A Powerful Force in Medical Research: Geneticist Dr. Maryam Matar
By: Yaara Aleissa / Arab America Contributing Writer
Brief History of the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has a young history compared to its neighboring countries, gaining independence in 1971. From then on, it was a matter of establishing its place not only in alignment with the Arab world but to diversify itself on a global scale.
As of 2015, only 11.6% of the UAE’s population were individuals whose nationality was Emirati. The UAE’s inhabitants range from different regions of Asia, the most prominent being Indian, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani. Therefore, meeting their goal of diversity.
On another note, the UAE runs its government on a constitutional monarchy with a representative for each of the country’s seven emirates. In this government system, many of the elected officials are spanning through a single bloodline. With this in mind, the government wanted to ensure the health and livelihood that these officials could effectively serve their designated region.
This assurance was so crucial that premarital genetic testing became mandatory for all Emiratis to reduce the incidence of severe genetic diseases. The leader of this initiative was Dr. Maryam Matar.
The Beginnings of a Career in Genetics
Dr. Maraym Matar, MD, Ph.D., received her medical education in Dubai with concentrations in medicine and business. Then moved forward to get her Ph.D. at Yamaguchi University in Japan, focussing on genetic research.
During her education, she was drawn to genetic disorders and developments in preventive care. Some of the many genetic disorders that her work focuses on include genetic blood disorders such as thalassemia, Alzheimer’s, Autism, different cancers, and celiac diseases.
In addition, Dr. Matar’s work with her research team gears toward Arab nations. Therefore, most publications and policies are built with an interest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Today, much of her work focuses on what can be done in the “now” to prevent genetic disorders or at least begin to treat them once we are aware of them. Her goal is to extend the livelihood of Emirati citizens.
Her vast qualifications have led her to earn many prestigious titles that allow her to do just that. The UAE government recruited Dr. Matar to lead Dubai’s community development strategy from 2006-2016.
In 2008 she held the position of Undersecretary of public health and primary health care at the Ministry of Health. Then moving on in the same year to Director General in the Dubai government at the Community Development Authority. Dr. Matar was the first female Emirati to hold either of these positions.
Research Focus & Accomplishments
The work of Dr. Matar is published in multiple forums; one available for free is Middle East Medical, where Dr. Matar discusses a range of topics, including those she is currently researching and their connection to genetics. Titles of some of these publications include; gene editing to advance treatments in ADHD, the cost-effectiveness of population screening in the UAE, and the relationship between genes, obesity, and diabetes.
Some of the many changes Dr. Matar is implemented for the UAE that has revolutionized healthcare include:
- Legislation on mandatory premarital screening
- Legislation on mandatory newborn screening
- A national screening program for common genetic blood disorders
- Screening more than 50,000 families living in the UAE and more than 13,000 through the program (the largest screening of its kind in the Gulf region)
- Legislation on the ban of smoking in public places
- Allowing unmarried women and couples to freeze their eggs
- Advocacy and support groups for individuals living with a genetic disorder
- Folic Acid prevention program & WHO fortified wheat campaign
A Role Model for All
Known for breaking barriers, Dr. Matar has frequently been asked about gender barriers she has had to overcome. Her response is both humbling and courageous. How she has never even considered her gender to be an obstacle to her pursuit of higher education and defining a career. “…[B]eing a woman made it easier for me to engage with our tribes, our community, and mothers as I first set out to start public health, prevention, and population screening programs”.
Dr. Maryam Matar persevered in a field where women did not have a place until she marked it. This inspires all but young girls, especially those who may fear they have no place in STEM careers. Women in STEM have been a growing group in recent years. As their education advances, they need to know they can continue to excel in future careers without settling.
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