Landmark MoU Ushers in New Chapter for UAE Infectious Disease Research

The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), an Abu Dhabi-based powerhouse in global health, and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 9, 2026. This partnership aims to turbocharge joint efforts in infectious disease elimination research, blending UAEU's academic prowess with GLIDE's expertise in tackling diseases of poverty. By fostering collaboration in research, training, and knowledge exchange, the agreement positions UAE higher education at the forefront of global public health innovation.

This union reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to eradicating infectious threats, building on national strategies that have kept the country low-burden for major diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. For UAE universities, it opens doors to interdisciplinary projects that could redefine regional health security.

Decoding GLIDE: A Beacon for Disease Elimination

Established in 2019 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, GLIDE operates from Abu Dhabi with a laser focus on eliminating infectious diseases of poverty. Its core targets include malaria, lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis (river blindness), and polio—afflictions that burden nearly 100 countries worldwide. Through advocacy, operational research, and capacity strengthening, GLIDE bridges gaps between global goals and on-ground action.

GLIDE's initiatives, such as the Falcon Awards for Disease Elimination Integration, have recognized 14 winners in 2026 alone for innovative cross-disease strategies. Previous UAE partnerships, like the 2025 MoU with Khalifa University, underscore GLIDE's strategy to embed disease elimination within local academia. Led by CEO Dr. Farida Al Hosani, GLIDE emphasizes data-driven, inclusive approaches that amplify diverse voices in health research.

UAEU's Institute of Public Health: A Hub for Excellence

At UAEU's College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), the Institute of Public Health (IPH) stands as a cornerstone for epidemiological and intervention research. IPH conducts systematic reviews, cohort studies, and trials on both chronic and infectious diseases, including COVID-19 genomics and respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Recent publications highlight UAE's evolving RTI landscape, revealing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends from 2010-2022 across 345 facilities.

UAEU's track record positions it ideally for the GLIDE partnership. From mapping fungal disease burdens—estimated via advanced modeling—to advancing vaccine trials like Gam-COVID-Vac, IPH exemplifies translational research. This MoU elevates UAEU's role, enabling faculty and students to lead in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) research, a field where UAE's low domestic burden allows focus on global impact.

Core Pillars of the GLIDE-UAEU Collaboration

The MoU outlines a multifaceted framework:

• Joint Research: Tackling infectious diseases and NTDs through evidence generation for policy.
• Training Programs: Workshops, internships, fellowships prioritizing Emirati talent.
• Funding Synergies: Co-applications for Falcon Awards and international grants; UAEU experts in reviews.
• Knowledge Exchange: Data sharing, co-publications, policy briefs, academic exchanges.

Dr. Al Hosani noted, “This MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening research and building local capacity. By combining academic excellence with applied research, we can accelerate real-world impact.” This structure ensures sustainable growth in UAE higher education's global health contributions.

Targeting Neglected Tropical Diseases and Emerging Threats

NTDs like malaria and LF persist in low-resource settings, affecting over a billion globally. UAE's vector control and surveillance have minimized local risks, but the partnership eyes cross-border challenges. UAEU's IPH, with expertise in epidemiology, will probe transmission dynamics, diagnostics, and interventions—vital as AMR rises, with 35% of UAE pathogens multi-drug resistant per 2020 data.

Case in point: UAEU's RTI study showed post-COVID TB surges among South Asian migrants, informing targeted strategies. The MoU extends to broader threats like fungal diseases, where UAE burden estimates guide resource allocation.

Empowering Emirati Researchers Through Capacity Building

A flagship goal is nurturing local talent via mentorship, joint supervision, and GLIDE's Disease Elimination & Eradication Course (DEEC). UAEU students gain internships, exposing them to real-world elimination campaigns. This aligns with UAE's Emiratization drive, boosting participation in global forums.

For academics eyeing such roles, UAE universities offer dynamic opportunities—check higher ed jobs for public health positions. The partnership promises elevated UAEU rankings in global health research.

Unlocking Funding and Innovation Synergies

Joint bids for competitive grants amplify impact. GLIDE's Falcon Awards reward integration, while international programs open new avenues. UAEU faculty reviewing grants hones expertise, fostering a virtuous cycle.

This builds on UAE's research ecosystem, where CMHS leads in clinical trials. Explore career advice at higher ed career advice to thrive in such collaborations.

UAE's Ambitious Vision in Global Health Leadership

The MoU dovetails with UAE Centennial 2071 goals for health innovation. UAE's polio pledges and NTD advocacy exemplify leadership. Low domestic burdens—e.g., negligible malaria—free resources for exportable models.

Navigating UAE's Infectious Disease Research Terrain

UAE boasts advanced surveillance, with RTI/AMR studies revealing trends like 85% TB in migrants. UAEU's COVID genomics pioneered regional responses. Challenges persist: rising AMR demands innovation, where this partnership shines.

Photo by Zulfugar Karimov on Unsplash

• RTI burden: Nationwide data informs policy.
• Fungal diseases: Modeling estimates guide prevention.
• AMR: 35% MDR pathogens necessitate new therapies.

Future Horizons: Transformative Potential Ahead

Expect joint publications, policy briefs, and breakthroughs in NTD elimination. For researchers, this heralds expanded horizons; students, hands-on global health. UAEU's IPH could lead regional consortia.

Professionals can rate professors at Rate My Professor, seek university jobs, or post openings at recruitment. This MoU cements UAE higher ed's global stature.

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