H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, inaugurated on Monday the Research and Innovation Center at Gulf Medical University in Ajman. The new center comes in line with the Emirate’s vision to enhance development via enabling innovation and research.

Sheikh Humaid praised the University’s achievements and its leading role in providing top medical cadres for the well-being of the community.

He emphasized his support for all the hardworking students, and stressed his unhindered determination to provide educational missions for top graduates in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Health, to complete their academic and research studies abroad.

His Highness inaugurated the Centre in a formal ceremony, and inspected its advanced laboratories and facilities. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Representative of the Ruler of Ajman for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Tourism Development, and Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, In addition to a number of officials and academic staff from GMU.

Established at GMU’s campus in Ajman in coordination with health care provider Thumbay Group, the Research and Innovation Center aims to become a platform for cooperation among scientists, academic staff, and candidate students, with the aim of establishing strong collaboration with international institutions such as universities, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and more.

The university hopes to enhance collaboration between its staff and students on one hand, and the health care sector on the other, especially hospitals of the Thumbay Group in Ajman, via availing innovative research tools to support the health care sector.

Thumbay Moideen Thumbay, President of Board of Governors at GMU and Founder and President of Thumbay Group, expressed deepest gratitude for His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, who graced the university by inaugurating the new center. This inauguration, Thumbay continued, reflects the commitment of the Emirate’s leadership to supporting scientific efforts and developmental initiatives that aim to serve the people and promote prosperity and well-being.

Thumbay also said that the launch of this new center aims to enhance sustainable development at Thumbay Medical Group, in addition to raising awareness around the importance of scientific research.

"The center will promote cutting-edge tools and advanced expertise to support students in creating innovative solutions across the health care vertical, and enhance education via the use of advanced technology," Thumbay continued, noting that supporting experts and promoting their work lies in the heart of the center’s objectives, with the goal of advancing their skills to enhance competencies in this vital sector.

For his part, Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said that the center will encourage scientists, academic staff, and students alike to innovate and find creative solutions in the health care sector, which will propel the implementation of the university’s strategic plan in building a rich and rewarding academic atmosphere in this vital sector.

Professor Hamdy added that collaboration and partnership form the foundation of the new center, which will seek collaborative relationships with universities, research institutes, and labs across the world.

"The new center is the first-of-its-kind in the region. It includes a special genetic engineering section, and labs dedicated to DNA research, 3D printing, and pharmaceuticals, in addition to a biology innovation incubator and an AI incubator. The center will focus on heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer research in collaboration with health authorities and entities in the UAE," Professor Hamdy added.

The new center includes seven cutting edge laboratories. The first is the Next Generation DNA Sequencing Laboratory, which aims to enhance knowledge on proteins made by genes and their functions.

The second is the genetic engineering lab, which plays an important role in the management of some serious diseases via reintroducing genetically modified host cells to the patient’s body.

Further, the third is the Microarray lab, which measures samples as small as 2.5 million molecules per sample. The fourth is the PCR lab, dedicated to Polymerase Chain Reaction techniques.

The fifth lab is dedicated to 3D printing of body organs, which plays a vital role in advancing complicated surgical procedures, while the sixth lab is dedicated to cell cultures techniques. The seventh laboratory is specialized in stem cells and umbilical cord studies, and it has facilities to store umbilical blood from new born children, a vital source of stem cells that can later be used in the management of degenerative diseases.