• Number of sample collection centers has increased to 15
• Emiratis of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Emirati Genome Program, which aims to better predict and prevent genetic diseases

The Department of Health (DoH) has declared that new sample collection sites have been launched as part of the Emirati Genome Programs expansion in Abu Dhabi.

Sample collection sites participating in the Emirati Genome Program now include the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, Al Towayya in Al Ain, Al Ain Convention Center and CurePlus Medical Centre, Al Ain. This is in addition to NMC Healthcares network in Abu Dhabi, which includes NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, Bareen International Hospital, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain, NMC Royal Medical Center- Abu Dhabi and NMC Royal Womens Hospital.

Citizens can also visit Burjeel Hospitals network of medical facilities in Abu Dhabi, which include Burjeel Medical City in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Burjeel Oasis Medical Center in Madinat Zayed, Burjeel Medical Centre in Deerfields Mall, Burjeel Medical Center at Al Shamkha and Burjeel Royal Hospital, Al Ain. All Emirati citizens are invited to take part by visiting one of the programs specimen collection sites and providing a single blood sample. A team will be available at all sample collection sites to guide participants through the process.

The program operates in line with the highest honorable and governance standards and makes sure that the anonymity of all participants and the date of their blood donation.

Using the samples issued, the Emirati Genome Program will arrange the complete genome of as many citizens as possible to back up better prediction, prevention, and treatment of genetic and chronic illnesses for current and future generations. The data will be used to develop healthcare strategies to address the populations specific needs now and in the future, and support the advancement of preventive medicine in the UAE.

The importance of this historic research project means that every participant is helping to protect their own health, as well as that of their loved ones and their community.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Asmaa Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi said, The UAE is an ambitious country, and over the past five decades, we have witnessed astonishing progress in building a nation that is among the safest, most prosperous, and technologically advanced in the world.

It is with this passion and determination and ground-breaking initiatives such as the Emirati Genome Program, that we embark on one of the largest genomic initiatives ever undertaken, the results of which will advance medical research to the benefit of our citizens of all ages. added Dr. Al Mannai.

Dr. Walid Zaher, Chief Research Officer at G42 Healthcare, said: The Emirati Genome Program uses the most advanced sequencing technologies to propose preventive healthcare services and solutions against genetic illnesses. The goal of the Emirati Genome Program is ultimately to provide a more effective and more personalized healthcare system that is tailored to individual Emirati citizens, significantly improving disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

G42 Healthcare will make use of its recently launched Omics Centre of Excellence, the largest and most technologically progressive omics facility in the region, to analyze data anonymously, generate a comprehensive genomic map, and potentially find breakthrough insights to drive large-scale scientific discovery.