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Dubai Health welcomed a delegation from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust as part of ongoing efforts to foster knowledge exchange and explore advancements in cancer care. This visit reinforces their collaboration to advance clinical and operational excellence at Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai's first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital.

The delegation from The Royal Marsden, one of the world's leading cancer centres dedicated to cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, care and education, was led by its Chief Executive and National Cancer Director of NHS England, Dame Cally Palmer, accompanied by Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nicholas van As, and Clinical Director of Genomics, Dr. Angela George.

During the visit, the delegation met with Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chair of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors, and Chair of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Steering Committee.

H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “It was a privilege to welcome Dame Cally Palmer, Professor Nicholas van As, and Dr. Angela George from The Royal Marsden. Their expertise and insights contribute to the broader conversation on advancing cancer care, ensuring that we continue to integrate the latest medical innovations and best practices into our healthcare system. Strengthening global connections through such exchanges plays a vital role in our efforts to enhance patient care at Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, which is being developed with the aid of generous donations from individuals and organisations received via the Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. This further solidifies Dubai's position as a distinguished destination for specialised healthcare.”

Dame Cally Palmer, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Dubai Health to establish a model of excellence in comprehensive cancer care at Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. It was a privilege to visit Dubai Health’s facilities and see first-hand how Dubai Health, and our partnership, is enhancing cancer care and improving outcomes for patients.”

The delegation toured Dubai Health's facilities, including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Al Jalila Foundation, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, the Dubai Health Operations Centre, and Majlis Al Amal, a community centre dedicated to female cancer patients. The tour highlighted Dubai Health's integrated academic health system, which brings together care, learning, discovery, and giving to improve patient outcomes. The delegation also visited Emirates Airline facilities, offering insights into their commitment to excellence in service delivery.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said, "It was a privilege to host Dame Cally Palmer and the delegation from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The visit served to build on our shared commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, ensuring that our patients remain at the heart of everything we do. By providing access to internationally recognised treatment pathways, we can further strengthen Dubai Health’s ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centred cancer care, which will be reflected at the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital.”

The visit underscores Dubai Health’s dedication to fostering international engagement in healthcare and its ongoing efforts to drive knowledge exchange that supports Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, which is set to be Dubai's first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital. This initiative is guided by the core value of ‘Patient First,’ ensuring that all efforts remain centred on delivering the highest quality of care for patients."

Dubai Health organized the second edition of 'Clinic of Hope' initiative at Al Jalila Children's Hospital, providing essential free medical care to 300 children in need across more than 20 specialised fields.

Led by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, 'Clinic of Hope' was held in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day and in support of the ‘Year of the Community’, reflecting the leadership’s vision for a cohesive and prosperous society.

The organisation of the clinic reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to advancing health for humanity by providing free medical check-ups and supporting patients facing financial hardship. It also aligns with its ‘Patient First’ promise, reinforcing its mission to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.

The ‘Clinic of Hope’ initiative was supported by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, which distributed gifts to children. The Emirates Literature Foundation hosted storytelling and educational sessions for young patients, while beloved mascots Salem and Salama added to the excitement.

Expanding Charitable Healthcare

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: “Organising the 'Clinic of Hope' for the second consecutive year reflects our commitment to providing sustainable and comprehensive healthcare for children who lack access to vital medical services. Giving and humanitarian work are at the core of our healthcare system, and holding this initiative on Zayed Humanitarian Day is a tribute to the vision of our nation's Founding Fathers and wise leadership, who have embedded philanthropy as a way of life.”

He added: “We sincerely appreciate the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the Emirates Literature Foundation, and all the volunteers, including the medical, nursing, administrative professionals, and students from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. We remain committed to expanding our humanitarian programmes, increasing the number of beneficiaries, and strengthening social responsibility through endeavours that promote solidarity and compassion within the community.”

Enhanced Medical Reach and Specialised Care

Highlighting the success of the initiative Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Deputy CEO of Al Jalila Children's Hospital and Latifa Hospital, said: “We are proud of the remarkable impact of the second edition of the 'Clinic of Hope.' This year, we provided free medical care to 300 children across more than 20 specialised fields, marking a 20% increase from last year. Additionally, we ensured continued medical follow-ups for 45 children from the first edition who required long-term treatment plans.”

“We appreciate the dedication of the entire volunteer team, which included 100 medical, nursing and administrative professionals alongside students. Their collective efforts reaffirm Dubai Health's mission of supporting charitable healthcare and promoting community responsibility.”

Comprehensive Pediatric Specialties

Throughout the full-day event, children received specialised healthcare services across more than 20 medical disciplines, including general pediatrics, endocrinology, genetic and metabolic disorders, allergy and immunology, nephrology, neurology, psychiatry, orthopedics, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, dentistry, ENT, pediatric surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery.

Dubai Health has launched the second edition of its Ramadan Sports Tournament, bringing together 12 government and private sector entities. The 2025 tournament is part of Dubai Health’s ongoing efforts to promote fitness, well-being, and an active lifestyle, while fostering team spirit and engagement among employees and partners in a competitive and healthy environment during the holy month of Ramadan.

Taking place from March 3 – 18, 2025 at the Dubai Health Sports Complex, the tournament hosts teams from Dubai Health, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Towers team (comprising the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, The Executive Council, and the Museum of the Future), Emirates Health Services, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Media, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic Middle East, and ADH Catering.

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, stated: “The launch of the second Ramadan edition of the Dubai Health Sports Tournament embodies our dedication to cultivating a positive and engaging workplace environment while promoting well-being and teamwork. By uniting government and private sector organisations in friendly competition, we aim to strengthen connections, encourage active lifestyles, and foster a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the tournament.”

Participation in this year’s tournament has increased by 50% compared to last year, further highlighting Dubai Health’s commitment to expanding the event’s reach and attracting more organisations each year. To further encourage engagement, valuable cash prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.

Following its successful inaugural edition last Ramadan, Dubai Health plans to make the tournament an annual tradition, bringing organisations together to promote teamwork and enhance fitness and well-being.

Dubai Health has announced that the tournament’s semi-finals will take place on March 16, setting the stage for the grand final on March 18. The public is invited to experience the excitement firsthand and witness the final matches at the Dubai Health Sports Complex.

Dubai Health has been recognized as a leader in advancing organ donation in the UAE through its continuous collaboration with the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues and its national program "Hayat." These efforts have contributed to conducting more than 200 organ transplants with the noble support of over 65 families who made the decision to donate organs to save the lives of others.
 
This achievement is the result of ongoing collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority and the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues at the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Through this shared commitment, organ donation referrals are seamlessly coordinated to uphold the highest standards of patient care, aligned with international best practices. This ensures compassionate support for donor families who choose to exercise their right to donate organs to save the lives of others.
 
As an integrated academic health system, Dubai Health’s healthcare facilities, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and Al Jalila Foundation strengthen the objectives of the national program, Hayat, through driving initiatives that support life-saving efforts.  These initiatives provide hope and ensure that patients suffering from organ failure have the chance to live healthier lives.
 
Organ Donation and Transplantation at Dubai Health:
Dubai Health's Rashid Hospital, recognized for its specialized trauma and emergency care services, has emerged as the leading organ donation center in the UAE, facilitating over 200 transplants, impacting lives in the UAE and beyond. This accomplishment stems from the selfless generosity of over 65 families choosing to give the ultimate gift of life. To further support these vital decisions in Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health opened a dedicated Hayat lounge. This compassionate space provides families with a private and comforting setting to discuss organ donation with healthcare professionals.
 
Additionally, Dubai Health offers specialized care for organ failure patients, particularly kidney transplantation surgeries and dialysis services at Dubai Hospital, Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Al Towar and Al Barsha Dialysis Centers. Since 2016, Dubai Health surgeons have performed over 160 kidney transplants, with 54 of these surgeries conducted for children. 

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health, said, "We are pleased to witness the collaborative efforts of our multidisciplinary teams in organ donation. With the community's continued support and the dedication of healthcare professionals, we are proud to be at the forefront of organ donation, offering hope and a second chance to many patients in need."

Dr. Zeyad Al Rais, Chair of Critical Care at Dubai Health, highlighted the significance of Dubai Health's contribution to the nation's organ donation efforts, stating, "Through our unwavering commitment to organ donation and transplantation, we have developed an integrated approach that saves lives and give hope. By collaborating with national entities, we are able to streamline organ donation processes, ensuring that each act of generosity honors the legacy of those who give and transform the lives of patients.”
 
Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for the Regulation of Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, pointed out that the concerted efforts of the local and federal authorities in supporting the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues is a fundamental requirement for developing healthcare services and one of the main pillars for the development of the Hayat program to support organ transplantation in the UAE.
 
Dr. Gomez also commended the crucial role of all public and private hospitals in the country, including Dubai Health hospitals. Additionally, she lauded the contributions of other public and private hospitals working alongside local health authorities, including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Mubadala, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Health Authority, and the private sector nationwide.

Offering Hope to Kidney Failure Patients
For those navigating the organ transplantation journey, Dubai Health remains dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and hope. Al Jalila Foundation launched the second edition of its kidney transplantation fundraising campaign, Your Donation Saves Lives. The 2024 campaign successfully raised over AED 46 million to support more than 65 kidney failure patients with life-saving surgeries, dialysis, and post-transplantation care. The first edition of the campaign, launched in 2021, managed to fund approximately 30% of all kidney transplants in Dubai. Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health, has partnered with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) and Emarat al Youm to raise awareness for this cause within the community.  Contributions to the campaign are being accepted through Al Jalila Foundation's A'awen program, allowing donors to support directly patients in need.
 
Community Education in Organ Donation
Beyond patient care, community awareness and education are central to Dubai Health's efforts to support the nation's organ donation and transplantation program, Hayat. Throughout last year, Dubai Health actively participated in global observances of kidney transplantation and organ donation. These activities included educational sessions on organ donation and transplantation and the First Middle East Ata’a Al Hayat Course on Organ Donation organized by MOHAP and hosted at MBRU. This focus on learning extends to the broader community as well. First-year medical students at MBRU created a storybook to explain organ donation to young audiences. Dubai Health hosted reading sessions for this storybook, ‘Ahmed's Big Adventure,’  at its Nad Al Hamar Health Center, to teach visiting children the concept of organ donation and its impact.
 
‘Ahmed's Big Adventure’ storybook is available for purchase through Al Jalila Foundation's online charity shop, with proceeds directly supporting patients suffering from organ failure. Visit:: shop.aljalilafoundation.ae.

With each milestone and continued community support, Dubai Health remains committed to offering hope to patients navigating the organ transplantation journey.

Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health, has announced a combined donation of AED 10 million towards establishing the Center for Innovation and Technology. The contributions will support Dubai Health in its vision to advance health for humanity by fostering innovation, technology, and collaboration.

The Center for Innovation and Technology is dedicated to transforming research, ideas, and technologies into real-world healthcare solutions that improve patient care and outcomes. Inspired by leading global healthcare innovation centers, this space will integrate clinical expertise, design practice and technology, fostering collaboration amongst students, clinicians, researchers, engineers, designers, startups, and industry leaders to accelerate medical advancements. The center will focus on developing, testing, and scaling healthcare solutions in four key areas with dedicated labs in AI and Data, Robotics and Sensors, Digital Medicine, and Design4Health—a human-centered approach to reimagining patient care. The initiative will ensure that Dubai Health remains at the forefront of innovation in health sciences with the support of strategic partnerships across the private sector and leading academic and health organizations in the UAE, United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation and a member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, stated: “Dubai Health is committed to advancing healthcare, ensuring that patient care is continuously enhanced through research and technology. Our contribution to the Center for Innovation and Technology reflects our belief in Dubai Health’s vision to lead in medical excellence and transform healthcare in the region and beyond.”

Dr Amina Al Rostamani, Board Member at AW Rostamani Group, and member of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors,  said:  “At Al Jalila Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of giving, recognising it as an essential catalyst for driving innovation in healthcare. This strategic investment is a direct commitment to accelerating the pace of discovery, ensuring that cutting-edge healthcare solutions reach our communities swiftly. Moreover, it forges a new era of patient-centered care, one that enhances well-being and improves lives for those under our care.”

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, added: “We are grateful to Dr. Raja Al Gurg and Dr. Amina Al Rostamani for this donation, which exemplifies how giving enhances patient care. With the generous support of our partners, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation and AWRostamani Holdings, the Dubai Health Center for Innovation and Technology can enable smarter, more efficient, and patient-centered solutions, ultimately upholding our Patient First promise.”

Creation of a comprehensive genetic representation for more than 2.5 billion people across the Middle East and South Asia could make a major contribution towards advancing precision medicine, a publication in Nature Medicine reveals.

Traditional genetic research has mainly relied on linear reference genomes, which is like having a single, standard version of human DNA that scientists compare everyone's genetic information against. This works well for studying individual genetics but does not capture all the complexities and differences found in diverse populations.

The Arab Pangenome Reference (APR) takes a different approach. Instead of relying on just one "standard" genome, it includes a collection of many different genetic versions specific to the Arab population. This helps scientists see the full picture of genetic diversity, including variations and unique traits that might be missed using the old method.

The international group of researchers led by the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, Dubai published their findings today (4 Mar) in Nature Medicine. Authors included Nasna Nassir, Mohamed A. Almarri, Hosneara Akter, Hamda Hassan Khansaheb, K. M. Furkan Uddin, Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Stefan Du Plessis, Marc Haber, Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and Mohammed Uddin. Nature Medicine is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and its commitment to disseminating high-quality studies and opinion pieces that advance our understanding of human health.

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: “This publication provides a comprehensive and inclusive perspective on human genetic diversity, ensuring that the unique genetic landscapes of the Middle East and South Asia are represented. Integration of these pangenomes into global genomic databases will unlock new discoveries and represents a vital step in advancing health for humanity.”

Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost University of Birmingham Dubai commented: “At the University of Birmingham, we pride ourselves on ‘research that changes lives’.  This latest research demonstrates the impact of our strong partnership between University of Birmingham Dubai and Dubai Health to deliver research that fundamentally advances science and discovery, creating a new understanding of genetic diversity amongst Arabs and enabling a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of disease.”  

Dr. Mohammed Uddin Director of the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: “The APR is the first reference genome constructed to capture the genetic diversity among Arabs. This landmark resource aims to enhance early diagnosis and personalized treatments for genetic diseases that are prevalent in the region. This research uncovered millions of base pairs of novel human DNA sequences, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of diseases and traits. Our goal is to construct graph pangenomes encompassing the entire Middle East and South Asia, aiming to accelerate the adoption of precision medicine in these regions.”

Co-author Marc Haber, from the University of Birmingham Dubai, commented: “The precision offered by pangenomic approaches is particularly beneficial for studying rare and previously undetected disease-causing variants which paves the way for better understanding and treatment of these conditions, leading to new discoveries in population genetics, disease susceptibility and drug response.”

Professor Stefan Du Plessis, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at MBRU commented: “At Dubai Health, our Discovery Mission embodies our commitment to innovation, research, and the advancement of healthcare. This publication emphasises the importance of collaborative research in making advanced genomic references a routine part of diagnostics and healthcare. As we move forward, this comprehensive genetic approach promises to reshape our understanding of health and disease, ultimately improving healthcare for millions.”