NYU Abu Dhabi and National Health Insurance - Daman Collaborate on a Healthier Future for the UAE

National Health Insurance Company – Daman, the leading health insurance provider in the UAE, joined hands yesterday with NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)’s Public Health Research Center (PHRC) to collaborate on broader promotion and support of the UAE Healthy Future Study.

The UAE Healthy Future Study is a first of its kind study aimed at building a healthier future for the UAE.  Investigators from NYUAD and the NYU Langone Medical Center have collaborated with local partners in Abu Dhabi to conduct this long-term study in order to understand why obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are common in the UAE. Toward this, the study is looking to recruit 20,000 UAE nationals between the ages of 18-40. To date, over 4,000 participants have signed up to take part in the study.

With the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a formal framework of cooperation has been agreed upon by both parties. Daman will support the study’s recruitment drive by displaying information about the Study at its Thiqa branches and service points. Additionally, personnel from the study will be present at Daman’s premises and ActiveLife events in order to promote the study and recruit willing volunteers.

Thiqa, managed by Daman on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi, delivers healthcare services to UAE nationals in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This partnership ensures that the message of the study reaches its target audience.

Daman Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Bitzer, said: “Our collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi marks a step in the right direction as we look to identify effective ways of dealing with common UAE health epidemics, such as obesity.  Through our extensive Thiqa network, service points and branches, we are working to recruit and provide access to UAE nationals to partake in the study. Those who agree to participate will provide valuable data that supports this significant research – crucially, they will also be part of a positive movement for the UAE, as collectively, we look to get to the root-cause and combat the UAE’s health concerns. Our work with NYU Abu Dhabi enables us to continue working towards creating healthier communities and achieve a better health outlook for the country.”

NYU Abu Dhabi Provost Fabio Piano, said: “Research is a central component of NYU Abu Dhabi’s mission, and this collaboration between Daman and our Public Health Research Center demonstrates NYUAD’s continued commitment to develop strong, meaningful connections within the local community and to help improve the overall health of the UAE.”