On Wednesday, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the launch of the global forum series entitled “Sharjah: A Hub for the Future – Healthcare.” This inaugural edition focuses on healthcare innovation and is being held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, marking a significant milestone for the emirate in promoting advanced healthcare solutions.
During the opening ceremony, the UAE national anthem was played, after which attendees were presented with a film showcasing the growth of the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. The film illustrated the institution’s commitment to generating innovative ideas and transforming them into practical applications that serve the community.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, welcomed His Highness and the guests, emphasizing that the event signifies more than just a scientific gathering. It is a clear declaration of Sharjah’s enduring dedication to human welfare and health, reinforcing its status as a global center for knowledge and innovation. Al Mahmoudi pointed out that the establishment of the park was aimed at positioning Sharjah as a beacon of science and a bridge connecting knowledge with application. He revealed that the park is now home to over 10,000 innovative companies focusing on various fields, particularly in healthcare innovation. “Sharjah has always believed that civilization is not solely about physical structures but also about the elevation of human thought and health,” he remarked.
The CEO also highlighted strategic partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem, referencing key collaborations with the Sharjah Health Authority. These partnerships have forged connections between scientific research and clinical applications, alongside collaborations with Emirates Health Services to create frameworks for implementing innovative solutions across the nation’s healthcare systems. Furthermore, he mentioned cooperation with Bee’ah to integrate environmental sustainability with public health, ensuring that a clean environment is fundamental for sustainable health.
Al Mahmoudi announced a cooperation agreement with Astra Healthcare, one of the leading medical institutions in the region. This agreement promises to open new horizons for researchers and innovators, providing real links between the laboratory and the patient, as well as between concept and application. Several memorandums of understanding will also be signed, facilitating access to preclinical molecules for testing and opportunities for grants and research funding.
The forum aims to chart the future of healthcare innovation in Sharjah through collaborative efforts, creating smart systems that redefine healthcare both regionally and globally. Attendees will include distinguished scientists, doctors, technology leaders, and investors.
Dr. Asma Fekri, Director of Governmental and Institutional Partnerships at the park, presented a visual display discussing innovation in healthcare systems and its future impact on life and diagnostics. She expressed pride in the contributions from Sharjah University and the American University of Sharjah, which together have published over 2,000 works in healthcare, reflecting Sharjah’s significant competitiveness for global leadership across various fields.
His Highness also attended a panel discussion featuring Dr. Magdi Yacoub, a world-renowned cardiac and thoracic surgeon and Director of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation in the UK, along with Dr. Hamid Obaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, and Dr. Vladimir Ivkovic, Director of Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Yacoub noted the shared factors between cardiac diseases and cancer, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of innovative medical solutions to alleviate suffering and reduce mortality worldwide. He indicated that 80% of the burden from these diseases falls on developing nations, hindering access to essential healthcare for those in need.
Dr. Yacoub also discussed recent achievements in heart transplantation, highlighting advancements that were once considered mere fantasies a century ago. These innovations have become viable solutions today, enhancing people’s health and longevity.
Dr. Al Shamsi discussed the evolution of medicine in the region and globally, addressing challenges in the healthcare sector and efforts to raise community awareness through informational materials and outreach on social media platforms. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of early screenings in detecting cancers and adhering to preventive programs.
Dr. Ivkovic praised innovations in space medicine and its development under varying conditions and environments. He mentioned that the International Space Station continuously monitors the health of astronauts to understand how space affects human health and unveiled smart applications for brain and neurological monitoring.
His Highness also participated in a second panel discussion featuring Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of Bee’ah, and Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al-Muhairi, Head of the Sharjah Health Authority. Al Huraimel explained Bee’ah’s entry into the healthcare sector, stating their goal has always been to enhance quality of life using environmentally friendly technologies. He highlighted that the group is now among the region’s leaders in waste recycling and is exporting this expertise internationally.
Dr. Al-Muhairi elaborated on the efforts of healthcare institutions at both federal and local levels to strengthen health policies and ensure a robust healthcare system for patients in the region. He noted Sharjah’s designation as a Healthy City by the World Health Organization and its adherence to international health standards.
His Highness concluded the session by honoring the guests, partners, and supporters, wishing them success in enhancing the healthcare sector for the benefit of patients globally.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Ruler of Sharjah explored the Boston Jewel neighborhood plan, which will include hospitals, centers, and laboratories dedicated to providing superior healthcare services. This initiative aims to establish a focus on patient care while meeting their diverse needs, thus reflecting positively on treatment methods.
The Ruler of Sharjah also signed a copy of the international magazine “Nature,” which featured an exclusive issue highlighting the first research report titled “Sharjah Next: Healthcare.” This report provides an analytical perspective on Sharjah’s current standing and future outlook in health research.
Results from the report indicated a remarkable 25% annual growth in neuroscience research over the past four years, with nearly 20% of Sharjah’s research focused on neuroscience and cardiology, achieving over 10% of the world’s most cited research.
Over the next two days, the forum will cover various topics, ranging from artificial intelligence in neurological diagnostics to precision medicine in cardiac treatments, reflecting the integration of science, innovation, and humanity.
The “Sharjah: A Hub for the Future – Healthcare” forum serves as a prestigious platform for discussing the latest innovations and technologies in the medical sector. It will witness broad participation from academics, startups, and industrial entities, focusing on research and development in the fields of human biology, advanced biotechnology, artificial intelligence in health diagnostics, and the ethical considerations surrounding modern medical advancements.
In attendance at the ceremony were Sheikh Dr. Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler’s Office, Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Head of the Civil Aviation Authority, Sheikh Muhammad bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Head of the Statistics and Community Development Department, alongside senior officials and representatives from the healthcare sector participating in the forum.