Dubai Health Authority And NYU Abu Dhabi Launch UAE Healthy Future Study In Dubai

New recruitment clinic to welcome Emirati participants for the UAE Healthy Future Study

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) launched the UAE Healthy Future Study in Dubai on Thursday.

The launch of a new recruitment clinic at the Dubai Blood Donation Center in Latifa Women and Children Hospital, was also announced during the event.

The opening of the new recruitment clinic follows a MoU signing between DHA and NYUAD in June 2019 establishing the collaboration on the study. The partnership between the two entities will increase the number of participants in the study and extend its reach and potential impact on UAE nationals.

The recruitment clinic aims to support the UAE Healthy Future Study, which is working towards recruiting 5,000 Emirati participants enrolled from Dubai by April 2020.

The long-term study aims to recruit a total of 20,000 participants next year, in order to support NYUAD’s Public Health Research Center to determine the causes of common chronic diseases in Emiratis across the UAE.

Commenting on the launch of the study in Dubai, His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of the DHA said in his opening speech that there is no limit to the value and importance of scientific research as it represents precise statistical data for the health of nations and marks the map of diseases. He added that it promotes preventive methods and builds capabilities and competencies that address issues of chronic diseases.

He added that the authority is proud to have a main role in the UAE Healthy Future Study and is proud of being a strategic partner with NYUAD in the recruitment process through Latifa Hospital and Dubai Blood Donation Center to gather health and scientific data on UAE citizens.

Al Qutami thanked H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Ruler of Dubai and H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council for supporting the healthcare sector of Dubai.

Al Qutami concluded by pointing out that the UAE Healthy Future Study is in line with the medical education and research strategy approved recently by the Crown Prince of Dubai.  

NYUAD Provost Fabio Piano commented: “The UAE Healthy Future Study is a prospective cohort study that aims to provide critical data and scientific knowledge towards health and wellness for the future of the UAE. It’s a present from this generation to future generations. A future that will build on world-class research performed at universities to enable more citizens to participate in this historic study. The results of this study will put the UAE at the forefront of global public health and contribute to improvements in health monitoring and disease prevention.”

During the event, DHA and NYUAD hosted a panel discussion to discuss public-private partnerships towards a healthier future for the UAE.

Senior Vice Provost for Research and Managing Director of NYUAD’s Research Institute Sehamuddin Galadari, delivered closing saying:

“I am very pleased that the UAE Healthy Future Study is now being done in partnership with DHA, and I congratulate His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami on his leadership and vision in making this collaboration possible. This important study will undoubtedly benefit our nation and our healthcare system in Dubai and the UAE, it will help build research capacities and I very much hope all UAE nationals will participate in the study.” 

The UAE Healthy Future Study seeks to determine how the health of 20,000 UAE nationals, aged 18-40, is affected by their lifestyle, environment, and genes, specifically looking at risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, including genetic, microbial and biochemical factors. Participants will be recruited from multiple sites including health care facilities, universities, major employers and by using mobile clinics.

To participate in the study, please visit the website: http://www.uaehealthyfuture.ae/

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