CardioMetabolic Disorders Research Priority Group
Inaugural Retreat Report · 27 April 2026 · CMHS UAEU
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAE University hosted the inaugural retreat of the CardioMetabolic Disorders Research Priority Group (CMD-RPG) on Monday 27 April 2026 at the NML Hall, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and partners from CMHS, Tawam Hospital, Sheikh Tahnoun Medical City, and other partner institutions across Abu Dhabi. The retreat marked the formal launch of an academic-clinical collaborative platform dedicated to advancing research on heart, liver, and metabolic health in the United Arab Emirates.
Two keynote presentations framed the day's discussion. Prof Juma Alkaabi opened the scientific programme with a comprehensive overview of The CardioMetabolic Disease Burden in the United Arab Emirates, presenting national and regional epidemiological data on the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome in the Emirati population. His lecture identified key research gaps and underscored the urgent need for coordinated, locally-relevant investigation into cardiometabolic conditions.
Prof Ahmed Al Marzooqi followed with a presentation on Research Opportunities at CMHS and Pathways for Collaboration, outlining the College's research infrastructure, available platforms and core facilities, and the institutional support mechanisms in place for clinician-investigators and basic scientists alike. He emphasised the strategic value of cross-institutional partnerships between CMHS faculty and SEHA clinicians, and highlighted concrete avenues through which collaborative cardiometabolic research can be developed and funded.
Dr Adnan Agha, Chair of the CardioMetabolic Disorders Research Priority Group, formally unveiled the CMD-RPG Faculty Matchmaker website — an interactive platform that enables members across CMHS and SEHA to discover potential collaborators based on shared MeSH research domains, complementary methodologies, and Bloom's collaboration roles. The platform represents a tangible first step in operationalising the priority group's mission to connect researchers and clinicians whose expertise would otherwise remain siloed across institutions.
Prof Fatma Al Jasmi, Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, delivered the closing remarks. Prof Al Jasmi acknowledged the contributions of the speakers, panellists, and stakeholders, and committed the College's institutional support to advancing the work of the CardioMetabolic Disorders Research Priority Group. She encouraged all faculty and clinical partners to engage actively in cardiometabolic research and signalled the College's intent to expand internal funding opportunities and pursue external grant partnerships in support of the group's priorities. The retreat closed with a group photograph and continued informal exchange among attendees.
Working subgroups will be activated in the coming weeks to take forward the priorities identified during the retreat. Members are encouraged to use the Faculty Matchmaker website to connect with potential collaborators, and to participate in the upcoming subgroup planning meetings. The next plenary meeting of the CMD-RPG is anticipated in the autumn academic term.
Dr Adnan Agha — Chair, CardioMetabolic Disorders Research Priority Group