A select group of philanthropists, researchers and medical practitioners was honoured yesterday at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai.

The recipients were recognised by the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Science programme. Yesterday's event was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry.

"Scientific advancement is a human activity motivated by a human mind that is a gift from God. It is achieved through the brilliant endeavours of devoted scientists and researchers. These people focus on serving mankind. One finds in them the combination of a noble soul, a brilliant mind and the highest ethics. Their ultimate aim is to help mankind and reduce human suffering," Shaikh Hamdan said.

The awards are steadily enriching scientific research in the UAE, he said.

"We are committed to the guidelines set by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Likewise, we value the vision of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Both have regularly stressed the need for promotion and advancement of science and scientists," Shaikh Hamdan said.

"I congratulate the award winners on their unique accomplishments and innovation. I wish them continued success and advancement in the best interests of science and humanity," Shaikh Hamdan said.

"Two years ago, Shaikh Hamdan, through this initiative, called upon researchers to intensify their studies into genetics. As a result, a new centre affiliated to the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences was established the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies. We anticipate new insights into cases of hereditary disease in the UAE," said Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health. The initiative represents an excellent chance for research into a field that will prove vital in the future, he said...