UAE Genetic Disease Association (UAEGDA), the sole non-profit genetics organization in the UAE, will be the leading UAE supporter of the first Genetic & Biotechnology Conference in the UAE, held in coordination with Zayed University at the university’s Dubai Campus on December 21st. The event will feature discussions from 11 leading figures in genetics research, including local and international professors, doctors, and government representatives. The conference will be followed up by two-day PCR Technology workshop on December 22nd – 23rd held at the UAEGDA laboratory in Dubai.

An audience of about 200 is expected to attend the conference, including B.S and M.S students from Zayed University, Higher College of Technology, Manipal University, and various other institutions across the UAE who now have programs in genetics and biotechnology. Conference speakers will review a number of relevant topics in the field today, including the genetic basis of cancer, overcoming common genetic blood disorders in the UAE, and recent advances in genetic technologies.

UAE Genetic Diseases Association is established under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and launched by Dr. Maryam Matar, Executive Director of the UAEGDA. “UAEGDA wanted to support an event in which local practitioners could come together to share their experiences and learn from one another. We’ve also invited leading scholars from around the world to give their own input and inspire new discussions within the local scene.” commented Dr. Maryam Matar.

UAEGDA will also host a free PCR Technology workshop on December 22nd- 23rd to provide local students with an insight into the newest practices being used in the field. Supporting faculty will include those from Yamaguchi University-Japan, UAEGDA, Dubai Health Authority, Ministry of Health, DuBiotech, Zayed University, UAE University, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory and Center for Arab Genomic Studies. Due to nature of the practical training workshop on DNA techniques and limited space, the event will be offered only to Zayed University students this time.

"This event is all about inspiring students to think creatively about science and society, and to see themselves as part of a global community of practitioners working in similar fields," commented Dr. Michael Allen, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Zayed University. "Genetics and biotechnology is still a burgeoning field in the UAE, and we are proud to have received such tremendous support from UAEGDA and local academics in coordinating this conference." Dr Sulaiman AlJassim, Vice-President of the University, said that this scientific initiative contributes to the enhancement of scientific central and important role played by the specialists to respond to epidemics and diseases and at the same time raise awareness for prevention and treatment methods, spreading and promoting medical knowledge and awareness, mainly that the world is being challenged by serious diseases and viruses that threaten the communities, as well raise the spirit of participation in the issues and topics of common concern to both citizens and residents in the nation. The Vice-President stressed that the UAE is seeking to prepare its youth in various fields to work and contribute to the overall development plans and add to the achievements already realized.

Dr Marco Bacanti, Executive Director of DuBiotech, said: “The role of biotechnology and applications in genetics brings compelling results for a better quality of life, which makes the first Genetic & Biotechnology Conference in the UAE quite relevant. As a key destination for the life sciences, DuBiotech is delighted to support the conference that will encourage fruitful discussions among experts, industry professionals and students, while adequately highlighting the region’s fast developing industry.”

On December 20th, a day before the conference, visiting Professor Dr. Yukio Hattori & Dr. Y. Yamasiro from the Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan, will tour laboratories at Zayed University-Abu Dhabi to advise infrastructure requirements and guide the faculty on ongoing and future student projects.