The Arab Gulf Has World-Class Genomics. Is That Enough?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait—have developed advanced genomics programs over the past decade, sequencing thousands of individuals to create population-specific reference genomes. Qatar’s Sidra Medicine and the UAE’s Emirati Genome Project, which has collected samples from 800,000 people, are leading efforts to enable precision medicine, particularly for rare genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. However, experts argue that these nations lack a unified framework for genomic data sharing, despite their shared ancestry and familial connections across borders. A *Nature Medicine* commentary highlights the need for a GCC-wide genomics system, similar to existing mechanisms for public health and pharmaceuticals. Khalid Fakhro, chief of research at Sidra Medicine, emphasized that genetic variations in patients may also appear in relatives across GCC countries, requiring cross-border data access to improve disease detection. Currently, researchers rely on informal networks to share information, limiting efficiency. The UAE has taken a proactive step by mandating pre-marital genomic screening for 570 genes (expanded to 782 in Dubai) to reduce risks from consanguinity, a common practice in the region that increases genetic disease prevalence. Ahmad Abou Tayoun, director of Dubai’s Genomics Center of Excellence, noted that complex disorders require population-specific analysis to distinguish disease-linked mutations from ancestral variations. His team has developed a pipeline to deliver results within two weeks, aligning with government requirements. GCC nations face challenges in detecting rare disorders linked to multiple small genetic variations, as most global research focuses on European populations. National projects, such as the Emirati Genome Project, are generating critical data, but fragmented systems hinder broader application. Experts stress that a coordinated approach would enhance public health outcomes by leveraging shared genetic resources and clinical insights across the region.