HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Attends Opening of Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics Summit 2025
Qatar Foundation and Sidra Medicine highlight 11 years of groundbreaking progress in Precision Health and Genomics. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), attended the opening of the Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG) Summit 2025, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The prestigious event marks more than a decade of Qatar’s leadership and investment in precision medicine, genomics, and health innovation. The ceremony was also attended by HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health, alongside senior government officials, diplomats, and global healthcare and academic leaders — underscoring Qatar’s commitment to advancing the future of healthcare. A Decade of Milestones in Precision Medicine The PMFG Summit 2025 opened with keynote addresses from Julia Vitarello, Founder & CEO of Mila’s Miracle Foundation, and Prof. Ed Liu from The Jackson Laboratory. The ceremony concluded with the flagship panel discussion:“From Personalised to Population-Scale: Building a Thriving Precision Medicine Sector in Qatar.” In his remarks, Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, stated: “As we celebrate 11 years of PMFG, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing genomic science, translational research, and precision health implementation. We extend our appreciation to all speakers, partners, sponsors, and the growing scientific community in Qatar who make this summit truly exceptional.” Driving the Future of Genomics and Healthcare Innovation Co-organised by Sidra Medicine and the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and held under the patronage of Qatar Foundation, the PMFG Summit focuses on three major transformative pillars shaping the next era of global healthcare: The summit brings together global experts to explore how genomics, technology, and clinical strategy can be integrated into population-wide healthcare transformation — positioning Qatar as a frontrunner in precision medicine. What’s Ahead on Day 2 – December 3 The second day of PMFG 2025 will feature: As Qatar continues shaping a world-class ecosystem for precision health, the PMFG Summit stands as a cornerstone of its national vision to lead scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes, and build a sustainable healthcare future.
Sidra Medicine Pioneers Genome Assembly Breakthrough for Rare Disease Research in the Middle East
5 April 2025, Doha, Qatar – In a groundbreaking advance for precision medicine and rare disease diagnosis, researchers at Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, have led a landmark genetic study that significantly enhances the representation of Middle Eastern populations in genomic research. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics, the study titled “Near-complete Middle Eastern genomes refine autozygosity and enhance disease-causing and population-specific variant discovery” presents the first near-complete genome assemblies from the region. Leveraging long-read sequencing and de novo genome assembly, the research reveals new pathways to understand and resolve complex, undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders affecting families in Qatar, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, and Afghanistan. A New Era for Middle Eastern Genomics and Rare Disease Diagnosis The study provides a critical reference resource for the Middle East, filling major gaps in global genomic databases and offering a transformative tool for identifying disease-causing genetic variants. By constructing full genome sequences from scratch, the Sidra Medicine team achieved unprecedented accuracy, setting a new benchmark for population-specific genomic mapping. “We used long-read sequencing to gain deep insights into the genomes of Middle Eastern families affected by rare diseases,” said Prof. Younes Mokrab, Head of Medical and Population Genomics at Sidra Medicine. “This approach uncovers pathogenic variants that have remained elusive for years. It’s a game-changer for genomic medicine in the region.” Key Highlights of the Study: Prof. Evan Eichler, renowned genome scientist and co-author from the University of Washington, emphasiSed:“This work is essential for uncovering the full spectrum of genetic variation behind disease. It represents the future of clinical genomics, offering hope to families with previously unsolved conditions.” Driving Innovation in Precision Medicine and Global Health Equity Despite major strides in global genomics, Middle Eastern populations remain underrepresented in current genome references. Sidra Medicine’s research addresses this inequity by delivering a tailored genome dataset to improve diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of genetic diversity. “Our latest findings show that long-read technologies are essential for the next era of genetic discovery,” said Prof. Khalid A. Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine. “We’re now able to identify mutations missed by standard sequencing, paving the way for better outcomes in clinical care.” The implications go beyond medicine. The genetic insights from this study will also contribute to anthropological and population migration research, enhancing global understanding of Middle Eastern genomic evolution. Collaborative Impact and Future Directions Dr. Hamdi Mbarak, Director of Research at Qatar Precision Health Institute, remarked:“With over 25,000 Qatari genomes currently being analySed, the timing of this high-resolution reference for Middle Eastern genetics couldn’t be more critical.” Looking ahead, Prof. Mokrab emphasised the importance of expanding this initiative: “Our goal is to create a comprehensive Middle Eastern pangenome, integrating regional data into global initiatives. Together with our international partners, we aim to make these breakthroughs accessible and impactful for all.” Supported by Qatar’s Leading Research Institutions This study was made possible through the support of: To explore more about Sidra Medicine’s research on genomic science, visit www.sidra.org/research.Read the full study here: Nature Genetics Article
