Dubai: The first genetic and bio-technology conference opened here on Monday with experts warning that the world is being challenged today by serious diseases and viruses that threaten our communities.
The event is organised by the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, in partnership with Yamaguchi University, Japan, Zayed University and DuBiotech.
"This event is all about inspiring students to think creatively about science and society, and to see themselves as part of a global community of practitioners working in similar fields," said Dr. Michael Allen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Zayed University.
He said genetics and biotechnology is still a burgeoning field in the UAE.
A large population of the UAE suffers from genetic disorders, including common ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure and thalassemia, which affect one in 12 people in the country.
Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice-President of Zayed University, said the conference will help raise awareness on prevention and treatment methods of these diseases.
Graduate and post graduate students from the Zayed University, Higher College of Technology and Manipal University are taking part in the day-long conference.
Common genetic disorders in UAE
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Birth Defects
- Cancer, such as breast cancer
- Leukaemia (1 in 12 in UAE has this)
- Thalassemia
- Alpha Thalassemia
- Sickle-cell anaemia
- G6PD (not enough of enzyme glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase)
