The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies to host the Human Genome Meeting 2011 in Dubai
17.12.2008
The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies is pleased to announce that Dubai will be the venue for the prestigious Human Genome Meeting in 2011, organized by the Human Genome Organisation. The selection of Dubai for hosting this prestigious conference follows the presentation of a competitive bid for the same by a team from Dubai, consisting of members of CAGS, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and the Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB).
The Human Genome Meeting is a series of annual conferences organized by the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) with an aim to update and increase knowledge in the ever-evolving field of human genome research, and is considered a major event for both renowned scientists and young investigators. This will be the first time that the HGM will be held in an Arab country. Commenting on this achievement, Prof. Najib Al-Khaja, President of CAGS said, “The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies and the Human Genome Organisation share very similar objectives and perspectives. Both organizations are important brokers of ideas and strategies in the field of human genetics and genomics.” This sentiment was echoed by Prof. Edison Liu, President of HUGO, who was recently in Dubai to attend the Fifth Dubai International Conference for Medical Sciences organized by the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences. Although HUGO is truly an international organization, it has of late taken enormous efforts to concentrate on playing a major role in the genetics and genomics research and development of emerging countries.
HUGO’s interest in CAGS stems from the fact that the Centre is recognized as the hub of genomic studies in the Arab World, and is an excellent medium to reach out to the entire World. In fact, HUGO and CAGS already have a history of mutual co-operation and collaboration. As Dr. Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali, Director of CAGS clarifies, “HUGO has been a principal supporter of the Pan Arab series of conferences on Human Genetics Conference organized by CAGS. The first conference in 2006 was distinguished by an entire team from HUGO that held meeting with CAGS members, and expressed their interest in affiliating CAGS with HUGO for future activities in the region. This was the first appearance of HUGO in the Arab World, and laid the seeds for further interactions between the two. The second edition of the conference, held in 2007, was attended by the President of HUGO, Prof. Edison Liu, who took this opportunity to meet and familiarize himself with geneticists in the region.”
HGM 2011 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which harbors the vision of making Dubai the world’s leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences, and events. Serving as a gateway for international businesses in the Middle East for over three decades, DWTC continues to attract world class events and congresses, including the IMF World Bank in 2003 and the FDI World Dental Congress in 2007, and more recently the World Diabetes Congress and the UITP Public Transport Congress. Mr. Hilal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre explains: “DWTC is proud to play a role in enhancing Dubai’s international position as a major hub for large scale meetings and events. Apart from the huge short-term direct benefit to the economy, hosting international congresses has an even greater long-term indirect impact. They increase Dubai’s profile as a centre of excellence within this specialized knowledge-based sector and play a significant role in attracting multinational companies to Dubai which spurs direct foreign investment to the local medical industry”.
In addition to the HGM, HUGO has further plans to collaborate with CAGS. According to Dr. Ghazi Tadmouri, Assistant Director, CAGS, “Of special interest is the organization of the 3rd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference in Dubai in late 2009. The conference will be concurrently held with a HUGO symposium on genomics and hereditable disorders, which would also involve international organizations, including the World Health Organization.”
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Newborns Too should be Screened for Genetic Disorders, Says Expert
17.12.2008
In view of the high prevalence of genetic diseases in the country, screening of not only would-be couples but also newborns would become necessary, according to a genome expert.
A national panel would have to be set up for this, Dr Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali, Director of the Dubai-based Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, said at the 5th Dubai International Conference for Medical Sciences on Tuesday.
The country currently has a national pre-marital screening program for nationals and expatriates, which offers screening for disorders such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease as well as general health.
“In about six to seven years, there might be another panel added to the existing program,” he said without giving further details.
He also said genetic research in the UAE is heading in the right direction. “We have the Dubai Healthcare City, Academic City as well as other bodies, so the future is bright for research in the country,” he added.
“Prevalence of genetic diseases is very high in the UAE compared to the rest of the world, so it is a major concern. It also puts a lot of burden on the government financially. We need to prepare strategies with a special focus on genetics,” he said. He, however, did not give details of the amount of money being spent on research.
At present, there are over 250 types of genetic disorders in the country.
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Recommendations from the 2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference
24.11.2007
The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies worked since its conception at establishing an important balance between its scientific research objectives and the values of the Arab and Islamic environment to which it belongs.
The 2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference, which convened in 20-22 November 2007 in Dubai, crowns this vision by the organization of a Public Forum on 'The Ethical Perspectives of Human Genetic Applications in the Arab World' on Tuesday 20 November 2007 bringing together scientists, legal advisors, and religious scholars to discuss issues related to the advancement of genetic sciences in accordance with the established values in the region and to utilize them for the benefit of the nations without losing sight of their legitimate and legal controls.
The session that discussed the legitimate and legal controls of genome research and genetic testing concluded on Thursday November 22, 2007 after having held two scientific sessions on Tuesday November 20, 2007 during which there has been a review of 7 research papers in the area of legal and legitimate controls of the science of human genetics. There was also a door for questions, discussions and interventions for the attendance whereas those research papers and the discussion have resulted in a number of recommendations that can be summarized as follows:
I. Genome Research
Since the Arab world is capable to participate in genome research, there is an urgent need for the formation of national committees where their mission is to set ethics for scientific research in each of the Arab countries, and to coordinate between them and the committees in other states.
The Conferees have noted that the genome research is of emerging scientific matters and many of the Arab countries laws exclude articles that provide for ethics and controls that must be met in genome research. It is hoped that researchers propose controls, and it is legislatively to activate these proposals by enacting laws and regulations governing such researches.
As the genome projects are characterized being a research work that depends on the international participation to ensure the exchange of experience, information and genetic samples, therefore it is a must to open the legislation door in this developed area to facilitate the participation of Arab scientists in such research freely and positively.
The Conferees also recommended the specialist scientists to develop legislative controls for the genome research where balancing the interests and harm and promoting the scientific research must be taken into account for this will not be at the account of the religion principles or the privacy of the community and individual.
And to spread awareness and culture in this area, the Conferees have recommended the need to develop educational plans addressed to individuals and groups.
II. Genetic testing
The Conferees have agreed on the importance of genetic testing as an integral part of the health system in the Arab countries, and it is been proved from the experiences of many nations the importance of genetic testing prior to completion of the marriage, while the Conferees thanked the states that ensured their need for genetic testing, and they also recommend the legislative authorities in the rest of the states to follow the latter states' example.
And to achieve this, the Conferees have recommended to working on the study of legal and legitimate controls for the genetic testing before marriage which is a fundamental step to demand the application of these tests in the Arab countries.
They also recommended the formation of a joint committee of forensic scientists, doctors and specialists in genetics to develop a list of sexual and genetic disorders that must be covered by medical examinations assessed before the marriage.
Due to the dramatic spread of genetic disorders in the Arab world, the Conferees recommended the listing of the genetic counseling and fetal testing within the health system of the Arab countries, while taking into account the legitimate and legal controls and information confidentiality.
The Conferees recognize the progress of the medicine in the modern era, which led to the discovery of new cases of congenital and genetic disorders in embryos other than the ones considered by Islamic jurisprudence academies, and many of those cases cause the birth of children suffering from chronic diseases and therefore suffered by their families and society; so they ask the scientists specialized in forensic sciences to be diligent in defining new cases that because of them abortion can be disclosed. Doctors also call specialists to present such cases and researches to the Islamic jurisprudence academies to issue judgments after forming extensive researches and discussions.
And to raise awareness of limiting the spreading of genetics disorders, the Conferees recommended the dissemination of genetic culture between individuals and groups in the Arab world.
The Arab Council of the Center welcomed the noble deed of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry, by granting a special Award for genetics science presented through the Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference, appreciating his attention in strengthening the genetic research in the Arab world for the advancement of health care in the region. A scientific committee will be formed to set up the specifications of the Award and to put conditions for its progress in parallel with what is used in the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.
The Conferees also recommended to send a telegram of thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State (may God preserve him), and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-Chairman of the State, President of the Council of Ministers and Ruler of Dubai (may God preserve him), for the hospitality and the organization of the Conference in the land of the United Arab Emirates.
They recommended to send special thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry, the sponsor of the Conference (may God preserve him), for his generous support of medical sciences in general, and genetics sciences in particular, and also for his devotion and constant follow-up to everything that would serve that area.
The participants in the Conference also thanked His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of the Islamic Affairs Department and Charitable Activities in Dubai for the effective cooperation done by the Department to support all the proceedings of the Conference.
Many thanks goes to the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Award for Medical Sciences represented by its Board of Trustees and its Chairman His Excellency Mr. Humaid Al Quttami, Minister of Health, the General Secretariat of the Award, by the Secretary Professor Najeeb Al Khaja, and his staff, and particularly the Center for Arab Genomic Studies for the good preparation, organization and reception.
And thanks to the honorable scientists who contributed in sustaining the Conference by their valuable researches in the scientific, legal and legitimate fields and many wishes for progress and success.
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Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum bin Maktoum inaugurates the proceedings of the 2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference
21.11.2007
His Highness Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum bin Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Information Department, in a speech given on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, said that the strategic location of Dubai and the absolute confidence in its ability as a starting point for many initiatives of the countries of the Arab nation, urge it to examine everything that is new for the advancement and development of society. The United Arab Emirates always aspires to be the pioneer in providing assistance and support for all peoples, he added.
Sheikh Hamdan was speaking Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2nd Arab Conference for Genomic Studies and Genetic Disorders, held under his patronage, at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai.
It was organized by the Arab Center for Genomic Studies of the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences, in cooperation with the Islamic Affairs Department and Charitable Activities in Dubai.
HH Sheikh Hamdan said the challenges we are facing in dealing with genetic disorders do not discriminate between rich, poor, developing or developed countries, as they exist in every time and place, and constitute major challenges that force us to bear in mind the necessary programs and proper planning to meet these challenges that affect directly the progress and development of societies.
He recalled the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State (may God preserve him) and the instructions of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the State, and Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers and Ruler of Dubai (may God preserve him), and their brothers Their Highnesses the Supreme Council members of the Union and Rulers of the Emirates, in developing UAE society.
His Highness said that the United Arab Emirates is keen for the development and progress of society in all fields and is always eager to contribute actively in the field of development and growth with all available appropriate means. He asserted that this conference, which includes the attendance of distinguished scientists, doctors and pioneers in the field of genetics, is the door for all those in the world who are interested in the subject of genetics to discuss and follow up the latest developments and programs that can be taken advantage of to build upon them in dealing with these disorders.
His Highness thanked the Islamic Affairs Department and Charitable Activities in Dubai on its fruitful cooperation with the Arab Center for Genomic Studies and for its participation in the global gathering to assess the perceptions and recommendations in the light of morality and legitimate means, in order to serve the areas of scientific research in genetic disorders.
The proceedings of the Conference which aims at the definition of genetic disorders prevalent in the region and the methods that can be used to control and prevent them, began with the opening ceremony at 9:00 am yesterday in Al Rashidiya Ballroom, Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai. It included a speech by His Highness Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum bin Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Information Department, a speech by His Excellency Humeid Al Quttami, UAE Minister of Health, Chairman of the Award Board of Trustees, another presentation by Dr. Hamad bin Al Shaikh A. Al Shaibani, Director General of the Islamic Affairs Department and Charitable Activities, and a final speech by Dr. Najeeb Al Khaja, Secretary General of the Award, President of the Center for Arab Genomic Studies. An exhibition accompanying the activities of the conference was then inaugurated.
His Excellency Hamid Al Qatami confirmed in his speech that Inherited Genetic Diseases are a serious health dilemma, and must be taken into consideration particularly because there is no current database to exchange experiences or to document sick cases in the Arab World. That was why Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences is concentrating its efforts and is drawing up suitable scientific and practical plans to support and develop knowledge in the field of human genetics sciences, not only in the United Arab Emirates, but in other Arabic countries as well, he said.
In his speech, Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani noted that the gene revolution and the spectacular discoveries in the area of gene therapy should be infused with ethical standards, especially since we know we are dealing with an area that leaves genetic fingerprints affecting the present and future generations.
Dr. Najeeb Al Khaja, Secretary General of Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences, pointed out that the attention given to genetic studies has reached high levels with large financial budgets, the build up of new institutes and the training of new scientists in the subject. Geneticists have won many recent awards for their work, the best example being the Nobel Medical Award which was given to some scientists in the domain of genetic sciences.
He said that the conference is the second one on behalf of the center, and it is a completion of the first conference which was held two years ago in which the first structure for joint Arab action was established. It was the founding of the Arabic Council for Genetic Sciences, which became the most important representative from the area in the field at many international forums, and contains the finest doctors in the Arab world in many specializations.
The council, since it was founded, has initiated many scientific events, which add value to the center's activities.
This conference focused on discussing the methods of preventing genetic diseases, in addition to discussing the ethical sides of this domain. The opening ceremony was followed by a general seminar that discussed the 'Ethical Anticipation of Human Genetics Studies Applications in the Arab World.' It was held in collaboration with the Islamic Department Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai. A large number of scientists and physicians participated in the symposium that was divided into two sessions.
The first session was chaired by Dr. Ali Khalid Abdullah from Qatar University who discussed the topic of 'Human Genome Research: legal and legitimate standards.' The second session was chaired by Dr. Muhammad Abdulrahim Sultan Al-Ulama, Deputy-Dean of Scientific Research Affairs, United Arab Emirates University. He discussed the topic of 'Genetic testing: legal and legitimate standards.'
Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad, Chief Mufti, Bureau of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Works in Dubai, shared the same session which discussed the genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities that continue to be serious issues faced by healthcare providers in the Arab World. The aim was to arrive at conclusions and recommendations that could help Arab societies in the field of genetics.
The proceedings of the 2nd Arab Human Genetics Conference which will continue on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22, November, also include 6 specialized scientific sessions where 27 specialists will lecture in the fields of genetics. They hail from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Finland and the United States of America.
Wednesday the discussion proceeded with the first session about the Human VARIOME Project (genetic variation), while the second session will focus on the Complex and Recessive Disorders in the Arab World and the third session will hold a discussion on the new research on genetic disorders in the region.
On Thursday November 22nd, the working sessions will proceed further with the fourth session that will discuss the subject of Bioethics and Genetic Humans, and International Bioethics and Human Genetics.
The fifth session will be dedicated to discuss the national strategies for the prevention of genetic disorders in the region through a presentation of Al Bahrain Prevention Strategies of Genetic Disorders (1984-2007), and Jordan's National Strategy for Prevention of Genetic Disorders and Congenital Abnormalities, and the results of Newborn Screening in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt.
The sixth session, which is the last session, will hold short lectures discussing a variety of subjects like the Degradation of Mutated Proteins and the cause of Genetic Disorders, and the Molecular Analysis of Hemophilia disease in Lebanon and the Most Prevalent Genetic Disorders in Egypt.
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Genetics forum in Dubai
9.9.2007
Dubai is to host the Second Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference from November 18-22 this year, reported Gulf News. The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies has said the Gulf region has one of the highest rates of genetic disorders, with 240 different conditions recorded in the UAE alone. Issues such as the genetic testing of foetuses and the possible abortion of diseased fetuses will be raised.
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Centre for Arab Genomic Studies Establishes Ties with
the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
23.8.2007
Dr. Hamad AlSheebani, Director of the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (DICD), received Mr. Abdullah Bin Souqat, Executive Director of the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Science, Dr. Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali, Director of CAGS, and Dr. Ghazi Omar Tadmouri, Assistant Director of CAGS. Dr. AlSheebani stated that the meeting comes within the scope of the DICD's to address the society and collaborates with governmental and non-governmental institutions to serve local and regional communities.
He added that the meeting discussed the possibilities of cooperation with the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Science and the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies to prepare for a public forum on the ethical perspectives of genetic applications in the Arab World on the 20th of November 2007 in AlBustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. The forum would include lectures on religious as well as legal aspects of genetic research applications in the region.
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