Category Archives: Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation announces launch of new grant cycle to support cancer research in the UAE

Al Jalila Foundation, a philanthropic healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced the launch of a new cycle of grants to support cancer research in the UAE.

The new cycle, which will award grants to UAE-based scientists, is in line with the vision of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) to advance health for humanity. It also reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading destination in the field of medical education, research and scientific innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation is inviting applications to conduct a two-year cancer research study to address local and regional needs. The new grant cycle will provide up to AED300,000 to support basic science, translational and clinical research projects. The grants are available to UAE nationals and residents, provided they conduct the research in the UAE. Applicants should also be holding positions at universities, research or clinical institutions in the UAE.

According to the Foundation, the applications will be assessed through an independent, international peer review process that will be overseen by a scientific advisory committee. The committee will consist of specialised experts in the region, who will work with the international peer review panel, to award research grants to the most deserving scientists.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Vice President of Administration and Professional Services of MBRU and Acting CEO of  Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Al Jalila Foundation’s latest grant cycle, which is in line with DAHC’s ‘Patient First’ mission, will further support our efforts to advance scientific discovery and promote better health outcomes to improve the wellbeing of cancer patients in the UAE. The Foundation’s investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to the UAE’s long-term healthcare strategy. By supporting talented scientists, we are investing in the next generation of innovators in health sciences and paving the way for medical breakthroughs to transform lives.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for one in six deaths. The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.  Cancer research – to discover, detect, prevent, and treat the disease – is integral to progress in understanding the fundamental biology of cancer and new prevention measures, tests and treatments.

Since 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded more than AED28 million in research grants in a number of areas including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Applications are open until 16 January, 2023. Scientists interested to apply for a research grant can visit Al Jalila Foundation’s website:  https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae/what-we-do/research/seed-grants/

Brest Friends celebrate 17 years of giving hope to breast cancer patients in the UAE

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, celebrated the 17th anniversary of longstanding partner Brest Friends 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. Studies show that when breast cancer is detected and treated early the survival rate is 99 percent. Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends work together to raise awareness on early detection.

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. It is thanks to Dr Houriya’s dedication and foresight, almost 20 years ago, to create a special movement that has impacted thousands of women and inspired the community. What was once a taboo subject has transformed into a national conversation promoting breast cancer awareness nation-wide.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Brest Friends is an organisation that is a shining example of what can be accomplished when you nourish one small seed with courage, dedication and passion. Today we see the astonishing growth of that seed as the movement against breast cancer has never been bigger with a wider community reach. It is undeniable that the incredible work of Brest Friends over the last 17 years has saved more lives than we will ever know. We commend Dr Houriya, the Brest Friends Board and the community of breast cancer warriors on their dedication and we could not be more proud of the great impact their work has had on the lives of women.”

Dr Houriya Kazim, Founder and President of Brest Friends, said: “When I started Brest Friends, the only qualifications that I brought to the task were the experience of treating breast cancer patients and the desire to help my patients survive the experience. But here we are – 17 years of giving our members a nurturing, safe and fun environment where women are supported as they go through the difficult breast cancer journey. Cancer is an individual experience; each person has a unique path and we are in awe of all the incredible women who have been a part of the Brest Friends family who have met challenges with such a strength of spirit and grace. It takes my breath away. These women are testament that breast cancer can be beaten and that there is life after cancer.”

The anniversary luncheon was held at Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House, sponsored by Marriott Business Council, commemorating the positive impact Brest Friends has had on women in the UAE. It was a celebration of 17 years of friendships and an opportunity to honour the brave women who have faced breast cancer with incredible courage, grace and hope.

Pam Wilby, Chair of the UAE Marriott Business Council, said: “My team and I were thrilled to once again host the Brest Friends anniversary and share in the celebrations of such a joyous occasion – it’s so inspiring to be among so many incredible women and to be able to celebrate each of them and their triumphant journey.”

Pam added: “Since 2015 the Marriott Business Council has been supporting Al Jalila Foundation programs through a number of fundraising activities. Our Marriott associates work hard to raise funds throughout the year to support Al Jalila Foundation healthcare programs including the partnership with Brest Friends. I am very proud that that we now have 69 Marriott hotels and 16,000 Marriott associates working passionately to make a difference to the lives of women in the UAE.”

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Al Jalila Foundation launched the 8th edition of #PINKtober in partnership with Brest Friends. The month-long community campaign unites hundreds of partners – ranging from schools, corporates, hospitality, retailers and government entities – who host pink-themed events across the UAE to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and patient treatment.

Latifa bint Mohammed visits Majlis Al Amal, the UAE’s first cancer drop-in centre established by Al Jalila Foundation

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), Member of the Dubai Council and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, visited Majlis Al Amal, the UAE’s first cancer drop-in centre, established by Al Jalila Foundation. Majlis Al Amal is the first community centre of its kind that provides a home away from home’ for female cancer patients and survivors.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed was welcomed at the offices of Al Jalila Foundation by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, and Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of the Foundation. Her Highness was briefed about the organisation’s healthcare programmes transforming patients’ lives. She was also briefed on the progress of the project to build ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the UAE’s first cancer charity hospital, being developed by Al Jalila Foundation with the mission of redefining cancer care in the region.

Her Highness toured Majlis Al Amal where cancer patients can drop in anytime for information, take part in art workshops, and attend educational sessions conducted by medical experts. The centre features several other activities designed to enhance the wellbeing of its members. The services of the centre are offered free of charge by volunteers passionate about making a difference to the lives of women affected by cancer. Less than a year since opening its doors, Majlis Al Amal has developed into a 400-strong community of women with cancer. The centre’s members come from all backgrounds united in their mission – to beat cancer.

During her visit, which supports international breast cancer awareness month being marked in October, HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed commended the Foundation’s various teams that work behind its programmes. Her Highness met with women who know first-hand the realities of cancer and its impact on their lives and that of their families, friends and their community.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said: “Al Jalila Foundation’s philanthropic medical initiatives have brought significant benefits to the community. Majlis Al Amal is one of the Foundation’s exceptional programmes that supports the physical and mental well-being of female cancer patients and survivors. It was very inspiring to meet and hear the incredible stories of some of the strong women who have found a sense of community and belonging in Majlis Al Amal. I look forward to the continued positive impact of the Foundation’s medical, education, support, and research programmes on people’s lives.”

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “Majlis Al Amal supports cancer patients and survivors as they navigate the disease and its challenges. A cancer diagnosis has significant impact psychologically and emotionally and knowing that ‘you are not alone’ and that there is a community to lean on has a huge impact on the wellbeing of patients and their loved ones. Al Jalila Foundation aims to provide a support network in a safe, nurturing environment to women coping with the disease. The centre aims to keep the message of hope alive and improve the wellbeing of women during a very difficult time in their life.”

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Studies show that emotional support is integral in the healing journey and Majlis Al Amal provides a platform where women can speak openly about their fears, share experiences and lean on each other for comfort and support that they may otherwise not find outside of the ‘cancer community’.  When we established Majlis Al Amal we knew it would be a very special place for women but we never imagined how much our members would come to depend on their new ‘circle of hope’. We are inspired by their stories and it is a privilege for my team and I to be a small part of their journey.”

“All the services and activities are designed to inspire, nurture and support women as they navigate their cancer journey. We are proud to have created this unique, life-changing community service in the UAE for the first time,” concluded Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama.

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has extended AED10 million worth of support to 168 women with cancer unable to afford quality medical care, through its A’awen programme.  One in six patients supported by Al Jalila Foundation have cancer. With the rising incidence of cancer and the consequent need for charity support for patients, Al Jalila Foundation is establishing ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, the first comprehensive cancer charity hospital in the UAE, which brings together leading experts to manage prevention, diagnosis and treatment under one roof. The hospital is set to open in 2026 with a vision to redefine cancer care in the region.

As a member of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), which aims to improve the Arab world through humanitarian, developmental and community work, Al Jalila Foundation has, since inception, provided life-saving aid, locally and internationally, contributing to MBRGI’s mission to improve human life.

Al Jalila Foundation partners with America’s NIH and major UAE universities to establish a collaborative scientific research initiative

In a move set to provide a boost to Dubai’s scientific research capabilities, the Al Jalila Foundation, together with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), and three UAE universities have announced the establishment of the UAE-NIH Collaborative Research Initiative (UAE-NIH-CRI).

Al Jalila Foundation is a non-profit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation. The UAE universities participating in the collaborative initiative include Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, and UAE University. The partnership between Dubai’s Al Jalila Foundation, NIH, and three of the UAE’s most reputable academic institutions is the first of its kind in the Arab world.

The UAE-NIH-CRI will support ongoing and new meritorious UAE-US research cooperation. It will foster cooperative research among UAE and US researchers with shared priorities related to infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The initiative will also boost the UAE’s capacity in biomedical research through scientific training opportunities, with the partner organisations contributing combined funding of almost AED14 million over three years.

The UAE-NIH-CRI is expected to fund up to six meritorious awards over three years to support pioneering research collaborations among UAE and US scientists, bringing the brightest minds together.

While announcing the initiative, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Science has no borders and will flourish through global collaboration, knowledge transfer, and continuous innovation. Our vision is to foster world-class medical research to deliver medical breakthroughs. This partnership will further enhance our efforts to advance scientific discovery and be a leader in medical innovation. We are confident that our work together will promote better health outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life.” Dr Abdulkareem encouraged researchers in the UAE and the US to work together to apply for collaborative research funding.

Merit-based funding

A council representing the five participating organisations will oversee the UAE-NIH-CRI, review the scientific merit of applications, make funding recommendations, and review progress reports. The merit review process will be handled independently by a panel of unconflicted experts.

Application process

A request soliciting proposals from researchers for the UAE-NIH-CRI awards [https://www.crdfglobal.org/funding-opportunities/uae-nih-collaborative-awards-2023/] was released on 31 August 2022 by CRDF Global, an independent non-profit organisation. The application deadline is 16 December 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in the spring or early summer of 2023.

Al Jalila Foundation receives first donation in cryptocurrency to support Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, announced that it has received the first donation in cryptocurrency to support Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital.

The donation, the first of its kind in the UAE, was made by the founders of QUINT, a revolutionary token championing mainstream adoption of DeFi and cryptocurrencies by bringing real-world rewards and perks to investors. QUINT has donated an equivalent value of USD 16 million to support Hamadan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital. The funds will be made available to Al Jalila Foundation through a specially devised locking and vesting mechanism over a 3-year roadmap aligned with the bone marrow transplant centre’s construction plan.

After complete realisation of the donation, the facility will be named “QUINT Bone Marrow Transplant Centre” on launch, and will cater for cancer patients who could otherwise not afford specialised medical treatment. Quint’s development team and strategic partners have also contributed generously towards this donation.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO at Al Jalila Foundation, said: As a philanthropic organisation we rely on charitable donations and we are always seeking innovative ways to expand our donation channels for ease of convenience for donors from all around the world to support our programmes. Crypto philanthropy has emerged as an important and sustainable source of fundraising for charities, giving donors greater opportunities to support humanitarian causes. We are grateful to QUINT for their generous contribution that will have a great impact on the lives of adults and children suffering from cancer.”

Bone marrow transplant (also known as stem cell transplant) is a medical procedure that infuses healthy stem cells to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow. This treatment is usually for cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or other similar life-threatening conditions. The replacement bone marrow or stem cells can come from the patient themselves (autologous transplantation) or from a donor (allogeneic transplantation).

QUINT, a flagship crypto and DeFi project on the BSC chain, has innovated the idea of super-staking pools that allow investors to benefit from real-world perks, rewards and investment opportunities. The Quint boutique NFT Market Place brings digital art to real-world collectors and connoisseurs, displayed in beautiful Token Frames. In May 2022 Quint partnered with Galaxy Racer (GXR), a transmedia powerhouse focused on esports, content creators, music, and sports, headquartered in Dubai, and became the native token for the GXR ecosystem. The Quint ecosystem is supporting the Dubai Blockchain Strategy and Emirates Blockchain Strategy, and is establishing new standards for ESG, transparency, accountability and deliverability within the cryptocurrency space.

Mr Mohammed Al Bulooki, Chairman of Quint, said: “Quint’s founders, developers and partners support Al Jalila Foundation’s aim of transforming lives through medical research, and are delighted to be able to contribute to this mission. Quint prides itself on contributing to community well-being and holding itself to high standards of governance and ethics. As part of our mission of connecting the metaverse to the real world, and boosting mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies and DeFi, we are pleased to be amongst the first to embrace crypto philanthropy in the UAE and the Middle East.”

Quint’s founding team and strategic partners are all industry veterans with strong track records. It is noteworthy that Quint’s CEO Mr Rahul Chaudhary sits at the helm of CG Corp Global, a multi-billion-dollar multinational conglomerate spanning 140 years of operation, 160 companies and 123 brands in over 35 countries.

In less than a year, Al Jalila Foundation has already raised AED390 million, towards the AED750 million fundraising target, with major donations received from a number of philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates to support the development of the UAE’s first cancer charity hospital.

To learn more about Quint’s Ecosystem, visit:  https://quint.io/

Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah pledges AED10 million to Al Jalila Foundation for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital

Al Jalila Foundation, a nonprofit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, and a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced that Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah & Sons had pledged AED10 million to support the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, the UAE’s first charity hospital aimed at helping cancer patients in need.

Named after the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hospital will provide best-in-class outpatient, ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as inpatient and surgical services in a nurturing environment that prides itself on personalised patient care. With a capacity to treat 30,000 patients a year, the comprehensive charity hospital aims to redefine cancer care for those in need and become a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families.

In the 14 months since the hospital’s announcement, Al Jalila Foundation has already raised AED390 million, surpassing the 50% milestone of the AED750 million fundraising target. Al Jalila Foundation has received significant donations from philanthropists, government and non-government organisations, UAE businesses and corporates.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for one in six deaths. The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Studies show that low-income cancer patients cannot access timely quality diagnosis and life-saving treatment. Survival rates are dependent on accessible early detection and quality medical care.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The health and wellbeing of the UAE’s citizens and residents is one of Al Jalila Foundation’s top priorities. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital will become a leader in cancer care, serving patients unable to afford quality care. Donor support is integral to our success in developing the state-of-the-art hospital. We are grateful to MAG Group for their generous donation that will greatly impact the lives of adults and children with cancer. The hospital will offer unparalleled cancer expertise and make an invaluable contribution to the country’s healthcare sector, putting patient care first.”

MAG Group Holding has a strong philosophy underpinned by the belief that every individual plays a vital role in developing, preserving, and sustaining their communities.

Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah, Chairman and Founder of MAG Group Holding, said: “The world grows in kindness when we give in kindness. It is with pride that we give to the future of our community and this nation. The unconditional gifts of time and money are a life-changing force for good in the world. As people become more prosperous and economies grow stronger, it is our duty to create an opportunity to build an ever-stronger culture of giving the right to live across the world. The UAE and Dubai governments encourage the spirit of generosity. They have created an environment where a strong civil society can flourish, allowing people to reach out to those less fortunate than themselves. We are proud and honoured to support Al Jalila Foundation in its noble efforts to establish the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital to improve the lives of cancer patients.”

 

Al Jalila Foundation celebrates the graduation of the eighth cohort of the Ta’alouf Teachers Training programme

Al Jalila Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation and a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, celebrated 70 new graduates from the eighth cohort of the Ta’alouf Teachers Training programme. The programme equips teachers with knowledge and skills to better understand the learning needs of children of determination. The latest edition of the programme directly impacted 231 children of determination and indirectly more than 11,700 children in the UAE.

The programme, which runs for one academic year, was established in 2014 in partnership with Zayed University. It is supported by the UAE’s Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The Ta’alouf (harmony in Arabic) programme is delivered in English and Arabic. The eighth cohort comprised teachers of 12 nationalities. The teachers, 70% of whom were UAE nationals, came from all UAE emirates.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The graduation of the eighth cohort marks another milestone in our commitment to an inclusive society where parents, educators, strategic partners and the wider community work together to empower children of determination. At the heart of Ta’alouf is social inclusion, and we will continue to champion it in our classrooms, our playgrounds, and our communities so that every child, irrespective of their ability, has the opportunity to shine. It is heartwarming to hear from teachers how ‘life-changing’ the programme has been and how it continues to bring out the best in their pupils.”

The comprehensive programme includes monthly training sessions, participation in professional learning communities, and individual mentoring sessions. The latest edition of the programme saw 32 initiatives implemented in schools across the UAE to promote inclusion. These initiatives included awareness sessions for students, parents and teachers; buddy programs; and several other programmes aimed at improving the learning experience for children of determination.

“At Al Jalila Foundation, we are committed to delivering the most effective educational programme to improve the lives of children with special needs. We are proud to have had the opportunity to empower teachers nationwide and provide them with life-changing skills to ensure a continuum of care between a child’s home and school,” said Dr Abdulkareem.

With the support of its partners and donors, Al Jalila Foundation has invested AED3 million since the beginning of the programme to equip teachers with the knowledge to empower children of determination to reach their full potential and realise their dreams.

Dr Clayton Mackenzie, Zayed University Provost, said: “Celebrating the eighth cohort of the Ta’alouf Teachers Training Program marks a meaningful partnership with Al Jalila Foundation. Zayed University has always supported exceptional training and development programmes, which have been carefully curated and designed by the Institute of Community Engagement (ICE) to meet the specific needs of different government entities, universities and the different segments of the UAE community. We are working hard to support the UAE’s cultural, social, economic, and educational development by providing diverse joint-training and development programmes and activities that address the needs of the different community groups.”

Al Jalila Foundation, in partnership with Zayed University, has delivered eight cohorts and trained 548 teachers from 163 government and private schools across the seven emirates, reaffirming its commitment to children of determination and their happiness and wellbeing.

Healthcare crowdfunding in Dubai gets a strong push with the success of Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen Giving platform

Healthcare crowdfunding in Dubai has received a strong push with the success of A’awen Giving, an online crowdfunding platform launched by the Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The Foundation today announced that in less than a year since its launch, the platform has raised over AED1 million from the community to support patients in their healing journey.

A’awen, Arabic for ‘support’, is Al Jalila Foundation’s treatment support programme that provides financial assistance to UAE-based patients in need. The programme seeks to alleviate some of the financial burden of patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses who are unable to afford quality healthcare.

Growth in crowdfunding

Corporations and individuals in the UAE have increasingly been showing support for the A’awen Giving programme, which provides donors a convenient digital channel to provide financial aid to patients with critical illnesses. The expansion in the platform’s donor base mirrors the rapid growth of the global healthcare crowdfunding market in recent years. The latest studies indicate that donors prefer to contribute to individual campaigns, which allow them to connect with the beneficiary and follow their journey.

Digital platform crowdfunding is particularly attractive to young people. As much as 17% of online donations are made on mobile devices. This easy-to-use method makes charitable donations convenient and rewarding.

As a registered UAE charity, Al Jalila Foundation invites donations from individuals to help patients, with the assurance that the funds raised will be used fully to support patients. Through the A’awen Giving online platform, donors can have the confidence that their donations will make a real difference to the lives of people within the community and that 100% of their donation contributes to the patient’s medical treatment.

 A’awen Giving

The A’awen Giving website features stories of patients who require life-changing treatment and the funds they are seeking to raise to cover their medical expenses. Online donors receive regular updates on the success of the fundraising campaign and are notified when the full amount is raised. As part of its efforts to expand the network of donors, the crowdfunding platform has created a unique feature that enables donors to challenge their friends and family to match their donations.

Dr  Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “In today’s digital world, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to help those in need, so we created a platform where the community can give at any time, from anywhere. Technology has the power to change every aspect of our lives and it has made the patient much more accessible to the donor. Through A’awen Giving, we count on our donors and partners to help us pave the way for a healthier, brighter future for all. There is no greater gift than good health and A’awen gives hope, so patients are able to lead happy, healthy lives.”

Helping Patients

In less than a year since the platform was launched, the Foundation has run 20 fundraising campaigns and raised over AED1 million to help adults and children with life-threatening medical issues such as Santhoshi who was born with a hole in her heart and needed corrective surgery; 13-year-old Abdulrahman, who no longer relies on painkillers to get through the day after his life-transforming surgery; and Grace, a young mother suffering from cancer, who is responding well to treatment and hopeful of a full recovery.

Dr Abdulkareem added: “We help patients focus on their recovery without worrying about the medical costs, alleviating their financial burden so that they can focus on their treatment and recovery. When we help a patient, there is a ripple effect – a father who will see his children grow up, a child who will pursue their dreams, a grandparent who has more time with their grandchildren. Nothing gives us more joy than to see families flourish in the face of adversity. It is a great privilege to be a small part of their life journey.”

Al Jalila Foundation works with healthcare partners on treatment plans that cater to patients’ needs and A’awen Giving gives the community the opportunity to be a part of their healing journey.

For more information on A’awen Giving, visit: www.giving.aljalilafoundation.ae

Al Jalila Foundation becomes first healthcare charity in the UAE to receive donations in cryptocurrency

Al Jalila Foundation, a nonprofit healthcare organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, and a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, today announced that it has been granted approval to receive charitable donations in cryptocurrencies, making it the first healthcare charity in the UAE to accept donations in digital money.

Al Jalila Foundation also announced that it has partnered with a leading cryptocurrency platform. This unprecedented move in the charity sector aims to expand the Foundation’s donation channels, network and capabilities in line with Dubai’s vision to be a leader in adopting advanced financial technologies and a prominent digital asset hub.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As a philanthropic organisation we rely on charitable donations and we are always seeking innovative ways to expand our donation channels for ease of convenience for donors from all around the world to support our programmes. Therefore, as an emerging source of fundraising, providing the opportunity to the growing number of crypto users around the world to donate to Al Jalila Foundation to causes that interest them is a win-win for us as a foundation and the donor community. We are proud to be the first healthcare charity in the UAE to accept donations in cryptocurrencies bridging the gap between physical and digital currency.”

According to Chainalysis, the Middle East is one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency markets in the world, making up seven per cent of global trading volumes. The UAE transacts approximately USD 25 billion worth of cryptocurrency each year and ranks third by volume in the region.

Crypto philanthropy has emerged as an important and sustainable source of fundraising for charities, giving people greater opportunities to donate for good. Cryptocurrency is also the fastest growing donation method for Millennial and Gen-Z donors. According to a study published by The Giving Block, the leading crypto philanthropy platform for nonprofit organisations and individual donors, total yearly crypto donations in 2021 soared over fifteen times compared to 2020. Furthermore, the average crypto donation stood at USD 10,455 as opposed to cash donation at USD 128.

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has raised millions to deliver life-transforming healthcare programmes in the areas of medical treatment, education and research.

Al Jalila Foundation partners with Fundación Iker Casillas and IDOVEN to advance cardiovascular research and promote healthy living

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today announced it has partnered with Fundación Iker Casillas and IDOVEN to improve monitoring of cardiac health through the use of technology, artificial intelligence and innovation applied to health to improve lives.

Together with Al Jalila Foundation, the parties will lead a pilot study to monitor cardiac health of a cohort of 100 people who will undergo extensive professional medical assessment and provide their ‘heartbeat data’ to contribute to research and prevention of sudden death among groups at high risk of heart disease.

Fundación Iker Casillas is a non-profit entity chaired by the world famous football legend Iker Casillas who created the foundation to support, promote, and develop activities that help improve the health and quality of life.  IDOVEN is a European HealthTech startup company based in Madrid that seeks to prevent cardiac diseases, myocardial infarction, and sudden death.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally with almost 20 million lives being lost every year. It is also the primary cause of death in the UAE contributing to 30% of fatalities annually. The partnership aims to reduce preventable heart disease.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, welcomed Iker Casillas, the Founder of Fundación Iker Casillas, and Dr. Manuel Marina Breysse, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of IDOVEN, and took them on a tour of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute and briefed them on the Foundation’s education and research programmes.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “From telemedicine to artificial intelligence and robotic surgery, technology is revolutionising the healthcare industry. Advances in medical technologies are beyond anything we could have ever imagined. These innovations have allowed us to advance patient treatment and, sometimes, even predict the onset of illnesses to prevent serious complications and even premature death. Today, thanks to advances in medical research, people are living longer and healthier lives. With remote patient monitoring, physicians can now know what is going on with a patient without physically being close. This pilot study will give us new insights into preventing heart attacks and other heart problems, which can contribute to saving lives and benefiting millions of people.”

The partnership will pioneer the implementation of automatic cardiac diagnostic systems, making it possible to remotely monitor patients through scalable technology in the future and at the same time contributing to research and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the UAE.

Iker Casillas, Founder of Fundación Iker Casillas, said: “I am proud to foster prevention and health beyond the borders of my country. Thanks to Al Jalila Foundation, today I can strengthen my Foundation’s commitment to reduce heart diseases. Through this alliance with IDOVEN and its artificial intelligence, we will achieve more accessible health and a healthier population in the UAE.”

Dr Manuel Marina Breysse, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of IDOVEN SL, said: “At IDOVEN, we are proud to collaborate with Al Jalila Foundation and Fundación Iker Casillas bringing our cardiac technology to the UAE. It is our belief that this project will contribute to the health and wellbeing of the country’s diverse population to support the UAE’s national healthcare strategy and its drive to deliver innovative healthcare programmes to its people.”

Since its inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has led opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED28 million to award 100 research grants and nine international research fellowships to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, mental health and emerging diseases.  In 2021, Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, a subsidiary of Al Jalila Foundation, pledged AED 8 million annual funding to Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences to advance biomedical research.