June 23, 2021
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has
participated in the Emirati Genome Program, a
ground-breaking national genomics initiative and one of the
world’s largest, and most comprehensive genomics programs,
as he visited recently the Omics Centre of Excellence, a
subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based technology company Group 42
(G42), located in Masdar City.
The visit came following the announced formation of the
Emirati Genome Program Council, under the chairmanship of
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member
of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive
Office. The council is mandated with regulating, overseeing
and guiding the implementation of the Emirati Genome Program
into the healthcare system across the country.
The visit is reflective of the important role the Program
assumes in delivering the future of healthcare and providing
improved quality of medical care in the UAE, being one of
the six pillars of the UAE National Agenda in line with
Vision 2021.
The program seeks to provide the best healthcare system for
all Emiratis, understand the nature of the genetic diseases
prevalent among the UAE population, implement personalized
medicine and provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate
treatment. Accurate genomic studies can help in the
prevention of genetic and chronic diseases in the future
generations, equip national competencies to re-shape the
future of healthcare policies in cooperation with the
highest medical research centers, foster the country’s
position as a global innovation hub in the health sector,
and raise the country’s profile in the Global
Competitiveness Index. The program will explore the genetic
makeup of Emiratis, using cutting-edge DNA sequencing and
artificial intelligence technologies to generate the highest
quality and most comprehensive genomic data. The resulting
reference genome will pave the way towards personalized and
preventive healthcare delivery for UAE citizens.
During his visit of the Omics Centre of Excellence,
representatives of the Group 42 shed light on the latest AI
techniques and computing resources provided by advanced
sequencing technologies.
Sheikh Abdullah was briefed on the future outlook for
genomic technologies and the services planned to be
introduced as well as the progress achieved by the program
hitherto.
Underlining the significance of the program, Sheikh Abdullah
said, "Advanced sequencing technologies do contribute to
achieving a quantum leap that will guide us toward a
comprehensive understanding of rare genetic disorders.
"In order to lead the national efforts made in this regard,
our wise leadership has recently initiated the formation of
the Emirati Genome Program Council in line with their
forwarding-thinking vision to strengthen early detection and
treatment of diseases and ensure the health and wellbeing of
all Emirates," Sheikh Abdullah added.
Emiratis of all ages are encouraged to participate in the
Emirati Genome Program, which aims to better predict and
prevent genetic diseases.