UAE’s Prof. Habiba Alsafar Awarded Belgium’s Prestigious Order of Leopold

Professor Habiba Alsafar, who serves as Dean for the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has been bestowed Belgium's highest honor, the Knight in the Order of Leopold. She holds the distinction of being the first scientist from the UAE to receive this esteemed title. This accolade acknowledges her remarkable scientific contributions and efforts in fostering international research collaborations.

The award underscores the longstanding cooperation between the UAE and Belgium in the field of scientific research. Prof. Alsafar has been instrumental in the successful Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program, which was initiated amidst the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium. BISDI serves as a pivotal advancement in the growth of biomedical research and precision medicine within the UAE.

The honorable title was granted by Antoine Delcourt, Belgium's Ambassador to the UAE, on behalf of His Majesty the King of the Belgians. The event saw the participation of dignitaries from Khalifa University, including Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, its President, along with Homaid Al Shimmari, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and others. Officials from the Belgian Embassy and university faculty were also present, highlighting the significance of this occasion.

Ambassador Antoine Delcourt remarked, “The Order of Leopold is Belgium's oldest knighthood, conferred to individuals with outstanding achievements and societal contributions. By honoring Prof. Alsafar, the King acknowledges her exceptional scientific journey and the deep-rooted friendship between Belgium and the UAE. Her leadership and commitment have fortified our nations’ cooperation in science and medicine.”

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri noted, “Seeing Prof. Alsafar recognized as the first UAE scientist to receive this honor is a proud achievement for both Khalifa University and the broader UAE scientific community. Her unwavering dedication to research and international collaboration reflects the UAE's burgeoning role as a center for biomedical innovation.”

In her acceptance speech, Prof. Alsafar conveyed her appreciation, stating, “Being named a Knight in the Order of Leopold is immensely rewarding. This distinction showcases the collaborative spirit between the UAE and Belgium and honors the collective efforts of researchers and students at Khalifa University. Our initiatives in genomics and precision medicine aim to tackle pressing health challenges and forge global partnerships. This recognition motivates me to further advance healthcare research to benefit future generations.”

Prof. Alsafar has spearheaded numerous national and international projects in precision medicine and genomics, enhancing the UAE's capabilities in advanced healthcare research. As Dean, she promotes academic excellence, innovation, and research that aligns with national health priorities and the UAE's vision for medical evolution.

The Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program exemplifies a key collaboration between Khalifa University and Belgium's VIB-KU Leuven. Its goal is to position the UAE as a global hub for drug development and precision medicine, focusing on immunotherapy for conditions like diabetes and cancer. This initiative utilizes genomic technologies and AI-driven research for rapid validation, discovering disease-related genes and formulating new treatments. BISDI also encourages knowledge sharing, researcher mobility, and capacity enhancement through a Joint PhD Program, nurturing the next generation of scientists in both nations.

Prof. Alsafar’s knighthood symbolizes the growing scientific and healthcare collaboration between the UAE and Belgium. Her endeavors are not only advancing medical research but also reinforcing international partnerships, spotlighting the UAE's strides in global scientific innovation.