NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) signed an inaugural Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH). The two organizations are collaborating on NYUAD’s UAE Healthy Future study, a long-term ongoing study that was launched by the NYUAD Public Health Research Center in 2017, to understand the causes of common chronic diseases among Emiratis, focusing particularly on priority areas of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The study aims to recruit 20,000 UAE nationals between the ages of 18-40 with over 5,000 participants already signed up to date.
The MOU was signed by H.E. Mohamed Hamad Al Hameli, Undersecretary of DOH, and Fabio Piano, Provost of NYU Abu Dhabi, at the University’s campus on Saadiyat Island.
The collaboration will support the mission shared between the two organizations to improve the health of the local population. The results of the UAE Healthy Future Study will be significantly improved by linking the participants’ results (with their informed consent) with data collected by the Department of Health. Furthermore, the study will also work closely with DOH to collect additional information on the participants’ diets – a key risk factor for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
H.E. Mohamed Hamad Al Hameli, Undersecretary of DOH said: “The signing of Memorandum of Understanding to study the UAE Healthy Future is a fundamental pillar to build a healthier future for society. Hence, this will aid in finding the radical solutions to prevent society from chronic diseases and providing a healthier lifestyle for the future generation in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the belief that prevention is better than cure.”
NYU Abu Dhabi Provost Piano said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a remarkable opportunity for collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) on the landmark UAE Healthy Future study. This partnership is a testament to the NYUAD Public Health Research Center’s significant efforts and exceptional dedication to the success of this first-of-its-kind study, and we’re honored that our partners at DOH recognize its potential impact on the future health, lifestyle, and well-being of the UAE.”
NYUAD, in association with its Abu Dhabi partner, Tamkeen, is leading the UAE Healthy Future Study in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and alongside the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Zayed Military Hospital, United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, Khalifa University, Emirates ICT Innovation Center, Mubadala Healthpoint Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Capital Health Screening Center, Daman, Higher Colleges of Technology, and the NYU Langone School of Medicine.