Emirati Scientist Habiba Al-Safar Awarded Belgian Knight's Order for Scientific Achievements

Professor Habiba Al-Safar, dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, has become the first Emirati scientist to receive Belgium's prestigious Leopold Order of Knighthood. This honor marks a significant milestone in UAE-Belgium scientific cooperation and recognizes her groundbreaking work in genomics and precision medicine.

The Leopold Order is Belgium's oldest and highest honor, created to commemorate King Leopold I. It's one of only three national knighthood orders in Belgium and goes to individuals who make exceptional contributions in their fields. Antoine Delcour, Belgium's ambassador to the UAE, presented the award on behalf of King Philippe of Belgium during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries.

This recognition comes after years of scientific collaboration between the UAE and Belgium. Professor Al-Safar played a central role in establishing a biomedical research partnership that was launched in the presence of Sheikh Hamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Philippe. The partnership focuses on precision medicine and genomics research, areas where both countries see significant potential for medical breakthroughs.

"The Leopold Order of Knighthood is Belgium's oldest decoration and is awarded to people who have provided exceptional services through their leadership, achievements, and contribution to the common good," Delcour explained during the ceremony. He added that the honor recognizes both Al-Safar's exceptional scientific career and the friendship between the two nations.

Professor Ibrahim Al-Hajri, president of Khalifa University, called the recognition a proud moment for both the university and the UAE's scientific community. He noted that Al-Safar's research demonstrates the level of excellence and international cooperation that defines Khalifa University's mission. The honor also reflects the UAE's growing status as a center for biomedical scientific discovery.

Al-Safar herself described the knighthood as an exceptional honor that goes beyond individual achievement. "This recognition reflects the spirit of cooperation between the UAE and Belgium and embodies the advanced level of the educational system in the UAE," she said. She emphasized that her work in genomics and precision medicine focuses on addressing real challenges facing communities in the region while building bridges with global institutions.

The biomedical discovery program that Al-Safar helps lead represents a major scientific collaboration between Khalifa University and Belgium's KU Leuven Biotechnology Institute. The program aims to transform the UAE into a global center for precision medicine and drug development. It focuses on developing immunotherapy treatments for diabetes and cancer patients using advanced genomic technologies and AI-supported drug discovery platforms.

The partnership includes practical elements that benefit both countries. It encourages knowledge exchange and allows Emirati scientists to train in Belgium through joint PhD programs. Young researchers can gain experience in both nations, which builds capacity and enhances scientific competitiveness. The program also works on rapid proof-of-concept platforms to discover mysterious disease-causing genes and speed up the development of new treatments.

For investors and policymakers, this collaboration signals the UAE's serious commitment to becoming a regional hub for advanced medical research. The country has been investing heavily in healthcare innovation as part of its economic diversification strategy. Belgium brings decades of expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, making it an ideal partner for these ambitions.

The timing is significant. Precision medicine and genomics research are becoming increasingly important as healthcare systems worldwide look for more targeted, effective treatments. Countries that establish themselves early in these fields could see substantial economic benefits as the global precision medicine market continues to grow.

This recognition highlights the growing ties between the UAE and Belgium across multiple sectors, including science, healthcare, and innovation. It also showcases how international academic partnerships can produce real results when both sides commit resources and expertise to shared goals.