The Emirates Scholar Centre for Research and Studies has announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with the European Medical Association (EMA), becoming the first Emirati and Arab institution to secure institutional membership with the association.
This partnership is the outcome of a year of continuous scientific engagement by the Centre, aimed at laying the groundwork for European collaboration in line with top-tier international research standards. It also reflects recognition of the Centre’s significant contributions at both the national and global levels, while aligning with the UAE’s vision of fostering innovation and strengthening academic cooperation worldwide.
Through this milestone, more than 250,000 registered EMA members—including researchers and healthcare professionals—will gain access to new opportunities in scientific publishing, collaborative research projects, and participation in leading international medical conferences and events. The agreement further reinforces the UAE’s position as an active player in the global scientific community.
Dr. Fawaz Habbal, Director-General and Member of the Board of Trustees of Emirates Scholar, said, “Our official membership in the European Medical Association directly reflects the Centre’s commitment to advancing medical research regionally and globally. It marks a significant step forward in activating more than 20 joint research projects over the next three years, particularly in the fields of modern medicine, rehabilitation, and mental health—fully in line with the UAE’s wise leadership’s vision to invest in knowledge and strengthen international cooperation.”
A comprehensive framework has been established to activate the partnership through specialised programmes and knowledge exchange. Central to this is the 2nd European Arab Medical Congress (EAMC 2025), jointly organised by Emirates Scholar and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, in collaboration with EMA and the Emirates Medical Association, with the support of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Themed “Practical Approaches in Rehabilitation Medicine and Psychology”, the congress will be held from 9th to 11th October 2025 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.
Professor Vincenzo Costigliola, President of the European Medical Association, welcomed the partnership, stating, “This Partnership represents a pivotal moment in expanding medical and research cooperation between Europe, United Arab Emirates and the Arab region. Through this partnership, we look forward to building a comprehensive scientific platform that enhances knowledge exchange and fosters innovative research to address the most pressing global health challenges.”
The announcement concluded with outlining the next steps of the partnership, including the launch of the first joint medical research project, the creation of a unified digital platform for researchers from both institutions, and the establishment of a joint scientific journal dedicated to publishing pioneering work in medicine and health sciences.
(Inputs from WAM)
