Dubai opens Dh300m medical research centre in boost to fight against Covid-19

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, opened the UAE’s first independent biomedical research centre in the emirate yesterday.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute was built with an initial investment of Dh300 million and will study communicable diseases in the country, in addition to Covid-19 and other viral illnesses.

“Medical research is an integral part of prevention and medical security in the UAE. Supporting research helps ensure sustainable economic, social and human development,” said Sheikh Mohammed, who yesterday toured the centre, which is part of Al Jalila Foundation.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed met a group of scientists who presented their research projects.

He said the medical research conducted at the centre would be made available to all such facilities.

“The new centre is an important addition to the global network of research institutions. It is part of the UAE’s contribution to biomedical research in the world and its research findings will be shared with other centres,” he said.

“We need specialised centres to conduct research that caters to our environment and responds to the health challenges facing our region.”

The centre will study diabetes, obesity, heart and kidney disease, different types of cancers and mental health.

It will also look into genetic diseases that are common in the UAE and explore preventive measures.

Sheikh Mohammed said the centre was another example of the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout the region’s history.

Research into Covid-19 will be prioritised by providing advanced equipment and funding to support pioneering research led by scientists worldwide.

Tools that harness immersive and augmented-reality technologies will be used for genetic mapping, while researchers will proactively monitor potential outbreaks using biomarker analysis techniques.

They will also use artificial intelligence, algorithms and machine learning to predict disease patterns.

In the longer term, the institute aims to encourage young people to pursue medical and scientific research and bridge the medical research gap that currently exists in the region.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of the board of trustees for Al Jalila Foundation, said the centre would support and empower the next generation of researchers in various biomedical fields.

Medical research is an integral part of prevention and medical security in the UAE SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID Vice President and Ruler of Dubai