The Dubai Health Board of Directors praises the development of the scientific research system in Dubai and its impact on improving human health

The Board of Directors of Dubai Health held a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, where the Board praised the continuous progress witnessed by the scientific research system in Dubai, and its impact in supporting efforts aimed at improving human health and enhancing the quality of life.

This came during the Board of Directors meeting, which was held via video communication technology, in the presence of Board Members: Dr. Raja Issa Al Gurg, Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Walid Saeed Al Awadi, Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, Professor Ian Andrew Greer, Dr. Amer Sharif, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi.

During its meeting, the Council reviewed the most prominent developments in the fields of health care, medical education and scientific research, and also discussed paths for developing the health system in Dubai.
The Council praised the rapid development witnessed by the scientific research system in Dubai, and the prominent and influential presence it has achieved in the scientific arena, with the success of scientists from “Dubai Health” and “Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences” in publishing 2,362 scientific papers in internationally peer-reviewed scientific journals, during the past ten years and since the founding of the university in 2016, while their research career recently culminated in the publication of a study in the journal “Nature Medicine,” where the study topped the cover of the prestigious scientific medical journal. Also, a number of academic staff members from “Dubai Health” and “Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences” were included in Stanford University’s list of the top 2% of the most distinguished and influential scientists in the world during the last four years, which reflects the advanced position of “Dubai Health” in the international health and scientific arena.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum welcomed the members of the Board of Directors, praising their efforts in supporting the process of improving the health sector in Dubai, and their role in consolidating its leadership and enhancing its outcomes in a way that contributes to achieving the vision of the wise leadership for the future of health care.

His Highness said: “We are proud of the progress our health system has witnessed in the field of scientific research, and the successes it has achieved that strengthen its position on the global stage and support our vision of improving human health and quality of life… I thank the work teams and scientists for their sincere efforts, and we urge them to continue their development and scientific research efforts, in a way that consolidates Dubai’s leadership as an advanced center for health care.”

For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Dubai attaches great importance to scientific research because of its impact as a fundamental pillar in developing the health system, improving the quality of its services, supporting innovation in the medical field, and enhancing prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts.”
His Highness added: “Dubai Health’s research outputs reflect the rapid progress witnessed by the emirate in adopting the latest scientific practices and employing knowledge in the service of humanity, which contributes to building an advanced health system that keeps pace with the aspirations of the future.”

Global presence
In a step that strengthens Dubai’s position on the map of global scientific research, scientists from Dubai Health and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences published a research study in the journal Nature Medicine, one of the most prominent and important peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals in the world. It is known for its precise and strict standards in reviewing scientific studies and publishes elite research that contributes to developing medical practices and formulating health plans and strategies worldwide. The study topped the cover of the prestigious international journal, in evidence of its importance. Scientific.

Cover design
The cover was designed by Maryam Al Hathboor and Fatima Baabid from the Dubai Health team, and its idea was inspired by the structure of human DNA, which was employed in a creative manner that combines Emirati culture represented in one of the oldest crafts in the country, which is the manufacture of home palm leaves, “wicker”. This creative work in its entirety reflects the position of the UAE and Dubai as a global model of innovation and a beacon of science and knowledge.

In turn, Dr. Raja Issa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Directors of “Dubai Healthcare” and Chairman of the Council of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “The progress achieved by the scientific research system in “Dubai Healthcare” and “Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences” reflects the maturity of its integrated academic health model, which combines healthcare, medical education and scientific research, which contributes to accelerating the production of knowledge and employing it in developing innovative treatment programs based on scientific evidence.”

She stressed that this progress embodies the strength of Dubai Health’s research infrastructure and the integration between healthcare centers and specialized laboratories, which creates a stimulating scientific environment that enables research competencies to conduct qualitative studies in accordance with the highest international standards, and supports Dubai Health’s vision of serving humanity and advancing the future of health.

Leadership vision
For his part, Dr. Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, said: “Dubai continues to build an integrated health system, supported by an advanced research infrastructure, that combines advanced health care, medical education and scientific research, which enhances its ability to develop care models based on knowledge and scientific evidence, and contributes to enabling decision makers to develop appropriate plans and strategies.”

He added: “Publishing such scientific studies in the prestigious scientific medical journal Nature Medicine constitutes a qualitative addition that reflects the maturity of the scientific research system in Dubai, and the ability of our national cadres to produce knowledge that stems from the characteristics of our societies and contributes to enriching medical science at the international level.”

Ongoing support
For his part, Dr. Amer Sharif, Executive Director of Dubai Health and Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “We are proud of the progress achieved thanks to the vision of our wise leadership and its continued support for efforts to develop the health sector and scientific research, in addition to the diligent follow-up of the members of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, which has contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of our health system.”

He added: “We affirm our commitment to establishing a supportive and stimulating environment that enables national competencies and capabilities to develop advanced scientific and health outcomes that serve society and keep pace with the rapid transformations in the health sector globally.”

10 research centers
“Health Dubai” and “Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences” through the integrated academic health system continue their scientific research contributions, through 10 advanced research centers in various medical specialties, and work in an integrated manner with health care and medical education facilities, which has contributed to enabling research competencies to transform scientific knowledge into practical applications that contribute to developing health practices and enhancing the quality of life.