Dubai launches Dh300 million medical research centre for COVID-19, other communicable diseases

Dubai: A new Dh300-million facility, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research, has been launched in Dubai.

Facility focused on addressing COVID-19 and other viral diseases is UAE’s first independent biomedical research centre.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, according to Dubai Media Office press release on Tuesday.

The centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country in addition to research on COVID-19, Sheikh Mohammad wrote on his Twitter account, adding there is a for need medical research centres that are commensurate with the nature of the society in the country.

Sheikh Mohammad toured the facility that seeks to conduct research to address the COVID-19 pandemic and other viral diseases. Established with an initial investment of Dh300 million, the Institute is part of the Al Jalila Foundation, an entity under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed met a group of scientists who presented their research projects. His Highness was briefed on Al Jalila Foundation’s accomplishments and extensive research portfolio.

Accessible to everyone

“Everyone can access the Institute’s research. The new centre is an important addition to the global network of research institutions. It is part of the UAE’s contribution to biomedical research in the world and its research findings will be shared with other centres,” said Sheikh Mohammaed.

On the new facility’s contribution to the global scientific research community, he said, “We need specialised centres to conduct research that caters to our environment and responds to the health challenges facing our region.”

Objectives

The Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute aims to prepare the next generation of researchers across various specialisations as part of the overarching vision to create an integrated health map and provide the local, regional and global research community with sound, specialised medical research.

The state-of-the-art facility seeks to boost medical innovation, accelerate the use of artificial intelligence to monitor new diseases and develop proactive plans to contain outbreaks. By establishing an integrated medical database using big data analysis techniques, the centre strives to support global efforts to find effective treatments and vaccines.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute seeks to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation regionally. It also provides a platform for researchers and specialists to exchange knowledge and expertise related to global medical developments.

Critical need for research

With the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in over 20 million cases and claiming 728,000 lives across the world, there is an urgent need for extensive medical and prevention research. Researchers across the world are working around the clock to find effective ways to contain the virus and decrease its impact on people.

Partnerships

The Institute seeks to forge local and global partnerships with research institutions specialised in biomedicine and medical innovation as part of its aim to utilise all possible resources and share pioneering research projects with specialists across the world.

Independent facility

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute is the first independent multidisciplinary biomedical research centre in the UAE with its own board of trustees. It was established with an initial investment of Dh300 million focused on equipping specialised researchers and funding scientific projects. The UAE’s first medical research endowment is expected to bring a 4% return on investment amounting to Dh10.5 million annually, which will be reinvested in healthcare and research programmes.