Dubai, UAE : Leading healthcare figures in Dubai discussed the role of innovation in precision oncology in improving patient outcomes in the UAE and beyond. This took place during a panel discussion organized by the Emirates Oncology Society in collaboration with Servier Pharma (Servier Middle East) and hosted by TECOM Group’s Dubai Science Park, coinciding with Grey May, the international month for brain tumor awareness. The high-level panel discussion was titled “Can We Achieve Better Outcomes by Advancing Precision Oncology in the UAE?”

The importance of this dialogue now

This conversation takes place amid a major shift in clinical practices in the Gulf region, where precision therapies are beginning to make a radical difference, opening up new opportunities to treat people with rare and complex cancers.

Rare cancers are defined as those affecting fewer than 6 people per 100,000 and remain among the most challenging to diagnose and treat. In the UAE, cancer is the third leading cause of death, while brain cancer ranks tenth among malignant tumors, and cancers of the nervous system account for 2.9% of all primary cancers.

A shared commitment to providing cancer treatments for all patients

The dialogue session brought together leaders from government, regulatory bodies, academia, clinical practice, and industry to explore ways to advance precision oncology in the UAE. The discussion highlighted treatments that empower communities to face each day with greater confidence, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei, Director of the National Reference Laboratories Department at the Emirates Drug Authority, attended the session. The panelists included Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group – Dubai Science Park; Professor Hamid Al Shamsi, Head of the Emirates Oncology Society (EOS), CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Oncology at the University of Sharjah; Dr. Younis Kazim, Advisor to the Director General and Acting Executive Director of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Magdi Abdo, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Government Relations, and Market Access at Servier Middle East; and Tamara Barghouth, Medical Director at Servier Middle East.

The discussion, opened by Salam Al-Feel, a health journalist and medical media consultant, and moderated by Jumana Nabulsi, Director of Public Affairs for the Healthcare Sector, focused on four key themes: the UAE’s role in setting regional standards for cancer care, fostering scientific and technological innovation, promoting comprehensive care pathways, and the role of precision oncology in achieving public health and quality of life goals. Based on their shared commitment to patient-centered outcomes, the panelists highlighted advancements in brain cancer care, with Servier emphasizing real-life patient experiences and the impact of new treatments on quality of life.

Patients' most urgent needs

Commenting on the event, Professor Hamid Al Shamsi , Head of the Emirates Oncology Division , said : “Grey May reminds us that brain tumors place a heavy burden on patients and their families, and glioma remains among the most challenging. This discussion aims to turn awareness into action – identifying areas of progress and areas where better coordination is needed to ensure every patient benefits.”

In the same context, Marwan Abdul Aziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group – Dubai Science Park, said: “Dubai Science Park plays a pivotal role in enhancing cooperation among all stakeholders within the healthcare system in the UAE, as it is keen to provide a supportive environment for fruitful collaboration. Through hosting such constructive initiatives, we seek to support the tireless efforts aimed at improving patient outcomes, especially in more specialized health fields such as oncology.”

Magdi Abdo, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Government Affairs and Market Access at Servier Middle East, commented : “Our work is guided by a goal that puts patients at the heart of every scientific decision we make. Pioneering innovation only pays off when it reaches those who need it, and the UAE has created a favorable environment for this.”

This dialogue session aligns with a broader national vision. Through the "We Are the UAE 2031" vision, the National Strategy for Quality of Life 2031, and the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE is committed to providing an integrated healthcare system that translates innovation into timely and high-quality healthcare for patients.

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