Experts discussed future of biotechnology at Dubai Science Park’s Advance Health forum

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Dubai Science Park hosts the Advance Health sessions intending to promote knowledge exchange, encourage networking opportunities, and improve patient outcomes in the UAE. The business district is heavily contributing to developing the emirate’s healthcare sector by nurturing a community that facilitates collaboration and innovation.

With the pandemic being a major factor bringing change in the healthcare industry, Dr. Aaron Han, Chief Medical Officer at Alliance Care Technologies said “Healthcare is going to drive the next decade of growth,” at the 21st Advance Health forum at Dubai Science Park (DSP)

The forum had important industry stakeholders who are exploring the outlook of biotech innovation and research in the UAE. This is at par with the expansion of the healthcare sector as part of the Centennial 2071 project launched by the Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates. 

UAE even allocated 8.09% of its federal budget to healthcare and community protection, boosting investment and opportunities within the sector.  

Speaking at the event, Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of Dubai Science Park said “The purpose of Advance Health is to bring our industry together to address challenging topics – interesting topics – and find new solutions.”

Looking into personalised healthcare Dr. Hemad Yasaei, Molecular Genetics and Genomics Consultant and Researcher at Dubai Genetics Center emphasised the importance of genomics. He said, “Genomics is one of the multilayers that is going to transform medicine and make it more personalised.” 

Dr. Nadia Tarcha, Pfizer Gulf’s Chief Medical Director, discussed the R&D landscape in the region and Pfizer Gulf’s contribution to the sector over the last 40 years. “It is one of our goals to attract clinical trials to the region,” she said. In 2021, Pfizer Gulf conducted 12 non-interventional studies and two clinical trials in the region, and it planned more than 32 launches in six therapeutic areas in 2022.

Everyone also recognized the growing pool of talent that contributes to R&D, which is made possible by government-led initiatives such as Golden Visa, which attracts skilled professionals and students.