# Building a foundation to promote Women’s health research in Dubai. Study protocol for a project to investigate the feasibility of establishing a dedicated Women’s health biobank

## TL;DR

This study aims to establish a Women’s health biobank in Dubai to support research on conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, addressing gaps in women's health research.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a protocol for a biobank focused on Women’s health in Dubai, targeting specific diseases prevalent in the UAE.

## Key findings

- The study will evaluate feasibility through recruitment rates and sample collection willingness.
- The biobank will support research on endometrial cancer risk and genetic profiling in Dubai.

## Abstract

Women’s health concerns play a role in several of the UAE's major public health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, injuries, cancer, and respiratory conditions. The UAE's 2024 National Policy for improving Women’s health aims to lower cancer mortality rates to 23.24 per 100,000 females, with translational research projects utilizing bio-registries and biobanks supporting this goal. This article describes the protocol for the Dubai Women’s Health Study, a prospective cohort study aimed at investigating the feasibility of establishing a dedicated Women’s health biobank in Dubai to support translational research on improving Women’s health. Initial focus will be on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, and endometrial cancer, which are prevalent health conditions in the UAE. Recruitment will start at the largest public Women’s hospital in Dubai (Latifa Women’s Hospital), with possible future inclusion of other private hospitals. The study will approach women diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, and endometrial cancer over a 12-month period from April 2025 to April 2026, obtaining clinical details and biological samples for establishing a bio-registry and biobank. The feasibility will be evaluated based on recruitment rates, the willingness to contribute samples and logistical challenges. The biobank will support ongoing studies on endometrial cancer risk in PCOS and endometriosis, Co-enzyme A's role in pre-eclampsia, and genetic profiling of inherited endometrial cancer cases in Dubai. The study recruitment only commenced in July 2025 and there are no results yet. Aligned with the National Policy for Improving Women’s Health, the biobank provides a foundation for local and global Women’s health research, addressing historical gender neglect in medical research, and promoting health equity globally.