The UAE’s National Centre for Health Research (NCHR), under the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), organized the nation’s first Clinical Research Forum, aimed at enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities across government and private healthcare sectors. The event, held in collaboration with health authorities, academic institutions, and private sector entities, highlights the UAE’s commitment to global health innovation and excellence.
Bringing together a diverse group of researchers, academics, healthcare professionals, and graduate students, the forum focused on strengthening the country’s capacity for advanced medical research. Topics of discussion included interventional and observational clinical research, institutional integration, and emerging challenges in health sciences.
Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of MoHAP, emphasized the UAE's strategic priorities for developing an innovative and sustainable healthcare system aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. He noted that empowering the National Centre for Health Research is crucial to achieving global health research standards and fostering collaboration among academic, healthcare, and private institutions.
The forum also showcased the UAE’s rapid growth in health research, supported by initiatives such as the launch of the Health Research Platform earlier this year. This platform, the first of its kind in the GCC and Arab world, provides interactive and reliable data for researchers and institutions, fostering advancements in medical knowledge and clinical practices.
Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Health Regulation, highlighted the forum’s focus on innovation and investment in medical technology, as well as the importance of an integrated system for early disease detection and prevention. He emphasized that health research plays a pivotal role in enhancing quality of life and building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem.
Key areas explored during the forum included obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, infectious diseases, mental health, and innovative treatments for cancer. The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and its potential applications was also a major point of discussion.
Dr. Khalil Qayed, Director of NCHR, reiterated the significance of adhering to ethical and transparent research practices while aligning national strategies with global standards. He underscored the forum’s role in advancing collaboration, fostering innovation, and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in health research.
The forum marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward establishing a world-class health research system, showcasing its dedication to knowledge-driven healthcare and improved public health outcomes.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
