Khaled bin Mohamed chairs Emirates Genome Council meeting

Sharjah 24 – WAM: His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, chaired the Emirates Genome Council meeting, where key discussions were held to advance precision medicine and genomic data utilisation in the UAE.

Advancing precision medicine and public health

During the meeting, the board discussed plans to prioritise precision medicine initiatives aimed at enhancing public health, improving the efficiency of the healthcare system, driving economic growth, and establishing the UAE as a global leader in genomics. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through research and development in longevity, precision medicine, and preventative care.

New population screening programmes

His Highness Sheikh Khaled endorsed new population screening programmes to accelerate genome-driven personalised healthcare. These programmes include newborn genetic screenings, adult disease screenings, personalised fertility programmes, and cardiovascular genetic screenings. These initiatives aim to identify genetic conditions early and provide personalised treatments for affected individuals.

Updates on key genomic research and initiatives

Sheikh Khaled was briefed on the completion of the Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Emirati Reference Genome study, which aims to enhance precision medicine by filling gaps in genomic data. He was also updated on the progress of the Premarital Genetic Screening Programme, launched in January 2025, which supports couples in making informed family planning decisions by identifying genetic compatibility and providing personalised counseling.

Emirati Genome Programme progress

The Emirati Genome Programme has made significant progress, with more than 700,000 genetic samples collected from UAE citizens. Additionally, the program has started collecting samples from other nationalities to address global gaps in genomic data and promote international collaboration in precision medicine research.

Future of healthcare transformation

The Emirati Genome Programme is a critical component of the National Genome Strategy and will play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare services in the UAE. By providing high-quality genetic data, it will help researchers and healthcare providers understand genetic diseases, predict disease susceptibility, and create personalised healthcare plans.

Attendees of the meeting

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and other prominent health leaders.