Dubai Properties Group partners with UAE Genetic Diseases Association for health initiative

The screening exercise stems from DPG's corporate responsibility (CR) unit 'Mubadara', in support of the national health campaign 'Emirates Free of Thalassemia 2012' - the first project of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAE-GDA).

Established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, the UAE-GDA was launched by Dr. Maryam Matar, Executive Director, to tackle public health concerns and related issues for creating a healthy community.

Fareda Abdullah - Executive Director of Human Capital at Dubai Properties Group, said:

"Contributing towards the welfare of our employees and the UAE at large is one of the key pillars in Mubadara's CR initiatives. We organized an internal blood screening drive to educate our employees about the risks of genetic blood disorders, as we believe self-awareness is the first step towards eliminating diseases. We also seek to endorse the enormous efforts invested by the UAE Genetic Diseases Association in its fight against Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia."

Dr. Maryam Matar said: "We would like to thank Dubai Properties Group in supporting and increasing awareness of UAE-GDA's efforts to eradicate Thalassemia in the country by 2012. The UAE-GDA has been able to considerably reduce the impact of common genetic disorders prevalent in the country through its community outreach programmes, health education, counselling and free screening tests.

Mohamed Binbrek, CEO, Dubai Properties Group, said: "Dubai Properties Group will always endeavor to take on the best actions for its employees both professionally and personally, in our efforts to be a responsible member of the community."

In line with the UAE federal government's vision of eradicating Thalassemia by 2012, Dr. Matar has welcomed the support of Dubai Properties Group in raising awareness on the syndrome among community members.

Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by defective production of hemoglobin, leading to low production and over-destruction of red blood cells.

The clinical severity of Thalassemia varies greatly depending on the exact nature of the genes that a person inherits. The severe type of

Thalassemia is terrible and debilitating disorder to live with.

As the CR arm of DPG, 'Mubadra' was established last year to contribute towards the overall benefit of the society through participating in community related activities, particularly those that serve to highlight the UAE's well-being programmes.

Founded on four core pillars, 'Mubadara' seeks to invest in the people at Dubai Properties Group, the environment, community and the stakeholders. Since its launch, the programme has facilitated the implementation of several CR programs for the benefit of a large number of stakeholders.