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
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The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

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After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.

At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.

A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.

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SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.

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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries

• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.

• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.

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6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

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7. Limited time periods for audits

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10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

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Global state-owned investor ranking by size

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Key findings of Jenkins report
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Updated: March 31, 2023, 5:29 AM