Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a company under M42, is expanding its research efforts to address health issues in the UAE community. The hospital is currently conducting over 200 active research studies, with 60 of them initiated in 2022. These studies cover important topics such as digestive diseases, neurological disorders, and heart disease.
Aligned with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s goal to improve healthcare for the UAE population, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is using its research to advance treatment options in the UAE and the wider GCC region. They are currently focusing on three studies dedicated to liver health, breast cancer, and obesity, specifically targeting the Emirati population and using a genome-based approach.
Genome-based research allows for comparisons and validation of findings, which can accelerate the development of new treatments and personalized healthcare options for these conditions. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi encourages the public to support these efforts by participating in future clinical trials.
The first study, in collaboration with Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, is the first prospective metabolic study on the Emirati population. It examines obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. The second study, in partnership with Khalifa University, explores obesity and bariatric surgery and is the first genetic study on metabolic disease.
Dr. Sawsan Abdel-Razig, Chief Academic Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, remarked that, “Our mission at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is to deliver world-class care to the UAE community and wider region. Together with our multidisciplinary team, our research department is collaborating with universities and other strategic partners to advance healthcare in the community. Through our wider education and research efforts, we are investing in the next generation of clinical caregivers and healthcare leaders to develop new treatments, advanced diagnostics, and preventive care options that will benefit the UAE population for years to come.”
Lastly, a pilot study focuses on raising awareness of breast cancer among Emirati women. The goal is to understand the disease pattern within the local population and promote regular mammography screening.
All three studies aim to improve medical care in the UAE and are made possible by the participation of numerous research volunteers. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi ensures that its research projects comply with strict guidelines set by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Participants in these studies receive the highest safety standards and their confidentiality is protected.
Through these research efforts, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi strives to advance healthcare and contribute to better treatment options for the people of the UAE.