A genetic screening programme for Emirati newborns has been launched in Abu Dhabi, with the move aimed at improving the chances of detecting conditions that could affect future quality of life.
The Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, launched by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, along with the Emirati Genome Council, will place an increased emphasis on genomics-driven personalised care.
With the consent of parents, cord blood samples will be collected and tested at birth. The results will then used to identify conditions that might not be apparent at birth but could affect a child’s health if treatment is delayed.
The screening aims to identify conditions including metabolic disorders, immunodeficiencies and hematologic conditions, as well as rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, which can be treated with gene therapy.
“Health care begins long before symptoms appear and today, empowered by science and technology, we can act earlier than ever before," said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.
“This programme reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leveraging innovation to serve our community, starting from the first days of life. Through early detection, personalised care and strategic foresight, we are building a future of healthier generations and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in proactive, precision health care.”
The department said the programme can screen for 815 treatable childhood genetic conditions. The first phase of the project is under way as a voluntary option at Kanad Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital, in partnership with technology-enabled healthcare company M42.
The initiative is expected to be expanded across all maternity hospitals in Abu Dhabi to screen children of Emiratis.
Working together
The department has also collaborated with M42 to give paediatricians and neonatologists at Corniche Hospital, Danat Al Emarat and Kanad Hospital training on genetic counselling practices and the importance of newborn genetic screening.
“As we work to integrate genomics into our preventative healthcare infrastructure, we aim to expand this initiative to all maternity hospitals in the emirate, demonstrating how genomics can reshape health care, shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to a precise, proactive and personalised approach that improves patient outcomes," said Dr Mohamed Al Ameri, acting director of genome and biobank division at the Department of Health.
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Where to buy art books in the UAE
There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.
In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show.
In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
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