The National Health Insurance Company, Daman, has joined hands with NYU Abu Dhabi's Public Health Research Centre, PHRC, to collaborate on broader support of the UAE Healthy Future Study.

The UAE Healthy Future Study is a 'first of its kind' study aimed at building a healthier future for the UAE. Investigators from NYUAD and the NYU Langone Medical Centre have collaborated with local partners in Abu Dhabi to conduct the long-term study in order to understand why obesity, diabetes and heart disease are common in the UAE. Toward that end, the study is looking to recruit 20,000 UAE nationals between the ages of 18-40. To date, over 4,000 participants have signed up to take part in the study.

Daman Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Bitzer, said, "Our collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi marks a step in the right direction as we look to identify effective ways of dealing with common UAE health epidemics, such as obesity. Through our extensive Thiqa network, service points and branches, we are working to recruit and provide access to UAE nationals to partake in the study. Those who agree to participate will provide valuable data that supports this significant research; crucially, they will also be part of a positive movement for the UAE, as collectively we look to get to the root-cause and combat the UAE’s health concerns. Our work with NYU Abu Dhabi enables us to continue working towards creating healthier communities and achieve a better health outlook for the country."

NYU Abu Dhabi Provost, Fabio Piano, said, "Research is a central component of NYU Abu Dhabi’s mission, and this collaboration between Daman and our Public Health Research Centre demonstrates NYUAD’s continued commitment to develop strong, meaningful connections within the local community and to help improve the overall health of the UAE."