Last
week, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) proposed its Genome project for the
Dubai 10X Initiative in an effort to upgrade skills and knowledge among medical
professionals and forecast the future of human health.
According
to the press
statement by the Government Dubai,
the Genome project, an ambitious venture overseen by the Dubai Future
Foundation (DFF), aims to modernise healthcare services, deepen knowledge and
boost future-readiness of the healthcare sector
The
Human Genome Project “Genome” seeks to upgrade skills among medical
professionals and forecast the future of human health. Under the Genome
project, the genome laboratories will establish the first national genetic
database for future research, lending support to decision-makers as they set
plans and strategies for the future of the healthcare sector.
Using
gene scanning to detect changes in the genes, chromosomes, and proteins that
can lead to genetic diseases, the project allows researchers to prevent and
eradicate chronic diseases and cancer, ultimately reduce the financial burden
for chronic diseases treatments.
The
24-month Genome project involves collection of samples, DNA sequences analysis,
and recording of results in the data bank. The first phase of implementation
will target all residents of Dubai, focusing on UAE nationals. The following
phase involves automated learning and artificial intelligence to issue reports
that support research, forecast future disorders and epidemics, and plan
preventive measures.
“Forming
genome laboratories in Dubai signals a new phase, where our forecasts for the
future of the health and medical services sector begin to materialise,” said
DHA’s Chairman of the Board and Director General His Excellency Humaid Mohammed
Al Qatami.
Overseen
by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Dubai 10X Initiative seeks to place
Dubai Government entities 10 years ahead of the rest of the world in all
sectors, propelling the emirate into the future by implementing today what
other cities around the world will be implementing 10 years from now.
“This,
in turn, ensures Dubai’s global competitiveness and strengthens the knowledge
economy,” H.E. Al Qatami added.
To
implement the Genome project, DHA is mandating a number of its affiliate
organizations to collaborate on the project implementation, they include: as
the Department of Pathology & Genetics and the Dubai Cord Blood and
Research Center (DCRC).
Furthermore,
a committee of genetics experts, drew from prominent international studies and
experiments, was formed to outline potential challenges and solutions to
overcome them, all in an effort to ensure the seamless implementation of the
project per its approved timeline.
The
Genome plan was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and
Chairman of DFF’s Board of Trustees, among a bundle of avant-garde proposals
for Dubai 10X at the 6th World Government Summit held in Dubai in February
2018.
The
Dubai 10X initiative seeks to place Dubai and its Government entities 10 years
ahead of the rest of the world in all sectors, propelling the emirate into the
future by implementing today what other cities around the world will be
implementing 10 years from now.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan adopted 26 projects presented
by 24 government departments. The shortlisted projects were evaluated by a
panel of experts out of a total of more than 160 ideas submitted by 36 parties
in less than a year.
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