President Sheikh Mohamed listens to a presentation by Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, at the launch of the National Genome Strategy. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed listens to a presentation by Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, at the launch of the National Genome Strategy. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed listens to a presentation by Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, at the launch of the National Genome Strategy. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed listens to a presentation by Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, at the launch of the National Genome Strategy. Hamad Al Kaabi

UAE President launches National Genome Strategy to prioritise Emirati health care


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The UAE's leaders have launched a national strategy to map the DNA of every Emirati as the country looks to provide personalised medical care for every citizen.

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, were present as the National Genome Strategy was unveiled.

More than 400,000 citizens have already submitted blood samples and DNA cheek swabs, giving scientists an insight into the health of the nation.

The aim is to collect one million samples.

The results would bring scientists a step closer to offering personalised treatment.

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

  • President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, speak with Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology, at the launch of the National Genome Strategy at Qasr Al Watan. All pictures: Presidential Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, speak with Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology, at the launch of the National Genome Strategy at Qasr Al Watan. All pictures: Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohamed listens to a presentation by Ms Al Amiri
    Sheikh Mohamed listens to a presentation by Ms Al Amiri
  • Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed with Ms Al Amiri
    Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed with Ms Al Amiri
  • Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Mohammed
    Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Mohammed
  • Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office
    Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office
  • Sheikh Khaled at the iftar reception in Abu Dhabi
    Sheikh Khaled at the iftar reception in Abu Dhabi
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed and Ms Al Amiri look at a presentation
    Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed and Ms Al Amiri look at a presentation
  • Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Saif and Sheikh Hamdan
    Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Saif and Sheikh Hamdan
  • Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Mohammed, Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI and Remote Working System, Ms Al Amiri and other dignitaries
    Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Mohammed, Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI and Remote Working System, Ms Al Amiri and other dignitaries
  • Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan
    Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed and Ms Al Amiri
    Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed and Ms Al Amiri
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed and Ms Al Amiri
    Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed and Ms Al Amiri
  • Sheikh Mohammed with Sheikh Saif, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Khaled
    Sheikh Mohammed with Sheikh Saif, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Khaled
  • Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Hamdan
    Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Hamdan
  • Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohamed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Khaled, Ms Al Amiri, Mr Al Olama, Mr Al Owais and other dignitaries
    Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohamed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Khaled, Ms Al Amiri, Mr Al Olama, Mr Al Owais and other dignitaries

The strategy is based on five key pillars:

  • Having a framework of legislation and governance
  • Creating a harmonised and secure data infrastructure
  • Developing top-tier genomic research and innovation capabilities
  • Focusing on genomic applications that align with public health priorities
  • Building strategic partnerships that accelerate the delivery of best-in-class programmes

“Science and knowledge have always been key drivers of the UAE’s development. Our priority is to ensure the best health care and quality of life for our people,” said Sheikh Mohamed at the launch.

Work will be carried out over the next 10 years.

“The National Genome Strategy highlights the country’s position as a hub for advanced healthcare research, innovation and future technology use,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Sarah Al Amiri, Secretary General of the Emirates Genome Council, said the programme is considered one of the most comprehensive genomic initiatives in the world and will improve preventive and personalised health care with research and medical institutions across the UAE.

“Understanding the genetic make-up of our citizens will help medical teams deliver personalised healthcare services to each one. [The] information will help us develop solutions to limit the spread of genetic and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, blood pressure conditions, and cancer,” Ms Al Amiri, who is also Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology, said.

“Our database today contains whole genome sequencing data from around 400,000 citizens. Our target is to collect one million samples nationwide and we look forward to the participation of all Emiratis.

“The study will help to specify the genetic health risks for each citizen and allow for preliminary prevention and personalised precision treatments.

“Work is under way on a number of clinical programmes that use the available genome data, including the first personalised precision medicine programme for oncology in the region initially targeting breast cancer, the advanced pre-marital genetic screening programme, pharmacogenomics programmes and many more to be piloted in the near future.”

It will also support doctors in taking proactive steps to reduce the prevalence of certain diseases, enable early intervention and help to identify the most effective treatments.

What is population genomics?

Population genomics refers to a new concept in terms of an individual's or a population's ancestry.

In humans, population genomics typically refers to applying technology to understand how genes contribute to health and well-being.

Using biotechnology and artificial intelligence, researchers can characterise things like genetic variation and understand how they relate to different diseases.

The more samples a laboratory can get, the more data it has to work with, which in turn allows researchers to map out a clearer picture of how the Emirati genome operates.

Inside the G42 lab taking samples for the Emirati Genome Project — in pictures

  • 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
How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019

December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'

JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.

“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”

November 26:  ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’

SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue. 

SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."

October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'

MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.

“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December." 

Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin

Favourite film: Marvel movies

Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
THE BIO

Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude

Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE

Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally

Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo 

 Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua

 Based: Dubai, UAE

 Number of employees: 28

 Sector: Financial services

 Investment: $9.5m

 Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. 

 
THE%C2%A0SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%20four-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Starting%20from%20Dh89%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%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

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Roger Federer's 2018 record

Australian Open Champion

Rotterdam Champion

Indian Wells Runner-up

Miami Second round

Stuttgart Champion

Halle Runner-up

Wimbledon Quarter-finals

Cincinnati Runner-up

US Open Fourth round

Shanghai Semi-finals

Basel Champion

Paris Masters Semi-finals

 

 

Company profile

Name: Infinite8

Based: Dubai

Launch year: 2017

Number of employees: 90

Sector: Online gaming industry

Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor

Fight card
  • Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (Nigeria) beat Artid Vamrungauea (Thailand) POINTS
  • Julaidah Abdulfatah (Saudi Arabia) beat Martin Kabrhel (Czech Rep) POINTS
  • Kem Ljungquist (Denmark) beat Mourad Omar (Egypt) TKO
  • Michael Lawal (UK) beat Tamas Kozma (Hungary) KO​​​​​​​
  • Zuhayr Al Qahtani (Saudi Arabia) beat Mohammed Mahmoud (UK) POINTS
  • Darren Surtees (UK) beat Kane Baker (UK) KO
  • Chris Eubank Jr (UK) beat JJ McDonagh (Ireland) TKO
  • Callum Smith (UK) beat George Groves (UK) KO
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Updated: March 31, 2023, 5:29 AM