In a major milestone for regional healthcare and science, researchers at Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) have unveiled the first-ever Arab Pangenome Reference. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the study helps correct the global under-representation of Arab populations in DNA research.
Using high-quality sequencing from 53 diverse Arab individuals in the UAE, the team identified millions of previously unrecorded genetic differences. One key finding was the discovery of a duplicated gene, unique to Arabs and missing from global references, a potential game-changer in understanding disease risk and drug response.
This breakthrough directly supports the UAE’s National Genome Strategy, aimed at advancing personalised and preventive healthcare. Experts say the project is a foundational step toward more accurate, inclusive medical solutions for Arab communities.
It also showcases the UAE’s growing role in global science, with all research, analysis, and innovation completed entirely in Dubai by MBRU’s state-of-the-art genomics centre.