Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the Dh100 million Jalila Centre for Medical Research.
The centre is considered the first of its kind in the UAE and concentrates on five areas of research — diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and mental health.
Shaikh Mohammad was accompanied on his visit to the Jalila Foundation on Wednesday morning by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Academic Medical Centre where he met with the chairman of the board of trustees, the Board of Directors and donors.
During the meeting that was also attended by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, and Chairman of the Jalila Foundation Board of Trustees, Shaikh Mohammad listened to a presentation regarding the accomplishments of the foundation during its first year and its vision, which is based on Shaikh Mohammmad’s vision for 2020, where there is a focus on scientific, medical research and training for physicians and Emiratis.
The foundation also focuses on providing therapeutic support and backing the medical movement in Dubai, as well as its efforts to implement the medical education sustainability project, in addition to a number of other projects.
International body
After the meeting Shaikh Mohammad viewed the design of the Jalila Centre for Medical Research, which comprises ten floors, and is situated among the green buildings spread around Dubai.
Shaikh Mohammad blessed the project and stressed the importance of the culture of research. He also pointed out the importance of health and well-being, and safeguarding people from contracting dangerous and communicable diseases.
He also said any society will not progress unless it is able to eradicate the illnesses which hinder it.
He praised the efforts of the people developing the centre’s message.
He also hoped the research centre would be an important regional and international body that can compete with international research centres.
Shaikh Mohammad also praised donors and their contributions in developing the foundation and backing its projects that serve people, the community and the nation.
