Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Honours Winners of 2024 Medical Excellence Awards

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, the Foundation hosted a prestigious ceremony at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai to recognize the winners of the 2024 Medical Excellence Awards.

This edition marks the first since the awards were integrated under the Foundation’s new corporate identity, reinforcing its dedication to fostering medical and educational innovation while advancing scientific progress both locally and internationally.

In his address, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum highlighted the significance of the awards, stating that they serve as a tribute to the dedication of professionals in the healthcare sector. He acknowledged the unwavering support of the UAE’s leadership in enhancing healthcare services and medical research, emphasizing the awards’ role in encouraging excellence and innovation.

His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, also delivered a speech, recognizing the Medical Excellence Awards as a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to scientific research and medical advancements. He reaffirmed the nation's role as a global hub for innovation in healthcare.

A Milestone in Medical and Scientific Excellence

The ceremony, the first under the newly unified identity of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, showcased groundbreaking contributions in medical research and healthcare innovation. A visual presentation highlighted the impact of this year’s awardees before the official distribution of honors.

His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the awards' role in fostering innovation in healthcare. Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, reiterated that the awards contribute to the UAE’s vision of excellence by encouraging medical advancements and promoting best practices in healthcare.

Recognizing Excellence in Healthcare

The winners were honored across several categories:

• The Arab Award in Genetics: Professor André Megarbane for his contributions to human genetics research and early diagnosis of genetic disorders.
• The Arab Award for Research in Healthcare: Research teams from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Kuwait University, and Istanbul Medipol University for their pioneering studies.
• The Best Research in Healthcare Award (UAE): Studies from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the University of Sharjah for innovations in testicular torsion care and AI-driven pneumonia treatment.
• The Hamdan Award for Distinguished Personalities in Healthcare: Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli and Dr. Fathia Faridallah Al Awadi for their contributions to nephrology, endocrinology, and diabetes treatment.
• The Innovation in Healthcare Award: The UAE Lung Transplant Program and the Diabetes Risk Calculator for Fasting During Ramadan for their transformative impact on healthcare solutions.

Advancing the UAE’s Vision for Medical Innovation

The winners highlighted the awards’ role in driving research and innovation, aligning with the UAE’s aspirations to be a leader in global medical and scientific excellence. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate healthcare standards and foster cutting-edge research.