Abu Dhabi: New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in association with Tamkeen, has completed the first phase of the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS).
Over 15,000 participants were recruited for the study. It aims to determine how the health of UAE nationals is affected by their lifestyle, environment, and genes, focusing on risk factors related to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The UAEHFS has been accepting volunteers since 2016 and has been granted permission to carry out the study by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Dubai Health Authority, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
The efforts have led to a raft of new, measurable achievements, including 47 articles in peer-reviewed international journals over the past seven years.
The study has further contributed to significant advances in national capacity in public health and contributed to establishing regulations and research in this area, including contributions towards COVID-19.
Phase two of the study aims to carry out an analysis of the total baseline data to identify additional physiological, genetic, and microbiome biomarkers and risk factors for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and relevant non-communicable disorders.
Dr. Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor of NYUAD, stated that, “The UAE Healthy Future Study brings together some of the best scientists and physicians across major academic and healthcare institutions in the country in line with the UAE’s innovation strategy. This strong collaboration has made it possible for researchers and policymakers to lay the groundwork for a healthier society for generations to come.”
“We are grateful for the support of our strategic partners, including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and we thank all of our partner organizations and academic institutions for their major contributions,” Mr. Westermann added.