Bridging the Neuroimaging Gap in UAE and MENA Brain Health Research

The United Arab Emirates has undergone remarkable transformation since its founding in 1971, marked by rapid population growth, urbanization, and extended life expectancy. This progress, however, has brought challenges like surging rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which profoundly affect brain health. In the UAE, diabetes prevalence stands at approximately 12.3 percent among adults aged 20 to 79, contributing to cognitive and perceptual deficits. Yet, the Middle East and North Africa region, including the UAE, has long suffered from a critical shortage of large-scale, normative neuroimaging datasets tailored to its diverse populations.

This gap hinders the ability to detect early brain changes linked to these conditions, especially considering unique factors like high consanguinity rates—ten times higher than in Western countries—and widespread vitamin D deficiency due to lifestyle and climate. The newly published ASPIRE Research Institute Brain Health Dataset changes this landscape by providing high-quality, region-specific data, enabling researchers to uncover UAE-centric biomarkers for healthier aging and precision medicine.

NYU Abu Dhabi and UAEU Forge Pioneering Academic Partnership

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have united their expertise through the Center for Brain and Health at NYUAD's Research Institute and UAEU's Department of Cognitive Sciences. Led by Bas Rokers, Professor and Director of the Neuroimaging Center at NYUAD, and Abdalla Z. Mohamed, Assistant Professor at UAEU, this collaboration exemplifies UAE higher education's commitment to cutting-edge science.

"This project creates critical research infrastructure for the region," Rokers emphasized. "It provides a foundation for future studies that reflect the UAE’s population and contribute meaningfully to global neuroscience research." Mohamed added, "This dataset lays the groundwork for understanding brain health in the UAE using high-quality, openly shared data." Funded by ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute under Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council and NYUAD's Tamkeen grants, the initiative underscores inter-university synergy driving UAE's research ambitions.

Detailed Overview of the ASPIRE Brain Health Dataset

Published on January 5, 2026, in Nature Scientific Data (full paper), the study documents an initial cohort of 41 healthy participants—23 males and 18 females, mean age 25.08 years (±7.64)—with plans to expand to 2,000 individuals (1,000 Emirati citizens and 1,000 expatriate residents aged 18-60). This balanced recruitment strategy ensures representation of UAE's demographic diversity, facilitating robust cross-cohort analyses.

The dataset integrates multimodal neuroimaging and behavioral data in Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) format, stored on the Open Science Framework (OSF repository). Demographics include age, gender, ethnicity, handedness, height, weight, and vision metrics, all de-identified per UAE regulations. This open-access resource, under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0, empowers global scientists to build upon UAE-specific insights.

Multimodal MRI Techniques Powering the Dataset

Acquired on a Siemens Prisma 3T MRI scanner, the neuroimaging suite encompasses structural T1-weighted (MPRAGE, 0.8mm isotropic), T2-FLAIR, diffusion MRI (multi-shell dMRI at b=1000/2000), resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI, four multiband EPI runs), and arterial spin labeling (pCASL) for perfusion mapping. These modalities capture cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, white-matter integrity (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity), functional connectivity, and cerebral blood flow—essential for tracking subtle brain alterations.

Preprocessing pipelines are state-of-the-art: fMRIPrep and FreeSurfer for structural, Tractoflow for diffusion tractography and connectomes, BASIL for ASL quantification, and MRIQC for quality assurance. Derived image phenotypes (IDPs) like cortical surface area and fiber tract density provide quantifiable markers, validated through visual inspections and power analyses for detecting moderate effects (Cohen’s d=0.5) in the full cohort.

Behavioral Measures as Early Brain Health Indicators

Beyond imaging, the dataset includes precise behavioral assessments focusing on visual function—proven early biomarkers for brain disorders. Tests comprise ETDRS logMAR for visual acuity, Pelli-Robson for contrast sensitivity, Randot for stereoacuity, and virtual reality perimetry for visual field mapping. These non-invasive evaluations link perceptual performance to neural structure, vital for UAE where diabetes retinopathy risks loom large.

Step-by-step: Participants undergo informed consent and MRI safety screening, followed by demographic surveys, scanning (45-60 minutes), and behavioral tasks (30 minutes). This holistic approach reveals how environmental and genetic factors shape brain-perception links, offering actionable insights for preventive care.

Standardized Protocols Ensuring Data Integrity and Reproducibility

Rigorous quality control defines the project: DICOM-to-NIFTI conversion via dcm2bids, denoising, motion correction, and artifact removal. Structural data yield Mindboggle parcellations; functional data ICA-AROMA for noise reduction; diffusion handles susceptibility distortions. Data management via XNAT centralizes workflows, promoting reproducibility.

• Recruitment: Intranet, social media, flyers targeting UAE residents.
• Exclusion: Neurological disorders, MRI contraindications.
• Ethics: NYUAD and UAEU IRB approvals.
• Phased sharing: Initial imaging now; phenotypes later per privacy laws.

This transparency positions the dataset as a gold standard for Arab population studies.

Transformative Potential for Precision Medicine in the UAE

The ASPIRE dataset pioneers precision medicine by identifying UAE-specific risk factors. High diabetes rates (1 in 8 adults) correlate with brain atrophy; consanguinity amplifies genetic risks. Comparable to Human Connectome Project or UK Biobank, it enables machine learning models for early dementia prediction—critical as MENA dementia cases may surge 367% by 2050.

UAE initiatives like Department of Health Abu Dhabi's pharmacogenomics for Alzheimer's align seamlessly, enhancing personalized interventions. Researchers can download data today, fostering AI-driven discoveries in neurodegeneration and metabolic impacts on cognition.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Public Health Implications

Experts hail the dataset as a milestone. Rokers notes its role in global neuroscience; Mohamed stresses collaboration. UAEU and NYUAD's partnership boosts local talent, aligning with UAE Vision 2031 for research excellence.

Public health gains: Early biomarkers could mitigate diabetes-induced cognitive decline, reducing economic burdens (diabetes costs UAE billions annually). Cultural context—family-centric care, expatriate diversity—demands tailored strategies, which this dataset uniquely supports.

Future Outlook: Scaling Up and Global Collaborations

Recruitment continues toward 2,000 participants, with longitudinal follow-ups planned. Integration with UAE Healthy Future Study and National MS Society data promises richer insights. International ties, like NYUAD's global network, invite cross-dataset harmonization.

Challenges like data privacy are addressed via phased releases; solutions include federated learning for secure analyses. This trajectory positions UAE as a neuroscience hub.

Photo by Aakash Dhage on Unsplash

Career Opportunities in UAE Neuroscience and Higher Education

The dataset's release signals booming opportunities for neuroscientists, data analysts, and clinicians. UAE universities seek experts in MRI analysis and AI modeling. Aspiring researchers can pursue roles via higher education research jobs, while faculty positions abound at UAE academic institutions.

For career advice, explore tips on academic CVs. Platforms like Rate My Professor offer insights into UAEU and NYUAD faculty. University jobs in Abu Dhabi emphasize interdisciplinary skills, blending health, data science, and cognition.

Prospective postdocs and lecturers: postdoc opportunities and lecturer positions leverage this dataset for groundbreaking work. AcademicJobs.com connects you to higher ed jobs driving UAE's innovation.