News
MENADNA And Nebula Genomics Enter New Partnership
The venture will offer Whole Genome Sequencing in Jordan, Oman, and Iraq, with Saudi Arabia to follow.
MENADNA, a leading bioinformatics and genetic testing startup focused in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced a new commercial partnership with Nebula Genomics, a trailblazer in personalized genome sequencing. The high-level collaboration sees MENADNA added as an exclusive partner of Nebula Genomics in Jordan, Oman, and Iraq, with plans already in place for further expansion into Saudi Arabia in the near future.
The partnership will cover an extra 56 million people across the region, and by leveraging the advanced sequencing technologies of Nebula Genomics, MENADNA hopes to expand and upgrade its proprietary bioinformatics platform for what has historically been an underserved region.
The MENA represents a very diverse genetic landscape but is currently underrepresented in global genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which predominantly feature European ancestries. The collaboration aims to contribute valuable data from the region’s population, enriching global genetic databases and advancing local research.
Dr. Bassam El Fahmawi, CEO of MENADNA, shared his vision and enthusiasm for the partnership: “Our collaboration with Nebula Genomics is a game-changer for genomic testing in Jordan, Oman, and Iraq. By combining Nebula’s state-of-the-art sequencing technology with our specialized bioinformatics pipeline, we can provide more accurate, region-specific genomic insights. This is crucial, as less than 2% of genomic data available today comes from the region despite its rich genetic diversity. Our joint efforts will not only enhance patient care but also significantly contribute to the global understanding of genetic variations and their impact on health”.
Also Read: Dubai Police Reveal New 10-Minute Drug Testing Device
Jason Karkus, President of Nebula Genomics, also commented: “Nebula Genomics, a global pioneer in Whole Genome Sequencing, is pleased to partner with MENADNA, bringing our cutting edge, low-cost technology to Jordan, Oman, and Iraq. This is an exciting partnership, which we believe will lead to a substantial business relationship between our companies. Our combined expertise in Whole Genome Sequencing, proprietary reporting, bioinformatics, and large-scale distribution in the region, make us a perfect match for this strategic partnership”.
News
UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.
The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.
خلال ترؤسنا الاجتماع الأول للمجلس الأعلى للفضاء، بحثنا الاستثمارات الوطنية والمشاريع المقبلة في قطاع الفضاء والذي يشهد تطوراً مستمراً… وجددنا التزامنا بدعم ومواصلة تنفيذ برامج طموحة لاستكشاف الفضاء الخارجي حيث وصل حجم الاستثمارات في هذا القطاع إلى 40 مليار درهم خلال السنوات… pic.twitter.com/etJ33OnuSu
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 16, 2024
Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.
Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.
Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.
Also Read: IBM Opens New Doha Office To Support Qatar’s Digital Growth
The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.
The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.