Sharjah Ruler Launches ‘Sharjah Next: Healthcare’ to Drive Global Medical Innovation
Sharjah Ruler Launches ‘Sharjah Next: Healthcare’ to Drive Global Medical Innovation
Sharjah, UAE — His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the inaugural edition of the global series ‘Sharjah Next’, dedicated to healthcare innovation. The event marked a new milestone in Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global hub for research, science, and medical advancement.
The launch took place in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), along with senior officials, global health experts, and representatives from leading research institutions.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, emphasized that ‘Sharjah Next: Healthcare’ is more than just a scientific forum — it represents Sharjah’s enduring commitment to improving human welfare and health. He noted that SPARK was created to make Sharjah a home for science and innovation, connecting research with real-world applications. Today, SPARK hosts over 10,000 innovative companies across sectors such as healthcare, energy, environment, and technology.
Al Mahmoudi also highlighted key healthcare partnerships led by SPARK, including collaborations with the Sharjah Health Authority, Emirates Health Services, and Beeah Group. These initiatives aim to integrate sustainability with healthcare, promoting cleaner environments and healthier lives. On a global scale, SPARK works with leading international research institutions to advance diagnostics and modern therapies.
A major announcement at the event was the new partnership between SPARK and Aster DM Healthcare, which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice. This collaboration will open access to molecular data for testing, research funding, and grants, boosting opportunities for innovation and healthcare excellence in the region.
Dr. Asma Fikri, Director of Government and Institutional Partnerships at SPARK, shared insights into the future of healthcare systems and innovation. She highlighted the impressive contributions of the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, which have together produced more than 2,000 research papers in healthcare — a reflection of Sharjah’s growing scientific competitiveness.
The Ruler of Sharjah also attended an inspiring panel discussion featuring Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub, Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi, and Dr. Vladimir Ivkovic from Harvard Medical School. Sir Magdi Yacoub discussed links between cardiovascular disease and cancer, emphasizing the need for innovation to reduce global suffering, particularly in developing nations.
Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi highlighted the UAE’s progress in clinical research and cancer treatment, pointing to advancements in AI and precision medicine that are improving patient outcomes. Meanwhile, Dr. Vladimir Ivkovic shed light on the fascinating field of space medicine, explaining how studying astronauts’ health in space helps scientists better understand human physiology in extreme conditions.
In another session, Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of Beeah Group, spoke about the company’s new healthcare initiatives, including the Wekaya medical waste project and the Jawaher Boston Medical District — a major healthcare and research destination being developed in Sharjah. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, emphasized the emirate’s recognition as a WHO Healthy City and its efforts to strengthen healthcare policy, research, and education.
On the sidelines, His Highness reviewed the master plan of the Jawaher Boston Medical District, which will feature world-class hospitals, laboratories, and research centers dedicated to oncology, neuroscience, and advanced medical studies.
The event also saw the signing of a special edition of Nature magazine featuring the first ‘Sharjah Next: Healthcare’ research report. The report revealed that neuroscience research in Sharjah has grown by 25% annually over the past four years, with nearly 20% of local research focused on neuroscience and cardiology — including some of the world’s most cited studies.
Over the coming days, the ‘Sharjah Next: Healthcare’ forum will explore transformative topics such as AI in diagnostics, genomics, precision cardiology, and digital therapeutics. This initiative strengthens Sharjah’s global standing as a center for innovation and collaboration, aligning science, technology, and humanity to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
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