His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a visit yesterday to the "Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center," directed the advancement of research related to diabetes treatment using stem cells. His Highness affirmed that the UAE extends medical aid to impoverished communities, especially in light of the conditions stemming from the "COVID-19" pandemic. He also praised the center's efforts in combating diseases and commended the work of frontline workers for their success in enhancing the UAE's response to the pandemic and their active participation in finding effective treatments for the virus.
In detail, His Highness was briefed on the specialties of the "Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center," the services it provides, its scientific partnerships at both local and international levels, as well as its future plans to achieve its goals within the general strategy of the state in the health sector. During his visit, he listened to doctors and researchers regarding the center's role in supporting the health sector's efforts in the country, its response to the "COVID-19" pandemic, and the most important research it conducts using the latest advanced technologies to find solutions and advanced treatments for various diseases. He was also introduced to the center's significant achievements, sections, and facilities, including the cell separation laboratory for research, the stem cell micro-particle research lab, and the cancer treatment research and marrow laboratory.
Center doctors and researchers revealed ongoing research and the beginning of clinical trials for a new treatment based on immune cells for severe cases of "COVID-19." They also disclosed new clinical research for diabetes and multiple sclerosis, utilizing stem cells, as well as advanced immunophototherapy. His Highness listened to Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi explaining stem cell treatments for bone marrow and cancer, while Dr. Yendry discussed "COVID-19" treatment and related research, particularly stem cell applications. Professor Robert provided details about stem cell treatments for types of cancer using gene programming technology, including treatments for children. Dr. Fawzi Al-Safadi spoke about using stem cells in heart disease treatment with Sheikh Zayed's techniques.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the center's doctors and researchers and all frontline workers for their sacrifices and the significant role they played and continue to play in combating the "COVID-19" pandemic. He valued their sincere efforts to enhance the UAE's response to the pandemic and their active involvement in international scientific and research efforts toward finding effective treatments for the virus, which has significantly impacted the success of the national strategy to confront the pandemic, garnering admiration and appreciation from global entities.
His Highness stated that the UAE prioritizes health sector enhancement and development of medical industries, especially in vital areas, notably stem cell research, as part of its strategic goal to become an advanced regional hub for these industries and a leading regional treatment center. He emphasized that this approach will gain further momentum, focus, and attention in the upcoming period, particularly in light of the lessons learned from the "COVID-19" pandemic. He also called for a focused effort to expand medical research related to diabetes treatment using stem cells, pursuing the best therapeutic and preventive approaches to improve patients' lives, and offering comprehensive treatments that adhere to the highest international standards, confirming the state's support and interest in this impactful research.
His Highness highlighted the UAE's commitment to transferring, localizing, and producing advanced knowledge and sciences, particularly in health and medicine, within its comprehensive and sustainable developmental vision based on knowledge as a source of wealth and diversification of the economy and national income sources. He pointed out the importance of enhancing partnerships with advanced scientific research centers globally in medical research, aiming for mutual benefit from expertise, knowledge, and experiences. He asserted that the UAE extends its medical expertise and accomplishments to serve humanity, motivated by the belief that diseases are one of the gravest impediments to development and a primary source of poverty and underdevelopment globally, expressing great interest in collaborating with different countries in this field and providing medical aid to impoverished communities, especially under "COVID-19" conditions.
For their part, doctors and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center expressed their deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous encouragement and support for them and for frontline workers combating the pandemic, reaffirming their commitment to hard work and dedication in serving their country and protecting its people toward achieving full recovery, with God's will.
His Highness was accompanied during the visit by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports Board, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council Ali bin Hamad Al Shamsi, and the Undersecretary of the Crown Prince's Court, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei.
