The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a workshop titled "Developing Frameworks Related to the Governance of Health Research Ethics in the UAE" in Dubai.
The event brought together experts and specialists from strategic health sector partners, academic institutions, and the private sector, where they reviewed and discussed ways to upgrade the regulatory frameworks developed by the National Centre for Health Research in collaboration with experts from Monash University, Australia.
The frameworks discussed were designed to bolster the health research system in the UAE, aiming to sustain excellence and global leadership in healthcare research and innovation. The workshop also aimed to foster meaningful participation among experts and stakeholders, facilitating robust partnerships and collaborations across various sectors.
During the gathering, participants shared their insights and proposed strategies to strengthen the regulation and governance of health research in the UAE to propel the development of a research-driven health system that not only aligns with the UAE’s strategic goals but also enhances the quality of life by advancing national research and innovation benchmarks.
Research Ethics & Funding
H.E Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, delivered a speech at the workshop, which discussed a series of frameworks developed by the National Centre for Health Research in collaboration with Monash University, Australia. Such frameworks, aligned with international best practices, cover several key areas: health research ethics, guidelines for health research ethics committees that clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure thorough and independent research reviews, mechanisms for accrediting these committees, and regulations for responsible conduct in health research to uphold professional commitments at all stages.
Part II of the workshop touched on the country’s health research funding framework to standardize procedures related to health research funding programs based on best practices, ensuring consistency and integrity in the allocation and use of research funds.
Simplifying research process
H.E Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasized that MoHAP will continue to collaborate with strategic partners in the health sector, both local and international academic institutions, and the private sector to standardize regulations and procedures for governing health research, enhancing coordination and cooperation in research across the UAE.
He highlighted the Ministry is committed to supporting health research initiatives that improve healthcare quality and reinforce the UAE’s status as a hub for health innovation.
Unified regulations
His Excellency added that the Ministry is keen to establish unified regulations for health research ethics, which are essential for ensuring that research is conducted in line with responsible practices, while safeguarding participants' rights, particularly in clinical research. “The Ministry is keen to implement these standards based on the best international practices through coordination and collaboration among relevant authorities.”
Best Research Practices
For his part, H.E Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand emphasized that the interactive workshop provided an ideal platform, facilitating discussions and the exchange of experiences among various health and academic authorities to refine the regulatory frameworks for health research ethics. “We are committed to continuously enhancing health research standards in the country, ensuring their alignment with international norms, and adopting best practices in the field.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Qayed, Director of the National Centre for Health Research at the Ministry, stressed the importance of unifying frameworks related to the ethics of health research to ensure adherence to principles of scientific integrity, transparency, and responsibility at every stage of the research process. Qayed noted that partnerships offer valuable opportunities for exchanging experiences and insights to build a sustainable research environment in the country and enhance the UAE's position as a leader in the field of health research.