Dubai (Web Desk): Dubai plans to sequence the DNA of its entire population in order to prevent, mitigate, and potentially eradicate diseases in the future.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Saturday launched a groundbreaking human genome project as part of the Dubai 10X initiative, a program commanded by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The project will be conducted over at least 24 months and UAE nationals will be targeted first, with other residents potentially to follow, according to Khaleej Times.
Director General of DHA and chairman of the board Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami said that samples would be taken, DNA sequences will be analyzed, and then the results will be recorded in data banks.
The project also includes the creation of an artificial intelligence (AI) system and machine learning (ML) algorithms which will be able to process the results.
Qatami said the AI will be able to “issue reports that support research, forecast future disorders and epidemics, and plan preventive measures.”
“The labs will establish the first national genetic database for future research, lending support to decision-makers as they set plans and strategies for the future of the healthcare sector,” Qatami added.
