Dubai to map genome of all its residents

The Dubai Health Authority has embarked on the ambitious project as part of the Dubai 10X initiative.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Saturday launched a ground breaking human genome project as part of the Dubai 10X initiative.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, has launched the Dubai 10X Initiative, among a bundle of avant-garde proposals at the recently concluded World Government Summit.
Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, director general of DHA and chairman of the board, said: "The authority is looking to target all residents of the emirate of Dubai, focusing on UAE nationals in the first phase of implementation. The project's timetable extends over 24 months, during which we will be collecting samples, analysing DNA sequences, and recording the results in the data bank. 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. The labs 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. This, in turn, ensures Dubai's global competitiveness and strengthens the knowledge economy."
Al Qatami added: "Inspired by the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the DHA is determined to play its part in ensuring the prosperity of our country".
The DHA's human genome project perfects gene scanning to detect changes in the genes, chromosomes, and proteins that can lead to genetic diseases, allowing researchers to prevent and eradicate chronic diseases and cancer, and reduce the financial burden for treating chronic diseases, in addition to slowing down the ageing process.
To implement the ambitious project, DHA is mandating a number of its affiliate organisations to carry out its execution, such as the department of pathology and genetics, and the Dubai Cord Blood and Research Center (DCRC), among others. Besides, the DHA formed a committee of genetics experts to ensure the seamless implementation of the project as per its approved timeline.
Overseen by the 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.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said: "The emirate has already surpassed its competition with regards to studying the human genome, owing to DHA's project, which further cements Dubai's global competitiveness and leadership in the healthcare sector."
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 365 days.
Today, government bodies across all sectors are joining in the effort to implement their projects by collaborating with innovative tech companies and expertise, to implement today what other cities will 10 years from now.

Genome project at a glance