In a significant step forward for women's health research in the United Arab Emirates, researchers have published a detailed study protocol outlining the feasibility of establishing the Dubai Women’s Health Biobank. This initiative, led by experts from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Dubai Health, targets key conditions affecting women in Dubai: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, and endometrial cancer. The protocol, published in Frontiers in Global Women's Health, marks a proactive response to the UAE's growing emphasis on precision medicine and gender-specific health data.

The Dubai Women’s Health Biobank aims to create a repository of biological samples and linked clinical data from diverse ethnic backgrounds, reflecting Dubai's multicultural population of over 200 nationalities. By focusing on translational research, it promises to bridge gaps in understanding how these conditions manifest in the region, potentially informing personalized treatments and public health strategies.

🩺 UAE's National Push for Women's Health Excellence

The UAE's 2024 National Policy for Improving Women’s Health sets ambitious targets, including reducing cancer mortality among females from 70.3 to 23.24 per 100,000 and all-cause mortality to 62.77 per 100,000. Lifestyle factors like obesity and sedentary behavior exacerbate risks for women's health issues, which contribute to the nation's 'Big 4' public health challenges: cardiovascular disease, injuries, cancers, and respiratory diseases. This policy aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 5: Gender Equality), emphasizing biobanks and bio-registries for evidence-based decision-making.

Dubai Health, an integrated academic health system comprising hospitals like Latifa Women’s Hospital, ambulatory centers, and MBRU, has established a state-of-the-art biobank with capacity for seven million samples. Stored at -80°C using the energy-efficient Azenta BioStore, it supports this new women's health effort while complementing regional initiatives like Abu Dhabi Biobank and Qatar Biobank.

The Critical Role of Biobanks in Precision Medicine

A biobank is a secure repository for biological specimens—such as blood, tissue, and stool—paired with anonymized clinical data. Unlike general population biobanks, a dedicated women’s health biobank prioritizes sex-specific conditions, enabling longitudinal studies on disease progression, biomarkers, and genetics. Globally, examples like the UK Biobank and Women’s Health Initiative have revolutionized research, but they often underrepresent Middle Eastern populations.

In Dubai, where rapid urbanization and diverse genetics create unique phenotypes, this biobank addresses historical underfunding of women's health research. Feasibility studies, as recommended by the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) and the US National Cancer Institute, ensure sustainability before full-scale launch.

Spotlight on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Dubai

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, excess androgens, and ovarian cysts, affects reproductive-age women worldwide. In Dubai, a 2023 study at Latifa Hospital analyzed 64,722 women aged 15-45 from 2017-2022, finding a period prevalence of 1.6%, rising from 1.19% in 2020 to 2.72% in 2022. Women with PCOS showed higher BMI (29.34 vs. 25.09 in controls), elevated blood pressure, and younger age at diagnosis.

PCOS elevates risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infertility, gestational diabetes, and endometrial cancer due to chronic unopposed estrogen exposure. Prof. William Atiomo, Chair of Clinical Sciences at MBRU and lead author, has extensively researched PCOS-endometrial cancer links, advocating for registries to track long-term outcomes.

Endometriosis: Hidden Pain and Emerging Data

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Self-reported prevalence in UAE women aged 18-55 is 1.5%, with higher rates (up to 12.9% in laparoscopy studies across the Middle East). Symptoms like irregular periods and chronic pain are prevalent, often linked to divorce and infertility in surveys.

In Dubai's diverse setting, the biobank will explore endometriosis's potential ties to breast and endometrial cancers, using peritoneal biopsies for analysis.

Pre-eclampsia: A Pregnancy Threat with Lifelong Echoes

Pre-eclampsia, defined as new-onset hypertension (diastolic ≥90 mmHg) and proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation, affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally. Middle East studies report 0.17-5% prevalence, with UAE data highlighting it as a subtype of hypertensive disorders (54.9% of cases). Survivors face heightened cardiovascular risks later.

The protocol investigates co-enzyme A's role, collecting samples from affected and normotensive pregnant controls matched by age, weight, and gestation.

Endometrial Cancer: Rising Incidence Demands Action

Endometrial cancer (EC), originating in the uterine lining, is the fifth most common cancer in women globally. UAE data show escalating incidence, with age-standardized rates contributing to cancer burdens (139.1 per 100,000 females). PCOS and endometriosis heighten risks via hyperplasia.

The biobank will genetically profile inherited cases, aiding early detection in Dubai's population.

Study Design: A Prospective Cohort Approach

The Dubai Women’s Health Study is a 12-month prospective cohort (April 2025-April 2026) at Latifa Hospital, Dubai's largest public women's facility. IRB-approved by MBRU (2024-692), it uses broad consent for future research, adhering to Helsinki Declaration and UAE biobanking laws.

• Inclusion: Dubai-resident women ≥18 with diagnoses, plus controls.
• Exclusion: Non-residents, minors, unable to consent.
• Target: 100 each for PCOS/endometriosis/pre-eclampsia (equal controls), 30 for EC.

Recruitment Workflow

Trained assistants approach patients via clinicians, verifying diagnoses (e.g., Rotterdam criteria for PCOS). Consent covers data extraction, sample storage, and genetics.

Data and Sample Collection Process

Clinical data includes demographics, menstrual history, BMI, ultrasound, and diet via food frequency questionnaires. Samples: whole blood (for PBMCs, serum/plasma), biopsies (endometriosis/EC), stool (RNAlater at -20°C/-80°C). Processed per ISBER standards, stored in Dubai Health Biobank, managed via OpenSpecimen integrated with Epic EHR.

Evaluating Feasibility: Key Metrics

• Recruitment rates and consent willingness.
• Logistics: transport, storage challenges.
• Financial sustainability.
• Ethical compliance and sample quality.

Funded by Dubai Health CSRG-24-10, recruitment started July 2025; early data will guide scaling.Read the full protocol | Prof. Atiomo's profile

Empowering Research at MBRU and Dubai Health

MBRU, part of Dubai Health, drives this via experts like Prof. Atiomo, whose work on PCOS biomarkers and metformin for hyperplasia positions the university as a hub. This aligns with UAE's Vision 2031 for innovation, attracting research jobs in genomics and obstetrics.

Broader Impacts and Global Collaboration

The biobank fills MENA gaps, where research is often hospital-based. It supports biomarker discovery, epidemiology, and trials, fostering partnerships. Challenges like single-site start and pilot size will evolve into multi-hospital networks.

Future Outlook: Transforming Women's Health in the UAE

If feasible, the Dubai Women’s Health Biobank could halve diagnostic delays for endometriosis (often 10+ years) and tailor PCOS management amid rising prevalence. Explore UAE academic opportunities, career advice, or higher ed jobs in this field. Professionals in research and clinical roles can contribute via university jobs or rate experiences. Stay informed on UAE women's health advancements.

Photo by Saher Suthriwala on Unsplash