Setting the tone for its long term social initiatives, Deyaar Development announced its association with the UAE Genetic Diseases Association to jointly take forward public health concerns and related activities.

As a first step, the company issued a $100,000 donation towards the activities of UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAE GDA) and the running of an automated and fully equipped laboratory for screening the most common inherited genetic blood disorders.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, the UAE GDA was established to reduce the impact of common genetic disorders prevalent in the UAE.

The first project of the UAE GDA, Emirates Free of Thalassemia 2012, is aimed at identifying Beta-Thalassemia carriers in the UAE pre-marital population. In addition to screening such genetic disorders, the program will also facilitate communication and publication of scientific knowledge, promote health education and research in genetics and offer genetic counseling.

Thalassemia is a lifelong condition inherited blood disorder that causes severe anemia since early infancy. UAE GDA is focused on the prevention through pre-marital screening and genetic counseling.

Commenting on Deyaar’s move, Dr Mariam Matar, UAE GDA director, said: “As the organisation accelerates its fight against Thalassemia, we are pleased to obtain the support of Deyaar for one of our most critical initiatives

She added: “We hope Deyaar’s contribution will encourage more companies from the private sector to help fight the spreading of the disease in the UAE.”

Explaining the rationale for Deyaar’s contribution, Ghalib Abdulla bin Kharbash, Dubai area manager, Deyaar, said:

“Deyaar is committed to the development of a healthy community in the UAE. Our move demonstrates the company’s firm intent to care for the society in which it operates”.

“Supporting the UAE GDA and its campaign, ’Emirates Free of Thalassemia by 2012’ is one of the steps we plan to undertake while aiming to create a healthy community,” he added.

Deyaar Development is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the region.