New study reveals ancestry of Emiratis for first time

A new study has mapped the genetic make-up of two UAE nationals for the first time.

The study aims to help identify people who are at high risk of developing illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

The research, undertaken in the UAE, found that the two Emiratis were predominantly of Central/South Asian ancestry.

Entitled "Introducing the first whole genomes of nationals from the United Arab Emirates", the research was published in the journal Scientific Reports earlier this month.

The researchers used a process known as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to carry out the analysis, which has been used on Emirati citizens for the first time.

"These Whole Genome Sequences has provided a starting point for constructing a UAE reference panel, which will lead to improvements in the delivery of precision medicine, quality of life for affected individuals and a reduction in healthcare costs," said the paper.

"The information could lead to improvements in the delivery of precision medicine, quality of life for affected individuals and a reduction in healthcare costs."

The study was co-authored by a team from UAE universities and health centres, including five scientists from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi.

Scientists behind the study are planning to carry out the WGS process on more Emiratis.

The first Emirati participant, codenamed UAE S001, a male aged 87, was diagnosed with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and psoriasis while the second Emirati participant, codenamed UAE S002, an 87-year old woman was diagnosed with hypertension.