Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Chairs Emirates Genome Council Meeting, Approves Framework For Advancing Personalised And Preventive Medicine
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, chaired the recent meeting of the Emirates Genome Council. The board reviewed the progress of strategic initiatives, including the completion of the Emirati Reference Genome Study. This study has identified over five million novel gene variants, significantly enhancing understanding of the local population.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed approved the launch of the Emirati Reference Genome Platform. This platform will make data from the study accessible to clinicians and researchers, aiding in the identification of genetic risk factors. The board also reviewed the Emirati Genome Programme, which has collected over 600,000 samples, reaching 60 percent of its target.
Sheikh Khaled highlighted that advances in the National Genome Strategy and the UAE’s growing genomics R&D ecosystem are reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for genomic research. He emphasised ongoing investments in genomics and precision medicine initiatives to enhance public health in the UAE.
During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled approved a framework to advance personalised and preventive medicine across the UAE. This framework aims to enhance genome research to design personalised healthcare solutions for UAE Nationals and develop an integrated preventive healthcare ecosystem focusing on genetic diseases.
The Emirati Reference Genome Study was conducted by Khalifa University for Science and Technology in collaboration with several institutions, including the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi and Dubai Health Authority. Utilising 50,000 genetic samples, the study discovered 5,296,683 novel gene variants, constituting 12 percent of previously undiscovered unique variants in the Emirati genome.
This study is notable for its innovative sequencing approach and thorough genomic coverage across various population subgroups. It stands out globally as most genomic studies are based on European backgrounds. The findings enhance understanding of genetic associations with disorders and unlock new insights into pharmacogenomics.
Launch of Emirati Reference Genome Platform
The launch of the Emirati Reference Genome Platform is an initiative by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), alongside Khalifa University and M42. The platform represents the genetic makeup of over 140,000 UAE Nationals, making it the largest Middle Eastern cohort to date. It will aid in identifying genetic risk factors for diseases common among the Emirati population.
The platform will facilitate personalised treatments and preventive strategies by harnessing genetic data. It aims to shift focus from healthcare to overall health and wellness, contributing significantly to safeguarding future generations' health.
Impact on Public Health
The Emirati Reference Genome study will support personalised medicine programmes by enabling treatments based on an individual's unique genetic makeup. It will also help develop preventive strategies to reduce disease risks. Identifying genetic variations that influence drug response can optimise pharmaceutical development processes and improve treatment plans.
Insights from collected data can inform public health policies and enhance community wellness. H.H. Sheikh Khaled reviewed updates on the Emirati Genome Program, which has collected over 600,000 samples to date. The programme aims to reach its target of one million samples and has trained over 1,000 UAE nationals for its upcoming phases.
With inputs from WAM
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