ABU DHABI, 28th March, 2023 (WAM) – In the presence of
President
His
Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
and
His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime
Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the
Emirates Genome Council has launched the National Genome
Strategy.
Over the next 10 years, the strategy will provide a
comprehensive framework of legislation and governance to
support the development and implementation of genomic
programs to deliver on the UAE’s public health priorities
and enhance wellbeing in the country.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, “Science and
knowledge have always been key drivers of the UAE’s
development. Our priority is to ensure the best healthcare
and quality of life for our people.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said,
“The National Genome Strategy highlights the country’s
position as a hub for advanced healthcare research,
innovation and future technology use.”
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member
of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi
Executive Office and Chairman of the Emirates Genome
Council, highlighted the UAE’s leadership commitment to
the advancement of its healthcare sector.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled said, “The National Genome Strategy
ensures a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem that
will accelerate the development of priority preventive and
personalised healthcare solutions for our citizens. The
Council will also oversee the ‘One Million Genome’ project
which will enable the healthcare sector and enhance its
services.”
National Genome Strategy: key pillars
The Emirates Genome Council, which was established in
2021, has made significant progress in establishing a
foundation for regulatory, research, technological and
medical institutions to connect, collaborate and develop
qualitative medical applications and services.
Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Secretary-General of the
Emirates Genome Council, said, “With the National Genome
Strategy, the council seeks to build a sustainable
ecosystem to advance health and wellbeing in the UAE.
Our strategy is based on five key pillars: establishing an
agile 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; and building strategic partnerships
that accelerate delivery of best-in-class programs.”
She highlighted the Emirati Genome Program (EGP) as a
foundational project within the National Genome Strategy.
The program is considered one of the most comprehensive
genomic initiatives in the world and will advance the
nation’s preventive and personalised healthcare agenda as
it collaborates with research and medical institutions
across the UAE.
She added, “Understanding the genetic makeup of our
citizens will help medical teams deliver personalised
healthcare services to each one. Moreover, this wealth of
information will help us develop solutions to limit the
spread of genetic and chronic diseases, such as diabetes,
blood pressure conditions, and cancer.
“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.”
Al Amiri also highlighted the UAE Reference Genome
program, which will analyse more than 50,000 Emirati
genome samples using new generation sequencing
technology.
The study will provide a foundation for understanding the
genetic basis of health and diseases, will help to specify
the genetic health risks for each citizen and allow for
preliminary prevention and personalised precision
treatments. The program is carried out in collaboration
with the best researchers and institutions in the
country.”
She added, “Work is underway on a number of clinical
programs that use the available genome data and insights,
including the first personalised precision medicine
program for oncology in the region initially targeting
breast cancer, the advanced pre-marital genetic screening
program, pharmacogenomics programs and many more to be
piloted in the near future.”
Advancing healthcare, growing capabilities
The Emirates Genome Council oversees all UAE genomics
programs and projects that are developed and implemented
in collaboration with a host of stakeholders, including
the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates Health
Services Establishment, the Department of Health – Abu
Dhabi, and the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Academic
Health Corporation, as well as partner academic, medical
and technological institutions, such as Khalifa
University, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial
Intelligence, United Arab Emirates University, New York
University - Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, G42
Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre, Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and
Al Jalila Foundation.
The National Genome Strategy will support efficiency in
the country’s healthcare sector through preventive
medicine programs that will focus on genetic risk, and
precision medicine programs that target genetic and rare
diseases. 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. As a result, genomic sciences will
reduce health sector costs and drug expenditures over the
long term.
Genome programs will also help create new economic
opportunities in the UAE by attracting partnerships in
fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced medical
care, pharmaceuticals, and research and technology. It
will also nurture specialised local talent, as well as
create jobs and other opportunities in future-focused
industries.