The Emirates Down Syndrome international Conference honored Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences in recognition of the award’s efforts in supporting people with disabilities, particularly with Down syndrome.

 

This came during the opening ceremony of the conference, which was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of the Dubai Health Authority, and organized by the Emirates Down Syndrome Association in cooperation with the Dubai Health Authority at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai (30 April-2 May 2015).

 

Ali Alyaffei and Khalid Ahmed, the public relations department, Hamdan Medical Award, received the award’s honorary shield from H.E. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners affairs- Dubai, and Mrs. Sonia Al Hashimi, the Chairman of Emirates Down Syndrome Association.

 

On this occasion, Mr. Abdullah Bin Souqat, the Executive Director of the Hamdan Medical Award has mentioned to the vital role played by the award in supporting the decision-making process in the health sector as well as in promoting the awareness and preventive aspects in the UAE.

 

“The studies issued by the award’s Centre for Arab Genomic Studies monitor the health situation in the Arab countries and support the decision-makers to improve the health sector and find practical solutions to its problems. Also, the award has a role in supporting the awareness campaigns with the aim of strengthening the preventive ways towards many diseases that pose a threat to the public health”, Mr. Abdullah bin Souqat added.