Medical science research theme

PREVENT-DXB: AI-powered metagenomic surveillance for public health

The rapid detection of emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance is critical for protecting public health and strengthening national biosecurity. This project explores how artificial intelligence and genomics can support more effective environmental surveillance within high-risk transport hubs.

Funded by Dubai Future Foundation and led by Dr Mohamed Elhadidi, PREVENT-DXB will develop an AI-enabled metagenomic surveillance system for Dubai International Airport. The project combines bioinformatics, genomics and real-time risk assessment tools to identify emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance, while also developing standardised monitoring protocols, workforce training programmes, and policy recommendations.

The research aims to strengthen public health resilience through earlier detection and response capabilities. Beyond the airport environment, the project provides a scalable model that could be deployed across other high-risk sites in the UAE, while supporting biotechnology innovation, capacity building, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. Understanding both their health and economic impacts is essential for developing effective prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies

Led by Dr Khalifa Elmusharaf, this research examines the economics of non-communicable diseases across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Working in partnership with ministries of health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the research explores the economic burden of NCDs alongside the potential returns from investing in prevention, control and clinical interventions within primary healthcare settings

The findings provide evidence to support policy development, resource allocation and investment decisions, helping decision-makers respond more effectively to the growing burden of NCDs.

The project's impact has received international recognition, including media coverage from Al Jazeera News, highlighting its contribution to addressing critical health and economic challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The Middle East remains underrepresented in many global genetic studies, limiting understanding of the region's population history and health challenges. This project seeks to address that gap through large-scale genomic research.

Led by Dr Marc Haber, the project combines genomic sequencing, health data science, and bioinformatics with expertise from disciplines including anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. This multidisciplinary approach explores human ancestry, genetic diversity, and disease-related variation across Middle Eastern populations.

The research provides new insights into human evolutionary history, showing how past events have shaped human genetic diversity, including disease-related genetic variation. The findings also aim to improve representation of Middle Eastern populations in genetic research, supporting advances in population health, genetic medicine, and disease research worldwide.