Erth Zayed Philanthropies Commits AED 25 Million To Support National Multiple Sclerosis Society Initiatives

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Erth Zayed Philanthropies to further its national multiple sclerosis (MS) agenda. Erth Zayed Philanthropies will provide AED25 million to support NMSS's core priorities, including the establishment of the UAE’s first National Coalition for MS. This coalition aims to enhance care, research, and inclusion across the nation.

This collaboration was formalised during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, where Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of NMSS, and a representative from Erth Zayed Philanthropies signed the agreement. The announcement coincided with World MS Day, which this year focused on the theme "My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together," underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and community support.

Erth Zayed Philanthropies has joined as a founding partner of the National Coalition for MS. This marks a significant step in advancing equitable MS care and inclusion in the UAE. The partnership strengthens the UAE’s commitment to improving MS care, accelerating research, and fostering equity by engaging multiple sectors to create an inclusive national response.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi stated, "The establishment of the National Coalition for MS is a defining step in our mission to drive equitable access to MS care. This work is inspired by the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision was rooted in dignity, inclusion, and access to quality care for all. It is sustained by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose commitment continues to shape the future of health and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global leader in innovative, people-centered healthcare."

The coalition's priorities for 2025-2026 include improving access to patient resources, promoting inclusive workplace policies, enhancing healthcare professionals' skills through specialised training, increasing public understanding of MS for earlier diagnosis, and ensuring sustainability through coordinated fundraising and research investment.

These priorities form an action-oriented framework designed to mobilise resources and strengthen inclusion across sectors. As implementation begins, these goals will be shaped by input from the MS community to ensure their needs guide every step.

The coalition's members are committed to leading or contributing to key initiatives with defined commitments spanning one to two years based on project scope. The coalition emphasises evidence-based solutions; since its inception, NMSS has invested AED6.5 million in MS research.

Call for Broader Engagement

The next NMSS research grant cycle will launch on 23rd June 2025. As implementation progresses, NMSS urges stakeholders from various sectors—policymakers, healthcare institutions, academic bodies, and donors—to join this crucial movement.

On World MS Day, NMSS proudly joins the global community not only in raising awareness but also in taking meaningful action that can transform outcomes for those living with MS. Today lays foundations for long-term impact driven by compassion and collaboration.

With inputs from WAM