National Multiple Sclerosis Society Awards AED 4 Million To Enhance MS Research In The UAE

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has allocated AED4 million to six UAE-based research projects. These initiatives aim to enhance understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This funding marks a significant milestone in NMSS's second research grant cycle. The selection process involved key stakeholders, including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), highlighting ongoing efforts to advance MS research and advocacy in the UAE.

This year's funding has doubled compared to the first cycle, showcasing NMSS’s increased dedication to MS research. The current grant cycle saw 46 applications, a nearly fourfold increase from the initial cycle. This growth demonstrates the UAE’s strengthened leadership in MS research. Submissions included collaborations with 15 international and regional partners, reflecting the country's expanding role in global healthcare innovation.

The awarded grants support leading institutions across the UAE. Funded projects include Khalifa University's investigation into genetic and epigenetic links with familial MS. The University of Sharjah is developing augmented reality-based dual-task training to boost cognitive and motor functions in MS patients. Khalifa University is also working on self-energy harvesting sensors for enhanced MS monitoring through its SENSE-MS project.

Other funded projects include assessing geographic and socioeconomic disparities in access to disease-modifying therapies for MS patients at Mohammed Bin Rashid School Of Government. Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is creating NMSS-LLM, the world’s first large language model for MS. Additionally, Khalifa University is exploring targeted electric field stimulation to enhance myelination in MS patients.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of NMSS, stated that the success of this grant cycle underscores NMSS’s commitment to fostering innovation within the UAE's growing research ecosystem. She noted that the remarkable increase in applications reflects the country’s expanding scientific capabilities and its vision to become a global hub for healthcare excellence. The programme aligns with national priorities and aims to strengthen the UAE’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei from DoH highlighted their dedication to advancing MS care through strategic collaboration with NMSS. She emphasised their shared vision of elevating research, improving patient outcomes, and building a resilient neurological health ecosystem in the UAE. Their partnership aims to drive innovation, shape evidence-based policies, and inspire progress for those affected by MS.

Investing in Future Talent

NMSS continues investing in future talent through initiatives like the joint NMSS MENACTRIMS Fellowship. This programme offers postdoctoral research fellowships for young Emirati neuroscientists, supporting their training in basic, clinical, or applied MS research. The goal is to foster scientific exchange and expand the pool of skilled researchers dedicated to addressing MS-related challenges both locally and globally.

The awarded projects represent significant strides towards improving life quality for people living with MS worldwide. They aim for breakthroughs in care by driving transformative research that translates hope into real-world solutions—from earlier diagnosis and improved treatments to new pathways toward a cure.

With inputs from WAM