Al Jalila Foundation is a charitable organization based in the United Arab Emirates that focuses on advancing medical research, education, and health care in the region. It was established in 2013 by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a member of the ruling family of Dubai, and is named after her mother, Sheikha Jawhara bint Muhammad Al Jalila.
The foundation’s primary objectives are to:
- Support and fund biomedical research initiatives through grants, scholarships, and collaborative projects with local and international institutions.
- Enhance medical education and professional development for health‑care practitioners in the UAE and the broader Gulf region.
- Promote public health awareness and community engagement by organizing outreach programs, health fairs, and educational campaigns.
Key activities of Al Jalila Foundation include the Al Jalila Research Grant Program, which provides financial support to investigators conducting translational and clinical research; partnerships with universities, hospitals, and research centers to create joint research labs and training facilities; and the Al Jalila Medical Scholarship, which funds Emirati students pursuing medical and allied health degrees.
The foundation operates under the guidance of a board of trustees and collaborates with governmental bodies such as the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, as well as international organizations, to align its initiatives with national health strategies and global standards.
Since its inception, Al Jalila Foundation has contributed to a growing portfolio of funded research projects, capacity‑building programs, and public health initiatives, positioning itself as a central entity in the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to develop a robust biomedical research ecosystem.
