Mohamed Almarri
Assistant Professor in Population Genetics College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
"Every case of sudden cardiac death is a tragedy that leaves families searching for answers. This research is about moving from reaction to prevention — using genetic insights to stop sudden cardiac death before it happens, particularly within the understudied Middle Eastern population. I’m grateful to the Dubai Future Foundation for supporting research that will have a lasting impact on lives across our region."
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of premature mortality, often striking without warning and leaving families without answers. Current genomic studies and diagnostic tools are heavily biased toward European populations, limiting their effectiveness in the Middle East. The GISTED project addresses this gap by building the first comprehensive Emirati resource to uncover the genetic, molecular, and functional bases of SCD. Integrating multi-omic sequencing, advanced artificial intelligence, and functional genomics, the study aims to identify and validate disease-causing variants, enabling precision diagnostics and preventive care tailored to regional populations.The project will deliver a multi-omic dataset, open-source AI tools, and UAE-adapted clinical guidelines for genetic testing and family screening. By translating discovery to practice, GISTED will improve diagnostic yield, enable cascade testing, and reduce the burden of preventable deaths. Beyond immediate clinical benefits, the initiative builds local capacity through structured training in genomic medicine, functional genomics, and AI, positioning Dubai as a regional leader in precision cardiovascular health. Collectively, GISTED combines cutting-edge science with local impact, creating a sustainable foundation for data-driven cardiac care and public-health policy in the UAE.