Dubai, UAE, April 1: HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by his youngest daughter, HH Sheikha Al Jalila, today officially launched the Al Jalila Foundation at a special ceremony held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City.

A not-for-profit organization, the Al Jalila Foundation aims to promote the UAE as a centre of excellence in the field of medical education and research and position Dubai at the forefront of medical innovation. The Foundation will provide grant and seed money to support cutting-edge research on health problems in the region. It will also play a vital role in educating healthcare professionals, conducting health awareness campaigns, and promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive measures.

Several influential humanitarians, philanthropists, senior government officials, representatives from the private sector and guests representing the Foundation’s three pillars - healthcare, medical education and research - also attended the ceremony.

The ceremony revolved around the theme ‘Key of Hope’, inspired by the organization’s pledge to unlock new advancements for a healthier society. A special commemorative key was presented to HH Sheikh Mohammed as a symbol of the untapped opportunities that the Al Jalila Foundation will create, in collaboration with its strategic partners, to achieve its overall mission.

In her address, HE Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “For inspiration, let us look no further than the UAE itself. Our country has become a beacon of hope. Today the UAE’s strong health sector is a direct result of the long-sighted investments made by our leaders in the past. In the same way, the investments we make today will uplift future generations for many years to come. Our Foundation will serve as a catalyst in a chain reaction that yields a healthier UAE. Unlocking doors to limitless opportunities and advancements that previously seemed out of reach will provide tangible benefits.” HE Raja urged the community to unite to shape current and future generations concluding “Our efforts today will have lasting impact on our children, and children’s children.” Professor Najib Al Khaja, a prominent figure in the scientific community, serving as an ‘Ambassador of Hope’, gave an inspiring testimonial by narrating how his life had been transformed through access to world-class medical education and research.

He commended Al Jalila Foundation for its dedication to building a healthier and brighter future for the UAE and beyond. In his address, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama said: “We are optimistic that with the support of all sectors of society, the UAE can make great inroads in overcoming some of our most critical healthcare challenges. We cannot just treat illnesses when they occur, we have to do more to prevent them. The Al Jalila Foundation will help widen our activities across various stages of the healthcare cycle through early detection, awareness programmes, academic scholarships and research funding, among other initiatives to support the existing healthcare infrastructure.”

The launch comes against the backdrop of the UAE’s increasing success in all sectors and further supports the UAE Vision 2021 to be amongst the best countries in the world ‘United in Prosperity’. The Al Jalila Foundation will play an influential role in elevating the country into a leading international healthcare center through home-grown solutions. The Foundation will work with local and international partners to make significant contributions to healthcare to transform the lives of people.