
Omer AlKhnbashi
Assistant Professor in Bioinformatics and Machine Learning, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).
"This project marks a significant step towards understanding brain cancer using artificial intelligence and multi-omics science. By combining genomic, proteomic, and clinical data, we seek to gain insights that will directly enhance patient outcomes in the UAE. I am highly motivated by the chance to develop local research capacity and to help establish Dubai as a regional leader in precision oncology."
Central nervous system (CNS) cancers are among the most aggressive and challenging malignancies, characterised by therapeutic resistance and poor survival rates. In the UAE, these tumours represent an underreported healthcare issue, worsened by limited access to advanced molecular diagnostics and regional genomic data. This project aims to establish the first AI-driven multi-omics precision oncology platform for brain tumours in the UAE, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and clinical datasets to uncover the biological mechanisms behind tumour development and therapy resistance. Using cutting-edge sequencing technologies, we will generate high-resolution molecular profiles of patient samples from Dubai Health hospitals. The project will also develop a Brain Pangenome to capture complex genomic rearrangements and regulatory variations influencing CNS tumour biology, offering an unprecedented view of tumour heterogeneity and evolution.
These comprehensive datasets will be analysed using artificial intelligence and machine learning frameworks to identify predictive biomarkers, disease subtypes, and therapeutic vulnerabilities unique to patients in the region. The resulting models will support personalized treatment strategies and enhance clinical decision-making in real time.
Through this initiative, Dubai Health and the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) will lead the way in AI-driven precision neuro-oncology in the UAE. The project aims not only to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for patients but also to strengthen national research capacity, develop sustainable data infrastructure, and establish Dubai as a regional hub for translational cancer research and innovation.