Emaar donates Dh10 million to support Al Jalila Foundation’s research into cardiovascular disease

Dubai (WAM): Al Jalila Foundation, a global healthcare philanthropic organisation founded to position the U.A.E. at the forefront of medical innovation, yesterday welcomed Emaar Properties PJSC, the global property developer, into Majlis Al Ata’a following an Dh 10 million donation to support the Foundation’s research into cardiovascular disease. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "We are honoured to extend our support to Al Jalila Foundation to promote research on cardiovascular diseases, one of the key healthcare conditions adversely impacting the lives of people in the region. The Majlis Al Ata’a initiative will bring hope and cheer to people in the U.A.E. and across the region through its focus on promoting localised medical innovation. It not only reinforces the reputation of Dubai as a city at the cutting edge of modern technologies in all sectors, but also underlines the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a ‘city that cares.’" Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees at Al Jalila Foundation, said: "Emaar Properties is a flagship U.A.E. corporation that recognises the importance of medical research in supplementing economic and social development. As a Foundation that is fully funded by donations, we are thrilled to see more philanthropists and businesses eager to join Majlis Al Ata’a, and lend their financial capabilities and influence to support medical research for the coming years and decades. With the continued support of the wider community, Al Jalila Foundation will facilitate cutting-edge research to foster a healthy nation with a higher quality of living, and truly make a difference in society." Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death, claiming about 17.3 million lives a year and about 30% of deaths worldwide. According to Dubai Health Authority, the average age for a first heart attack in the U.A.E. is around 45 years, compared to 65 years globally, and one in every five deaths in Dubai is attributable to cardiovascular disease, making it the leading cause of death in the Emirate. Currently, 66% of U.A.E. national males and 63.5% of U.A.E. national females, aged 60 and above, have preventable cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and are smokers. Majlis Al Ata’a is a national movement that aims to support the sustainable development of a thriving medical research sector in the U.A.E.. It is driven by visionaries from the U.A.E. who believe in medical research as a crucial component of the nation’s long-term prosperity. Members include Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Raja Easa Al Gurg, Abdul Ghaffar Hussein, Riyadh Sadek, Mohamed Al Ansari, Siddharth Balachandran, Dubai Holding and INDEX Holding. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395268566182.html