Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, speaks at the launch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, speaks at the launch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, speaks at the launch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, speaks at the launch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

UAE's first national multiple sclerosis helpline aims to offer critical support to patients


  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE has taken a significant step in improving care for people living with multiple sclerosis by launching the MS Helpline, the nation's first dedicated support service for the chronic disease.

Launched by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in partnership with Abu Dhabi health technology company M42 and supported by Mubadala through the Mubadala Foundation, the helpline offers expert guidance, emotional support and access to critical resources tailored to the needs of the MS community.

Accessible by dialling 800677 and available daily from 10am to 10pm, the line provides personalised assistance, including referrals to specialists, mental health assessments and active listening support.

“The UAE’s leadership prioritises advancing health care for everyone and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to improving access to necessary medical services for people living with MS,” said Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, chief executive of the Emirates Foundation and vice chairman of the NMSS. “We are proud that this helpline is a regional first for dedicated MS support.”

Transforming support systems

The MS Helpline is part of a broader initiative by the NMSS to improve quality of life for patients. The helpline also aligns with the National MS Coalition's objectives, announced on World MS Day in May. These include introducing a national agenda for MS care, fostering knowledge sharing and addressing gaps in services through a structured framework.

“The introduction of the MS Helpline is an important service that we are proud to support,” said Mansour Ahmed Al Ketbi, deputy chief corporate and human capital officer at Mubadala. ”Our collaboration with NMSS and Ma'an underscores our ongoing commitment to enhance social efforts that drive positive outcomes in our community. We aim to enhance the quality of life for those affected by MS and ensure they have access to the necessary support and resources.”

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord.

The disease causes the immune system to attack the protective layer that covers nerve fibres (the myelin sheath), preventing brain signals from properly reaching other parts of the body.

It is a lifelong condition with no known cure or cause, although there are treatments to manage symptoms.

According to the NMSS, about 64 in every 100,000 Emiratis in Abu Dhabi are diagnosed with MS, twice the global rate.

Empowering the community

Designed as more than a traditional call centre, the MS Helpline aims to redefine how support is delivered.

“Whether you’re newly diagnosed, seeking ongoing support, or a loved one looking to help, our helpline is here to provide guidance,” senior manager Hala Zainal said. “Our goal was to create a helpline that goes beyond a traditional call centre, combining expert healthcare advice with compassionate emotional support.

"We wanted to provide a safe and confidential environment where individuals can discuss their concerns with experienced professionals specifically trained to support people with MS, offering empathetic counsel, de-escalating distressed calls, and facilitating mental health follow-ups with healthcare teams.”

Dr Ruqqia Mir speaks at the launch of the first National Multiple Sclerosis society in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Dr Ruqqia Mir speaks at the launch of the first National Multiple Sclerosis society in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The helpline was piloted with members of the MS community to ensure it meets specific needs, using M42’s operational expertise and resources. “Together with our operational and healthcare partners, we’re creating a supportive ecosystem that puts the MS community at the heart of its operation and works to design solutions to fill gaps identified by our community,” Ms Zainal said.

Omar Al Nokhatha, an MS ambassador, said: “I believe the helpline will have a dramatic positive impact on the MS community. Having a reliable source to reduce confusion and misinformation is essential, especially during times when individuals feel lost and uncertain. Such initiatives play a crucial role in calming people and providing them with a trusted channel to connect with experts, offering much-needed clarity on MS-related concerns, which by its essence fosters healing.”

Established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Development, the NMSS is a UAE-based NGO dedicated to improving the lives of people living with MS through education, advocacy, and advancing global efforts to find a cure.

For more information or to contribute to the MS community, visit the NMSS website or donate through the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an platform.

Grand Slam Los Angeles results

Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos

Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha

Squad: Majed Naser, Abdulaziz Sanqour, Walid Abbas, Khamis Esmail, Habib Fardan, Mohammed Marzouq (Shabab Al Ahli Dubai), Khalid Essa, Muhanad Salem, Mohammed Ahmed, Ismail Ahmed, Ahmed Barman,  Amer Abdulrahman, Omar Abdulrahman (Al Ain), Ali Khaseif, Fares Juma, Mohammed Fawzi, Khalfan Mubarak, Mohammed Jamal, Ahmed Al Attas (Al Jazira), Ahmed Rashid, Mohammed Al Akbari (Al Wahda), Tariq Ahmed, Mahmoud Khamis, Khalifa Mubarak, Jassim Yaqoub (Al Nasr), Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Yousef Saeed (Sharjah), Suhail Al Nubi (Baniyas)

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)

Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm

 

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

 

 

Korean Film Festival 2019 line-up

Innocent Witness, June 26 at 7pm

On Your Wedding Day, June 27 at 7pm

The Great Battle, June 27 at 9pm

The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion, June 28 at 4pm

Romang, June 28 at 6pm

Mal Mo E: The Secret Mission, June 28 at 8pm

Underdog, June 29 at 2pm

Nearby Sky, June 29 at 4pm

A Resistance, June 29 at 6pm 

 

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Stree

Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Movies
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee
Rating: 3.5

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Kanye%20West
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What drives subscription retailing?

Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.

The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.

The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.

The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.

UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.

That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.

Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.

Expo details

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

It is expected to attract 25 million visits

Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.

More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020

The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area

It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South

SPEC%20SHEET
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

yallacompare profile

Date of launch: 2014

Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer

Based: Media City, Dubai 

Sector: Financial services

Size: 120 employees

Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)

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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PRO%20MAX
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Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

FIGHT%20CARD
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The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)

Updated: December 15, 2024, 1:52 PM`