Sharjah Ruler Witnesses Launch of “Sharjah Next: Healthcare” Series at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park

SHARJAH, October 29, 2025: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed on Wednesday morning — in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) — the launch of the global series “Sharjah Next”, with the inaugural edition dedicated to innovation in healthcare.

Delivering the opening address, His Excellency Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, emphasized that this event was not merely a scientific gathering or a discussion platform but rather a clear declaration of Sharjah’s unwavering commitment to human welfare, health, and well-being — reaffirming its position as a global center for science, innovation, and knowledge.

Al Mahmoudi noted that the Park was established to make Sharjah a true home for science, a beacon for research, and a bridge connecting knowledge with practical application. He revealed that SPARK today hosts more than 10,000 innovative companies working across various sectors, including healthcare innovation.

He added, “From early days, Sharjah has believed that true civilization is not measured by material structures alone, but by the elevation of humanity — in thought, spirit, and health.”

The CEO also discussed SRTIP’s strategic partnerships in the healthcare ecosystem — notably with the Sharjah Health Authority, which bridges scientific research with clinical application; and with Emirates Health Services to develop frameworks that help implement innovative healthcare solutions nationwide. He further highlighted collaborations with Beeah Group to link environmental sustainability with public health, creating cleaner environments as foundations for healthier lives.

On an international level, Al Mahmoudi referenced partnerships with global medical and technological institutions that enhance Sharjah’s scientific and technical ecosystem, accelerating the development of diagnostics and modern therapies.

Al Mahmoudi also announced a new partnership between SRTIP and Aster DM Healthcare, one of the region’s leading medical institutions. The collaboration will open new horizons for researchers and innovators, bridging the gap between laboratory research and patient care, between concept and application.

Several other Memorandums of Understanding were scheduled to be signed, providing Sharjah-based specialists free access to preclinical molecular data for testing, along with opportunities for research grants and funding through the platform.

Following the keynote, Dr. Asma Fikri, Director of Government and Institutional Partnerships at SRTIP, delivered a presentation on innovation in healthcare systems and its future impact on life and diagnostics.

She expressed pride in the achievements of the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, which together have published over 2,000 research papers in healthcare. These efforts, she noted, reflect Sharjah’s strong competitiveness and its pursuit of global leadership in various scientific and technological fields.

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Panel Discussion 1

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah attended the first panel discussion featuring:

•            Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart and chest surgeon, and Director of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Research Institute, UK

•            Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Institute for Oncology

•            Dr. Vladimir Ivkovic, Director at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School

Sir Magdi Yacoub highlighted shared factors between cardiovascular diseases and cancer, stressing their ongoing pursuit to find innovative medical solutions that can reduce human suffering and global mortality rates. He revealed that 80% of the burden of such diseases falls on developing nations, delaying access to quality healthcare for millions.

He reflected on recent advancements in heart transplantation — innovations that seemed unimaginable a century ago — noting how technologies continue to evolve, making transplants of hearts, valves, and tissues more effective and life-sustaining.

Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi discussed the evolution of medicine in the region and globally, with particular reference to the UAE’s leadership in clinical trials and scientific research, which have significantly contributed to discovering new treatments.

Dr. Al Shamsi underscored the importance of early cancer detection and preventive programs, emphasizing how modern technologies and AI-driven diagnostics have improved recovery rates and treatment precision.

Dr. Vladimir Ivkovic commended the latest innovations in space medicine and the study of human health in extreme environments, explaining how the International Space Station monitors astronauts’ health to understand the physiological effects of space on the human body.

He shared details about smart applications used to track brain function, head movement, and blood flow, all designed to prevent injuries and support astronauts’ adaptation to space conditions.

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Panel Discussion 2

His Highness also attended the second discussion session featuring:

•            Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of Beeah Group

•            Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of Sharjah Health Authority

Khaled Al Huraimel spoke about Beeah Group’s entry into the healthcare sector, and highlighted Beeah’s position among the region’s leaders in waste recycling and sustainability and its growing international reach.

Al Huraimel referred to Beeah’s partnerships with the UAE Ministry of Health and the establishment of the Wekaya project for medical waste management, as well as the Jawaher Boston Medical District — a landmark development poised to attract top medical talent to Sharjah.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi discussed the efforts of national and local health institutions in reinforcing strong healthcare policies and systems. He noted Sharjah’s designation as a Healthy City by the World Health Organization, adhering to international health and safety standards.

He also emphasized empowering the private sector through supportive legislation and training programs that send Sharjah’s medical trainees to leading global healthcare centers to gain expertise and return to serve in the Emirate.

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Ceremony and Highlights

On the sidelines of the event, His Highness reviewed the master plan of the Jawaher Boston Medical District, which will include hospitals, research centers, institutes, and laboratories offering world-class patient-centered care. The project will contribute significantly to research and medical studies, particularly in oncology, benefiting from Sharjah’s and international institutions’ scientific expertise.

His Highness also signed a special edition of Nature magazine, which released an exclusive issue spotlighting the first Sharjah Next: Healthcare research report. The report presents a detailed analytical vision of Sharjah’s current standing and future prospects in the healthcare research domain.

Findings revealed remarkable growth in neuroscience research, with a 25% annual increase over the past four years. Nearly 20% of Sharjah’s research now focuses on neuroscience and cardiology, with over 10% ranking among the world’s most cited studies.

Over the next two days, the forum’s program will explore cutting-edge topics such as AI in neurological diagnostics, precision cardiology, genomics, and digital therapeutics — reflecting the harmony between science, innovation, and humanity.

“Sharjah Next: Healthcare” stands as a world-class platform for discussing the latest medical innovations and technologies, bringing together academics, startups, and industry leaders to exchange insights on biotechnology, digital health transformation, and the ethical dimensions of modern medicine.

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