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The Kataria Foundation has partnered with King’s College Hospital London, Dubai, to launch an innovative initiative aimed at advancing research, clinical innovations, and patient care for Parkinson’s disease. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in establishing a regional hub for Parkinson’s research with a global impact. As the Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence King’s Dubai is at the forefront of world-class research and is the only center in the UAE and GCC dedicated to pioneering groundbreaking studies in genomics, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence (AI) wearable sensors, cutting-edge initiative seeks to revolutionize the digitalization of Parkinson’s care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients.
The inaugural ceremony, held at King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, brought together leading medical experts, philanthropists, academic representatives, and the team of the Kataria Foundation and the Kataria family. The partnership is driven by Professor Ray Chaudhuri, Director of Research and Innovation, King’s College Hospital London, Dubai and world-renowned neurologist and authority on Parkinson’s disease, who will lead the research programme along with Dr Vinod Metta, Director of Movement disorders, Parkinson’s and Neuro rehabilitation program at King’s College Hospital London, Dubai
Opening remarks were delivered by Kimberley Pierce, CEO of King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, who highlighted the hospital’s dedication to research and patient-centred care. Professor Ray Chaudhuri and Dr. Vinod Metta presented a comprehensive overview of ongoing King’s Dubai’s groundbreaking research on Parkinson’s disease and how, over the past four years, King’s Dubai has transformed Parkinson’s care in the United Arab Emirates, establishing itself as a tertiary and international referral centre renowned for its world-class research. Notably, it became the first institution in the UAE to publish a research paper on Parkinson’s disease in the United Arab Emirates ( EmPark study). It expressed their gratitude for their ongoing research initiative, supported by a generous grant from the Kataria Foundation, which aims to advance precision diagnostics, enhance patient support systems, and develop integrative care models tailored to the region’s needs.
Also in attendance of King’s College Hospital Dubai Chief Medical Officer Dr Tashfeen Siddiq Ali, King’s College Hospital Dubai Chief People Officer Mr Hari Das, and King’s college hospital London Dubai academic partners Professor of neurology and Associate Dean of Education and Professor of Neurology at Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU), Dr. Hani BenAmir, who underlined the importance of partnerships between academic and clinical institutions. Representing the Kataria family were Mr. Raghuvinder Kataria, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Shital Kataria, son Shalin Kataria, daughter Anisha Kataria, and their respective partners. Speaking on behalf of the family and the foundation, Shalin Kataria reaffirmed their enduring commitment to improving the lives of parkinson’s patients through healthcare and education. The Kataria Foundation’s leadership team—including Santosh Keni (CEO, Pantheon Global), Jai Kotecha (Executive Director), and Atul Patel (Advisor)—were also present, alongside the team of the Kataria Foundation.
This collaboration builds on the Kataria Foundation’s existing philanthropic efforts, including funding free cardiac surgeries in India, supporting cancer research with Al Jalila Foundation in the UAE, and supporting various medical and educational initiatives globally. Through this partnership, King’s College Hospital London in Dubai and the Kataria Foundation aim to position Dubai as a leader in Parkinson’s research, advancing groundbreaking studies, enhancing patient care, and shaping future medical education.