The Emirati Genome Programme collects over 600,000 samples

At the recent UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, the government reviewed the achievements of the Emirates Genome Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council.

The Emirati Genome Programme has successfully collected over 600,000 samples from across the country so far, and efforts are underway to expand this to one million samples. More than 1,000 medical professionals have been trained to support this programme.

"The contribution of over 600,000 citizens to this programme ensures the development of a clear map of genetic and hereditary diseases in the country, aiding in the creation of targeted treatments for these diseases. This will result in better and stronger healthcare for future generations," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "We encourage everyone to cooperate with this comprehensive national medical programme to make our community healthier and our future generations stronger."

In addition, an experimental launch of premarital screening to cover all genetic and hereditary diseases will take place in the coming period.

Under the leadership of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the UAE Genome Council has made significant strides in establishing the country's global scientific position in this field and utilizing this new science to develop comprehensive and integrated healthcare for new generations.

The council's accomplishments included launching the National Genome Strategy, aimed at advancing healthcare and quality of life in the UAE through establishing an integrated ecosystem for developing and implementing precision medicine and personalized healthcare programs. The strategy also seeks to support physicians and sector experts in taking proactive steps and more effective treatment paths, further developing R&D capabilities, broadening the use of Genome science, and instilling international partnerships among local and international institutions.

Additionally, the achievements include the issuance of a federal decree-law regulating the use of the human genome. In terms of comprehensiveness, this new legislation is the first of its kind globally in genome regulation.