Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed will lead the board that oversees the Emirati Genome Programme. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed will lead the board that oversees the Emirati Genome Programme. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed will lead the board that oversees the Emirati Genome Programme. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed will lead the board that oversees the Emirati Genome Programme. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government

Science

Board of Emirati Genome Programme to be led by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed

The body will regulate data acquisition and support new therapies for rare and chronic diseases

The National

June 15, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The newly formed board of the Emirati Genome Programme has been approved by Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

The Emirati Genome Programme aims to provide preventative and personalised healthcare for the Emirati population.

This can be achieved by getting a comprehensive understanding of citizens' genetic makeup, said officials.

Genome sequencing can then help in the diagnosis of conditions caused by changes in the DNA.

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed, chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, will chair the board.

The programme looks to provide the best healthcare system for all Emiratis and get a better understanding of genetic diseases prevalent in the UAE, said officials.

This will include providing patients with an accurate diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.

Emiratis have recently been urged to voluntarily give an anonymous blood sample to help expand data collection for the Emirati Genome Programme.

The project, launched last year, has collected blood samples and DNA cheek swabs from tens of thousands of citizens.

Researchers said the end goal is to collect samples from all the Emirati population – about one million people – but as a voluntary programme.
The board will regulate data acquisition and storage and establish a system for issuing ethics and consent approvals for all genomics programmes.

It will also support new therapies for rare and chronic diseases.

Emiratis in the UAE have been urged to voluntarily give an anonymous blood sample to help expand the data collection for the Emirati Genome Project. All photos by Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Emiratis in the UAE have been urged to voluntarily give an anonymous blood sample to help expand the data collection for the Emirati Genome Project. All photos by Khushnum Bhandari / The National
The programme, which officially launched two years ago, has so far collected blood samples and buccal swabs from tens of thousands of people.
The programme, which officially launched two years ago, has so far collected blood samples and buccal swabs from tens of thousands of people.
Dr Walid Zaher is the chief research officer for G42 Healthcare and one of the lead researchers for the Emirati Genome Programme
Dr Walid Zaher is the chief research officer for G42 Healthcare and one of the lead researchers for the Emirati Genome Programme
Using the data, experts say they can predict, and in some cases prevent, diseases before they happen
Using the data, experts say they can predict, and in some cases prevent, diseases before they happen
Researchers for the Emirati Genome Programme analyse sample data in the Omics laboratory
Researchers for the Emirati Genome Programme analyse sample data in the Omics laboratory
Researchers said the end goal is to collect samples from 100 per cent of the population
Researchers said the end goal is to collect samples from 100 per cent of the population
The risk of inheriting a gene mutation increases sharply when closely related individuals marry
The risk of inheriting a gene mutation increases sharply when closely related individuals marry
Teams working as part of the programme have already created the first reference genome from more than 1,000 volunteers
Teams working as part of the programme have already created the first reference genome from more than 1,000 volunteers
The Omics Centre of Excellence run by G42 Healthcare in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
The Omics Centre of Excellence run by G42 Healthcare in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
Using biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence, researchers can characterise things like genetic variation and understand how they relate to different diseases
Using biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence, researchers can characterise things like genetic variation and understand how they relate to different diseases
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi including NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, Bareen International Hospital, and NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi including NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, Bareen International Hospital, and NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

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THE BIO

Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old

Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai

Favourite Book: The Alchemist

Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna

Favourite cuisine: Italian food

Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman

 

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

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