The registration process is done on the study portal, where you will be asked to complete an initial screening questionnaire that addresses your past and present medical conditions, to ensure that you are fit to take part in the study.
OVERVIEW
What is the Human Phenotype Project?
The Human Phenotype Project (HPP) is a long-term observational study led by MBZUAI in partnership with the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD). The project is designed to gather information on health, traits, lifestyle and diseases in the UAE population.
The HPP combines questionnaires, data collection, innovative tests and advanced artificial intelligence methods to discover personal characteristics (your phenotype) that can help predict future medical conditions, even before they present symptomatically.
Over 10 years we will monitor participants to explore and understand correlations between exposure to certain risk factors and the onset of diseases. The project is a unique global initiative that is closely aligned with the strategic plan and objectives of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.
Participation in the study is open to UAE citizens and residents aged 18 – 70, is free of charge, and is carried out under the highest standards of safety and confidentiality. The study has been approved by the Abu Dhabi Health Research and Technology Committee, Department of Health, and by ethics committees at MBZUAI and IHLAD, with all participant data stored in the UAE.
DEEPER
What is phenotype?
A genotype is your genetic code - the instructions written in your DNA, which scientists have been studying for decades
Aims of the project
The purpose of the HPP is to develop methods that will predict diseases in people years before they show up clinically or present symptoms.
Taking part
This is pioneering research and at this initial stage, no direct personal benefit from participating in the study is expected.
What is phenotype?
A genotype is your genetic code - the instructions written in your DNA, which scientists have been studying for decades
Aims of the project
The purpose of the HPP is to develop methods that will predict diseases in people years before they show up clinically or present symptoms.
Taking part
This is pioneering research and at this initial stage, no direct personal benefit from participating in the study is expected.
PHENOTYPE
What is a Phenotype?
A genotype is your genetic code - the instructions written in your DNA, which scientists have been studying for decades. The success of the Emirati Genome Program has ensured that the UAE has one of the most complete genotype data sets in the world, and the HPP led by MBZUAI complements and builds on these efforts.
A phenotype is how your genetic information is expressed in the real world: your traits, appearance, behaviour, health - and even how you respond to environmental factors. And that’s what we’re interested in.
AIMS
Aims of the Project
The purpose of the HPP is to develop methods that will predict diseases in people years before they show up clinically or present symptoms. Our goal is to develop methods that help prevent disease - improving the quality and longevity of life for each and every one of us.
Through the study we endeavour to support the UAE government and scientific community in achieving their strategic objectives across the healthcare sector: to become a global digital and data leader through advanced risk and disease detection.
Using data collected via a series of questionnaires and tests performed in our clinic, some of which are unique to the HPP study, sophisticated artificial intelligence tools will be used to safely process and characterize individual data – resulting in the individual ‘phenotype’. We believe that in the future, methods can be developed that will improve our ability to predict various diseases on a personal level, years before they present clinically.
Through the study we endeavour to support the UAE government and scientific community in achieving their strategic objectives across the healthcare sector: to become a global digital and data leader through advanced risk and disease detection.
Using data collected via a series of questionnaires and tests performed in our clinic, some of which are unique to the HPP study, sophisticated artificial intelligence tools will be used to safely process and characterize individual data – resulting in the individual ‘phenotype’. We believe that in the future, methods can be developed that will improve our ability to predict various diseases on a personal level, years before they present clinically.
IMPACT
Research insights, not clinical care:
This is pioneering research and at this initial stage, no direct personal benefit from participating in the study is expected. We will send you important updates as we discover new findings, but it is important to remember that participation in the study does not constitute treatment, and the tests that are done within it are in no case to be used as clinical diagnosis.
Over time, Participants will gain access to insights, based on their data when applicable - including blood sugar levels in response to different foods, and the composition of gut bacteria.
Preventive care opportunities
Reviewing the provided test results with your own healthcare provider may inform lifestyle discussions, allowing you to take proactive steps to prevent or delay the onset of diseases through lifestyle changes or medical interventions. The HPP annual follow-ups (clinic visit or call) allow you to track changes in your health and adjust habits accordingly.
It is important to note that collected data are automatically analysed and are not reviewed by a medical practitioner; therefore, they cannot serve as diagnostic information. If a member of the clinic team detects a notable test result during a participant visit/test, they will inform the participant and encourage them to consult their doctor, a qualified healthcare provider, or a medical institution. Any medical follow up must be between the participant and their own doctor. Read more about the study in our Participant Information booklet, which you can download here.
JOURNEY
Be part of something bigger
Being part of a longitudinal study is about far more than personal benefits. Taking part in the HPP allows you to: Contribute to medical research: Support scientific progress that can lead to better health outcomes for future generations and helps address gaps in evidence for under-represented and diverse populations. Sense of Purpose: Participating in a health study can provide a sense of fulfilment - knowing you are part of an initiative to build a healthier future is rewarding.
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Once you have completed the screening, you’ll be able to book your first visit to the IHLAD Clinic at WTC, Abu Dhabi, to give your informed consent to take part, and to do the first set of baseline tests, carried out by our trained clinic staff. This visit will take about two to three hours and will include a range of tests
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The registration process is done on the study portal, where you will be asked to complete an initial screening questionnaire that addresses your past and present medical conditions, to ensure that you are fit to take part in the study.
02
Once you have completed the screening, you’ll be able to book your first visit to the IHLAD Clinic at WTC, Abu Dhabi, to give your informed consent to take part, and to do the first set of baseline tests, carried out by our trained clinic staff. This visit will take about two to three hours and will include a range of tests