Media Release

Ajman, Mar 14: Dr Mariam Matar, founder and chairperson of UAE Genetic Disease Association enthralled the students and faculty at Gulf Medical University with an inspirational lecture as part of the Heroes of Healthcare International Lecture Series held at GMU Campus in Ajman on the March 13. It was held as part of the International Women’s Day celebration at the university.

‘Being a woman is very challenging, but anything is possible to achieve with dedication, a clear goal and team work’, said Dr Mariam Matar.

“Men have played a major role in the success of all my achievements” she said. Starting from the Founder of UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, her father, brothers and colleagues in various capacities that she has worked in, have all contributed to the success, she added.

She thanked the leadership of UAE for providing excellent opportunities and encouraging women to take up big responsibilities in the development of the people and the country.

Addressing a packed auditorium Dr Mariam Matar encouraged the students to set high goals and achieve them with the help of peers, teachers and colleagues. She called upon the female students to pursue their dreams and make them a reality with determination.

Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council, UAE and Ruler of Ajman presented a Special Certificate of Achievement at his palace. Earlier, the Founder President - Board of Governors, GMU, Thumbay Moideen presented a Heroes of Healthcare memento to Dr Mariam Matar.  GMU Provost professor Gita Ashok Raj, university deans, and deans of constituent colleges, faculty and staff attended the lecture.

Dr Mariam Matar is the first Emirati woman to hold the post of a director general in the Dubai Government, at the Community Development Authority. She is the Deputy Chairwoman of Dubai Cares.

Dr. Mariam Matar is one of the UAE’s finest public servants.  Dr Mariam Matar is the recipient of Sheikh Rashid "Academic Excellence" Award, Award for Best Health Care Project among UAE's Higher Colleges of Technology, "Distinguished Employee" award from Dubai's Government Excellence Program in the Department of Health and Medical Services, "Best community project" in 2004 in Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, and thrice the Emirates Business Women Award.

Dr Mariam Matar is nominated as the first speaker of this year for the Heroes of healthcare international lecture series.

“In line with our Vision 2020 to stimulate and ignite the young minds, pursuing their careers in healthcare and medicine, the University has launched a series of lectures titled “Heroes of Healthcare” – international lecture series by globally recognized achievers in healthcare and medicine,” said Thumbay Moideen, founder president, Board of Governors, Gulf Medical University, Ajman.