According to research by the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies based in Dubai, between 21 and 28 per cent of all Emirati marriages are between cousins.
It seems, however, the answers to the problem of increasing genetic disorders need not mean abandoning tradition but rather embracing the application of genomics technology.
Emiratis have been urged to voluntarily give an anonymous blood sample to help expand data collection for the Emirati Genome Programme.
The project, launched last year, has so far collected blood samples and DNA cheek swabs from tens of thousands of citizens.
According to researchers, the purpose of the programme is to use genome data to further enhance health care in the UAE, with a focus on hereditary conditions.
Using biotechnology and artificial intelligence, researchers can characterize things like genetic variation and understand how they relate to different diseases.
The more samples a laboratory can get, the more data it has to work with, which in turn allows researchers to map out a clearer picture of how the Emirati genome operates.
Using the data, patients can predict, and in some cases prevent, diseases. They can also be proactive in taking necessary measures before becoming carriers of a disease.
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