The UAE cabinet reviewed the Emirates Genome Council’s healthcare and cutting-edge research initiatives. Council achievements include the National Genome Strategy. It aims to enhance UAE life and health by creating a single strategy for studying, developing, and using customised medicine and healthcare.
Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Prime Minister led the UAE Cabinet meeting. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Presidential Court Chairman, and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was among the notables. His Majesty Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan also participated.
“Today, I chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where we reviewed the achievements of the Emirates Genome Council. The Emirati Genome Programme has successfully collected over 600,000 samples from across the country so far, and efforts are underway to expand this to one million samples. More than 1,000 of our medical professionals have been trained to support this programme,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Executive Council Chairman, chaired the Emirates Genome Council.
“During the meeting, we also approved the formation of a working team led by the Ministry of Economy to develop the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. This aims to chart a new path for its role in enhancing the economy, opening markets, building new partnerships with the world, and enabling our local companies to enter global markets. The rapid economic growth in the country requires continuous structural changes to keep pace with developments,” His Highness added.
The plan aims to boost research and development, expand genomic science utilisation, strengthen international ties between local and international organisations, and enable doctors and sector professionals to adopt preventative measures and improve treatment paths.
The approval of a federal decree law controlling the use of the human genome is also one of the goals achieved. Regarding genome control, this new law is unprecedented in its scope and breadth.
The Emirati Genome Programme achieved a major milestone by collecting 600,000 gene samples from donors in 102 UAE locations. UAE is 60% of the way to sequencing and analyzing one million gene samples. This will improve future health care and allow for personalised therapies for illnesses that run in families. Medical staff have over 1,000 genetic sample collection trainings. New genome testing steps will detect all genetic disorders and hereditary problems. These will include premarital and baby health screenings.
Pure Health promises carbon neutrality by 2040 to improve healthcare that will reduce daily increasing diseases.
