Dubai August 2017: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences participated in a workshop on the national outreach seminar on UAE technical cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was held at Khalifa University of science and technology in Abu Dhabi from 20th to 22nd of August, in the presence of H.E Abdullah bin Souqat, Executive Director of the Award.

 

The workshop aimed at highlighting the concept of peaceful nuclear energy applications and the IAEA’s ability to provide support to national stakeholders through technical cooperation programs. These programs are aimed at enhancing collaboration among local entities, and engaging new stake holders and potential partners who can participate and support the program, both in terms of expertise and financial capacity.

 

The Award’s participation in the workshop was through its support for scientific activities in the field of radiation medicine as a peaceful application of nuclear energy since 2014. Close to 24 scientific activities involving  the implementation of IAEA’s projects at the regional or national levels have been carried out by health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi with the support of the Award. The Award assists these projects with financial and/or logistical support based on the requirements of each individual activity. Examples include the IAEA regional projects on Strengthening Nuclear Medicine Applications through Education and Training to help Fighting Non-Communicable Diseases as oncology and Cardiology, IAEA National Project on Strengthening the National Program on Patient Radiation Safety and Dosimetry and Referral guidelines in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine for referral physicians, the national program for Cancer management and control in the UAE.

 

During the workshop, H.E Abdulla bin Souqat stressed on the necessity of strengthening cooperation with competent international organizations in order to support sustainable development within the UAE and beyond. He added that the technical cooperation projects of IAEA are supported by the Award, given their vital role in promoting peaceful uses of atomic energy in the UAE, especially in the medical field, and strengthening the global status of the UAE in applying the best practices.

 

The workshop was attended by several national entities interested in technical cooperation projects with the Agency such as Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Nawaat Energy Company and Khalifa University. The Agency, in exchange with officials of national institutions, focused on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the fields of health, agriculture, water purification and air pollution, with a strategy for future projects and reviewing many previous success stories resulting from cooperation with the Agency.