A leading healthcare influencer, Her Excellency Dr Maryam Matar pioneered the study of genes and advocates public education and awareness of genetic disorders across the ME region. A true game changer in the field of genetic research and biotechnology in the Arab world, she is single-handedly responsible for putting the UAE on the global map of genetic research and innovation. As the pioneer genetic scientist, she played a lead role in bringing new legislation for pre-marital screening, preventive genetic testing, and relevant mandatory legislation at the government level in the UAE.
Dr. Matar holds key roles as Co-chair and committee member of the Global Commission to End the Diagnostic Odyssey for Children with a Rare Disease, a member of the Panel of Experts in the WHO Collective Global Network for Rare Diseases (WHO CGN4RD), and as Steering Committee Co-Lead for the NNEdPro Middle East Regional Network. She also serves as one of two chosen Arab Women members on the Selection Committee of the Zayed Sustainability Award, carries the title of Ambassador of Science for Regional magazine & Women in STEM by Springer Nature, and contributes as an Advisory Committee Member to various universities in the UAE and other organizations. As a medical doctor, Dr. Matar’s significant contributions have earned her recognition as one of the top 20 Arab researchers with the most profound impact on humanity, and she has achieved several historic milestones, including being the first Emirati woman to hold the position of Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in 2006.
