University of Sharjah and Eli Lilly Join Hands to Tackle the UAE’s Growing Public-Health Challenges

In a time when chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity are silently becoming some of the UAE's most significant health concerns, a powerful new partnership has emerged to fight back.

The University of Sharjah (UoS) and the global pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly and Company have announced a landmark collaboration to strengthen public health research, education, and community well-being across the region.

The announcement took place at the university's Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), where leaders from both sides came together with a shared mission: to turn research into action and improve lives.

A Meeting of Minds, and Purpose

Inside the halls of RIMHS, there was a clear sense of optimism. From the UoS side, the meeting was led by Professor Rifaat Akram Hammoudi, Acting Director of RIMHS, along with Dr. Wafaa Al Nakhi, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Public Health, and Professor Farah Naja from the College of Health Sciences.

Representing Eli Lilly were Dr. Anna Koroleva, the company's Medical and Cardiometabolic Lead for the Middle East; Tania Tannous, Associate Director for Public and Government Affairs; and Dr. Dianne Dao, Regional Director for Real-World Evidence and Medical Research.

As the discussion unfolded, one message stood out: both institutions want to make a measurable difference in people's lives, especially in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which are increasingly common across the Gulf region.

Turning Research Into Real Change

This isn't just another memorandum of understanding.
The partnership between UoS and Eli Lilly is built on a practical foundation that combines academic research and real-world pharmaceutical expertise to create visible, community-level impact.

Both sides plan to:

• Launch joint research programs focused on obesity and diabetes prevention.
• Develop educational modules and student training to strengthen the next generation of public-health professionals.
• Create community awareness campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles and early screening.

Professor Hammoudi emphasized that such partnerships help bridge the gap between research and real life:

Why It Matters Now

Health experts in the UAE have long warned about the rapid rise of lifestyle-related diseases. Sedentary routines, poor diets, and growing urban stress have all contributed to rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, conditions that are both costly and preventable.

The UAE government has already made non-communicable diseases a national health priority, but collaboration between academia and industry can give that mission new momentum.

Eli Lilly, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical innovators, brings decades of expertise in metabolic health and treatment innovation. The University of Sharjah, known for its strong medical and health sciences programs, contributes a deep academic and research capacity rooted in the local context.

Together, they aim to produce data-driven, culturally relevant solutions that fit the UAE's population, rather than imported models.

Shared Vision and Long-Term Goals

At the announcement, both organizations spoke about their shared long-term vision: a healthier, more informed society where prevention comes before cure.

Dr. Anna Koroleva from Lilly noted that the collaboration is as much about understanding communities as it is about science.

On the university's side, Dr. Wafaa Al Nakhi highlighted how the collaboration strengthens the institution's global outlook:

The partners also plan to establish joint working groups that will design studies, exchange data, and launch pilot projects across Sharjah and other emirates.

Initial efforts may include community-based interventions promoting physical activity, balanced nutrition, and early detection of risk factors.

From the Classroom to the Community

For students at the University of Sharjah, this partnership opens exciting new doors.
They'll gain access to mentorship, joint workshops, and real-world research opportunities that connect what they learn in class to the public-health challenges around them.

According to Professor Farah Naja, the collaboration will nurture a new generation of professionals ready to face tomorrow's health challenges:

Beyond academics, the collaboration's ripple effects could touch communities throughout the UAE. Outreach programs, lifestyle-awareness campaigns, and evidence-based policy recommendations will all be part of the long-term strategy.

The Bigger Picture

The significance of this partnership extends far beyond Sharjah.
Across the Middle East, countries are grappling with the heavy social and economic burden of chronic diseases. This collaboration offers a model for how universities and private industry can join forces to drive sustainable health improvements.

It also marks a shift in focus from treatment to prevention, an approach that could save billions in healthcare costs while improving quality of life for millions.

Health analysts believe such collaborations reflect a new understanding of how progress happens: through cooperation, not competition.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, transforming research into real-world results is never simple.
Building long-term partnerships requires continuous funding, clear communication, and the ability to adapt as public-health needs evolve.

Collecting reliable data, respecting privacy laws, and ensuring equitable access to health solutions will be important considerations as the work progresses.

But both sides appear fully committed to the journey.
Their shared statement described the partnership as "a long-term strategic alliance aimed at combining scientific innovation with community engagement to improve public health across the UAE.”

A Step Toward a Healthier Future

The collaboration between the University of Sharjah and Eli Lilly is more than a scientific agreement — it’s a promise.
A promise to use knowledge for the public good.
A promise to build a healthier society from the ground up.
And a promise that the power of education and industry can, together, make a lasting impact.

If the plans set in motion today take root, the partnership could soon become a model for other universities and companies across the region, showing how collaboration, compassion, and research can come together to create healthier, happier communities for generations to come.