MoHAP Organises UAE’s First Clinical Research Forum to Boost Health Sector.

Dubai: The National Centre for Health Research (NCHR) has organised the UAE's first Clinical Research Forum to enhance research and clinical trial capabilities across both government and private healthcare sectors. Held as part of the Ministry of Health and Prevention's (MoHAP) ongoing efforts to reinforce the UAE's leadership in health and medical research, the event was staged in collaboration with strategic partners from health authorities, academic institutions, and the private sector.According to Emirates News Agency, key participants included the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, SEHA - Abu Dhabi Health Services Co., Dubai Health Authority, and Dubai Health, alongside Emirates Health Services, academic institutions, and several private sector companies, demonstrating a strong shared commitment to institutional integration and partnerships within the UAE's health sector. The forum brought together medical and health science researchers, academics from higher education institutions, health research spec ialists from ministries and private entities, doctors in postgraduate training programs, and graduate students in medical and health sciences.The forum comes a few months after MoHAP launched the first health research platform in the GCC and Arab world earlier this year to provide interactive, reliable data on published health research, supporting researchers and institutions in developing studies and advancing research and development plans. The forum discussed current capabilities in interventional or observational clinical research, highlighting the expertise of researchers and the resources available in academic institutions, healthcare providers, and the private sector. It showcased ongoing efforts by researchers to present and discuss their work, foster communication among the research community, and encourage collaborative research in specialised clinical fields.Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, stressed that the UAE is committed to creating a su pportive environment for national talent capable of developing innovative solutions to diseases. He stated the importance of boosting the competitiveness, adaptability, and efficiency of the health sector, in line with the nation's strategic priorities and goals for the UAE Centennial 2071. Dr. Al Olama noted that the Ministry plays a vital role in empowering the National Center for Health Research to carry out strategic research and development objectives.Meanwhile, Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Health Regulation Sector, highlighted that through this forum, the Ministry seeks to boost health and medical research in the UAE by supporting health research, especially clinical ones. He pointed out that the rapid growth in health research across the UAE is a key driver for improving future health services and supports an integrated system for early disease detection and prevention, built on the latest global standards for transparency.Dr. Khalil Qayed, Director of the National C entre for Health Research at the Ministry, mentioned that through this forum, MoHAP looks forward to assessing the current state of clinical research and the capabilities of health and research institutions. He highlighted the introduction of the National Strategy for Health Research in 2021 and the subsequent organisation of several key events. Dr. Qayed emphasized the importance of adhering to health research ethics, maintaining scientific integrity, transparency, and responsibility throughout all stages of health research, to foster innovation and knowledge, and contribute to improving the quality of life in the country.The research papers presented covered a broad spectrum of topics within clinical research, including studies on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, infectious and environmental diseases, neuroscience, and mental health, as well as issues related to women's and children's health, innovative cancer treatments, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.