Mohammed okays formation of UAE Genomics Council

Mohammed okays formation of UAE Genomics Council

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the formation of UAE Genomics Council to provide a world-class healthcare system. The new council, to be headed by HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, will regulate, oversee and guide the implementation of the Emirati Genome Programme into the healthcare system across the country. Incorporating genomics into the healthcare ecosystem is part of the UAE's efforts to carry out therapeutic and preventative programmes that help reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders, disabilities and mortality rates. The council will oversee the execution of government genomics programmes and propose legislations to govern the field in coordination with health regulators across the country. It will regulate data acquisition and storage and establish a system for issuing ethics and consent approvals for all genomics programmes. As part of its role in governing multiple novel programmes, including the national biobanking programme, the council will support technology start-ups and companies and build partnerships with world-leading technology firms to drive cutting-edge genomics research. Among the council's responsibilities is