naqbi and Iman Ben Chaibah, have successfully completed the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) Fellowship Program and graduated in the presence of former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter at the annual fellows meeting held in Atlanta recently. The program is the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East, launched in the UAE in 2016 by Al Jalila Foundation.

For nearly two decades, the Center has awarded one-year fellowships to 200 journalists to connect them with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world. The program is currently in the United States, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar and was previously in New Zealand, South Africa, and Romania.

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 illnesses are not marginalized and that they receive the required support to live happy productive lives. We are very proud of the dedication of our fellows to spread President and Mrs Carter’s message to the UAE paving the way for a national conversation to overcome the cycle of stigma.”

“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 have the opportunity to impact their colleagues and newsrooms, and become the point person in their field on mental health issues.” said former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Nahid Al Naqbi, Deputy Head of Editorial Content Support, Al Bayan Newspaper, explored why the treatment of mental illnesses remains shrouded in fear and misconception in the UAE and how to reduce mental health stigma. Nahid authored several mental health articles in the UAE’s most widely read Arabic newspaper and initiated a social media campaign, #ShareYourExperience, as a safe space for people suffering to share their stories and realise that they are supported. “The UAE is forging the path for mental health awareness in the region and I am honoured to be placed at the frontline of this national conversation.”

Iman Ben Chaibah, CEO of Sail Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of Sail Magazine, studied mental health issues among UAE youth and how to support people who suffer from mental illnesses. Iman and her team at Sail Magazine published a number of articles focusing on potential causes that lead to higher mental health volatility, including academic anxiety and social perceptions which resonates with so many today. “I am grateful for this unique opportunity that enabled me to connect with pioneers in mental health journalism giving me invaluable knowledge to continue to support our youth.”

The Carter Center leadership team commended the UAE Fellows’ efforts citing their admiration for the “groundbreaking work done in the UAE”.

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.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, marks Emirati Women’s Day by reaffirming its commitment to women in science. To date, Al Jalila Foundation has invested AED 9 million to empower Emirati women pursuing careers in medicine and scientific research.

The Year of Zayed commemorates 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, whose timeless legacy and noble values continue to inspire generations. Sheikh Zayed believed that investing in people’s welfare, knowledge and capabilities would produce the highest dividends, and his investments in healthcare and education transformed the country and its quality of life. Sheikh Zayed was a strong advocate for women’s rights. He believed that “the woman is half of the society” and should be empowered, respected and developed to contribute equally to the country’s success.

The goal of Emirati Women’s Day is to highlight the accomplishments of women and honour them for their contributions to the development and advancement of the nation. In recognition of these remarkable efforts, this year’s Emirati Women’s Day will be held under the theme ‘Women on the Course of Zayed’.

In its efforts to be a leader in medical innovation, Al Jalila Foundation invests in the next generation of doctors by offering medical scholarships to Emirati students and research grants to UAE-based scientists. Since 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded 59 medical scholarships of which 65% were to Emirati women pursuing careers in medicine and health sciences. In addition, 7 Emirati women pioneering important research for the region’s most pressing health issues are recipients of Al Jalila Foundation research and fellowship grants.

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: “We are thrilled to see so many Emirati women seizing the opportunity to take on leading roles in science. Today, with the support and encouragement of our leaders, Emirati women are already playing a prominent role across all industries and professions in the UAE. These women have proven to be strong, hardworking and resilient leaders with a goal to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. On this Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s contributions to the development and advancement of the UAE and know that by empowering our women, we empower our nation. It is with great pride and gratitude to our nation’s leaders, donors and the community that we mark this Emirati Women’s Day, in the Year of Zayed, and pledge our continued commitment to women in science.”

Dalia Al Nuaimi, first graduate of Al Jalila Foundation scholarship for the Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD) at Harvard Medical School, said: “Studying at HMS has added considerable depth to my career path and opened many doors for me as an Emirati researcher. I am proud to draw attention to the incredible work the UAE does in leading aid distribution globally. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support and guidance of Al Jalila Foundation, and the scholarship, which allowed me to follow my dream of studying at Harvard Medical School.”

Emirati women researchers are pioneering ground breaking research, such as Dr Habiba Al Safar, recipient of two (2015, 2017) Al Jalila Foundation research grants to study cancer and diabetes. Dr Habiba has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science: UAE First Pioneer Medal for Genomics Research (2014); Emirates International Award of Genetic Diseases Prevention in the category of Best Scientific Researcher in the field of Genetic Diseases Prevention (2014); and has ranked number 52 among the most powerful women in the Arab world by ArabianBusiness.com (2015).

Al Jalila Foundation has supported 44 Emirati women to date through postgraduate medical scholarships, research and fellowship grants, with an investment of over AED 9 million.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, 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.

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has supported 467 patients from 36 nationalities, including 190 children, and invested AED 34 million to provide relief to patients who have suffered a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening conditions. The treatment costs for patients, newborn to 90 years of age, have ranged from to AED 20,000 to AED 250,000 per individual.

DIB’s support echoes the values of the Year of Zayed 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 Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees, 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.

His Excellency 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 honoured to be able to support the organisation’s noble mission to make a difference in people’s lives. Our support mirrors the values and teachings of Sheikh Zayed and we are honoured to continue his legacy of compassion and service to humanity.”

Al Jalila Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education, treatment 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.