Dubai: On the eve of Emirati Women’s Day, Al Jalila Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to women in science.
To date, the foundation has invested Dh9 million to empower 44 Emirati women pursuing careers in medicine and scientific research.
“We are thrilled to see so many Emirati women seizing the opportunity to take on leading roles in science. Today, with the support and encouragement of our leaders, Emirati women are already playing a prominent role across all industries and professions in the UAE,” said Dr Raja Eisa Al Gurg, chairperson of the board of directors and member of the board of trustees of Al Jalila Foundation.
The foundation also invests in the next generation of doctors by offering medical scholarships to Emirati students and research grants to UAE-based scientists.
Since 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded 59 medical scholarships of which 65 per cent were to Emirati women pursuing careers in medicine and health sciences. In addition, seven Emirati women pioneering important research for the region’s most pressing health issues are recipients of Al Jalila Foundation research and fellowship grants.
“These women have proven to be strong, hardworking and resilient leaders with a goal to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. On Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s contributions to the development and advancement of the UAE and know that by empowering our women, we empower our nation,” Dr Al Gurg added.
Meanwhile, Dalia Al Nuaimi, the first graduate under Al Jalila Foundation scholarship in the Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery at Harvard Medical School, said studying at Harvard has opened many doors for her as an Emirati researcher.
“I am proud to draw attention to the incredible work the UAE does in leading aid distribution globally. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support and guidance of Al Jalila Foundation, and the scholarship, which allowed me to follow my dream of studying at Harvard Medical School,” she said.
Emirati women researchers are pioneering ground breaking research, such as Dr Habiba Al Safar, recipient of two (2015, 2017) Al Jalila Foundation research grants to study cancer and diabetes.
Dr Al Safar has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science: UAE First Pioneer Medal for Genomics Research (2014); Emirates International Award of Genetic Diseases Prevention in the category of Best Scientific Researcher in the field of Genetic Diseases Prevention (2014); and has ranked number 52 among the most powerful women in the Arab world by ArabianBusiness.com (2015).
