The
Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS) in Dubai (United Arab Emirates, UAE) was established to characterize and prevent genetic disorders in the region; genetic diseases represent a significant public health problem in the Arab world, due in part to social factors such as relatively high rates of consanguinity and parity (number of children born to each woman). CAGS recently initiated a project to establish a comprehensive
Catalogue of Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA), to “enlighten the scientific community and the public on the occurrence of inherited disorders in Arabs and to suggest future investigation strategies”. A model of the CTGA database for the UAE has proved successful and led to calls for an international collaboration along similar lines, to further research into genetic disease in Arab communities and, ultimately, develop patient treatment programmes. The project is also intended to improve public and professional education on genetic diseases and diagnosis, and will address potential ethical, legal, and social issues associated with the implementation of genetic screening and diagnosis services.