Delegation includes renowned professor Dr. Zhang Yongzhen, who led efforts to sequence and publish the genome of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Dr. Zhang Yongzhen, is a recipient of the 7th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award for his groundbreaking scientific research on the first complete genome sequencing of Sars-CoV-2.

Al Ketbi congratulated Dr Yongzhen and highlighted the pivotal role of scientific research in the field of healthcare and the importance of fostering  and promoting scientific research in healthcare.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 15, 2022:  His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority(DHA) recently received a high-level delegation from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation(MBRF)

The delegation was headed by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF and included renowned scientist Dr. Zhang Yongzhen, who is a recipient of the 7th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. 

 
 Al Ketbi congratulated Dr Yongzhen on his groundbreaking research which was published in 2020 and highlighted that the DHA pays great emphasis to support scientific research across all medical fields.

Al Ketbi said that DHA provides an environment that stimulates creativity, innovation, and fosters scientific and clinical research to contribute to the sustainability and improvement of health outcomes.

He said promoting and fostering scientific research also helps raise the level and readiness of the health sector in the emirate to keep pace with rapidly changing global developments in the medical field. 

Al Ketbi said the DHA is honoured and pleased to cooperate with Dr. Yongzhen in the field of scientific research, which is a fundamental pillar for the development and sustainability of health services, pointing to the authority's keenness to collaborate with successful international expertise with an aim to exchange knowledge and further develop the academic and scientific research in the field of medicine and health sciences, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and as per the directions of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

During the meeting, Al Ketbi praised the great efforts made by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award and MBRF’s pioneering role in advancing the process of knowledge and scientific research, in the Emirate. He highlighted the qualitative knowledge contributions that support sustainable development.

 His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF highlighted the role of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award that recognises exceptional regional and global contributions in the field of knowledge dissemination. 

He said the award aims to translate the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in advancing knowledge, innovation and honouring the achievements of intellectuals, scholars and scientists in UAE, the region and the globe.