From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai’s prerogative has included mass testing and conducting immediate research to tackle the virus.
Now, under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai which will not only study COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases.
His Highness toured the new Dhs300 million centre on Tuesday, August 11, which will aim to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.
In a statement issued by Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Mohammed stressed how medical research is of the utmost importance, particularly now.
.@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/vh3VfPUWiZ
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020
“Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country,” he said. “It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history.”
.@HHShkMohd: Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country. It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history. pic.twitter.com/snBYWobYgz
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020
Just last month it was announced by UAE authorities that research was being conducted for two potential vaccines for COVID-19 to be developed. Per , human trials are reportedly set to be conducted.
“We have more than 15,000 volunteers to conduct trials, and the best scientific standards for medical studies will be followed and guaranteed,” Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection stated during the briefing. “If the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are proven during this phase, the test will be considered successful.”
If either strain of the vaccines tested in the UAE are proven to be both safe and effective in combatting COVID-19, they would move to manufacture them.
To date, the UAE has had 62,704 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – 56,766 of those have recovered and there have been 357 deaths.
