DUBAI, 16th August, 2017 (WAM) -- Dubai Science Park, DSP, a member of TECOM Group, and Al Jalila Foundation, today signed a Memorandum of understanding, MoU, to support Dubais scientific community.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Executive Director at DSP and Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation signed the MoU.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to mutually promote the science sector in the UAE, forge business synergies and support innovators seeking funding for scientific projects in areas ranging from cancer, to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health and obesity, illnesses that are common amongst the UAE population.

Janahi said, "Combining our local expertise with Al Jalila Foundations global philanthropic outreach will be extremely beneficial for our business partners, for the broader science community, for entrepreneurs, start-ups and youth, for the visibility and growth of the science sector in our region, and most important of all, for the people who suffer from the health issues into which we shall be helping to develop innovative research.

"This partnership is yet another important step in the development and enhancement of Dubais innovation-led economy. At Dubai Science Park, we continually seek ways in which we can support young innovators in the field of science. This latest MoU with Al Jalila Foundation is one such example of how we are fostering growth amongst entrepreneurs and start-ups operating in the science sector, providing them with a business-friendly environment equipped with world-class facilities," he added.

Al Olama said, "In our efforts to nurture local researchers and advance local biomedical research, Al Jalila Foundation has awarded more than 55 research grants to science-focused professionals from across the UAE. We welcome research projects from the DSP business partners and continue to work together to foster innovation among the local scientific communities.

"Our alliance with Dubai Science Park moves us closer to our goals as we are set to open the Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, the countrys first independent multidisciplinary medical research centre, which will concentrate on the five health challenges likewise targeted by our new partnership with DSP," he added.

Al Jalila Foundation has so far supported medical research and educational programmes worth AED59 million.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.