Press Release

Al Jalila Foundation launches Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed to advance local medical research

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation, today announced the launch of ‘Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed’ to advance local medical research in the UAE. Dedicated to the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum the campaign honours Sheikh Rashid’s philanthropic spirit and aims to continue his legacy to improve humanity. Bassmat, ‘fingerprint’ in Arabic, signifies the power donors have to leave their distinctive mark on the future of medicine through this unique fundraising campaign with the first-of-its-kind donor recognition wall.

Since inception in 2013, Al Jalila Foundation has lead opportunities to increase innovative and impactful medical research investing AED 25 million to award 95 research grants and 8 international research fellowships to discover solutions for the region’s biggest health challenges: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health. In line with the vision to position the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation, the Foundation has established the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research institute with an investment of AED 200 million solely funded by philanthropic partners.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Trustees, said “Sheikh Rashid’s visionary leadership and philanthropic spirit brought to reality many of the great advancements that transformed Dubai into the modern city it is today. Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed pays tribute to the legacy of Sheikh Rashid and creates a path for future pioneers to advance medical breakthroughs that could save millions of lives.”

Al Jalila Foundation recently organised a panel discussion bringing together key industry leaders to share their perspectives on the importance of investing in the UAE’s medical research landscape.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As a young Foundation with great ambitions our progress made to date reaffirms our commitment to becoming a leader in medical research. With the right support from philanthropists, corporates, the academic and research fraternity, and the wider community we are on the right track to cultivate an inspiring research eco-system to propel the UAE to the forefront of medical innovation.”

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Provost and Dean of the College of Medicine at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “Scientific research is an integrated eco-system with key elements and requirements. In the UAE, several elements are available, such as universities that focus on scientific research, foundations that support research such as Al Jalila Foundation, the UAE Government’s strategic drive towards a knowledge-based economy, the appointment of a Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, and the establishment of the UAE Council of Scientists. These are all government initiatives that will enhance the UAE’s ability to establish a thriving research eco-system.”

Dr Rajen Kilachand a renowned philanthropist commented on the importance of leaving the world a better place and a legacy for generations: “Al Jalila Foundation has been visionary in establishing a research facility undertaking ground breaking research in the UAE. This will, in a few years’ time, undoubtedly become a world class medical complex which has developed from within the country and perhaps the entire MENA region. It is an organisation funded entirely by donors and the results of these philanthropic donations are without a doubt beyond calculation. To have my name associated with an institute in this field in the country I have made my home, gives me great pleasure and happiness.”

As a non-profit organisation Al Jalila Foundation relies on the support of its partners and donations are invested in healthcare programs to transform patients’ lives. For more information on how to be a part of Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/bassmat.

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