Latest news with #AlDhaen
Daily Tribune
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
MP Pushes Genetic Ethics
TDT | Manama A renewed push to reshape Bahrain's approach to hereditary disease prevention is gaining traction, with MP Dr. Mariam Al Dhaen calling for greater emphasis on genetic ethics, advanced screening, and informed reproductive decision-making in sickle cell care. In her latest remarks, Dr. Al Dhaen urged the government to encourage couples at risk of passing on sickle cell anaemia or beta-thalassemia to undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) as part of assisted reproductive treatments. The procedure, she said, offers a precise method to prevent the transmission of these conditions by selecting healthy embryos before pregnancy. Diagnostic shift Dr. Al Dhaen also raised concerns about the limitations of current premarital screening tools, particularly the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test, which she said can sometimes yield inaccurate results. 'There have been cases where individuals were told they carried a genetic mutation, but genetic testing proved they did not,' she said, emphasising the need for more accurate diagnostic options. In addition to PGT, Dr. Al Dhaen advocated for using embryo genetic testing and HLA typing to help families with affected children. She explained that selecting a healthy embryo whose tissue matches that of an existing child could pave the way for stem cell or bone marrow treatments using a compatible sibling donor. Emergency reform While praising the 24-hour operation of the Genetic Blood Diseases Center at Salmaniya Medical Complex - a move she described as a 'qualitative leap' for the healthcare system - Dr. Al Dhaen positioned her new proposals as the next phase in national efforts to support patients with genetic blood disorders. She reaffirmed her earlier proposal for dedicated emergency care pathways and specialist consultants for sickle cell patients, noting that swift and focused intervention is crucial given the severity and sudden onset of symptoms. Policy vision Dr. Al Dhaen stressed that genetic health is not only a medical challenge but also a policy responsibility requiring coordinated action among health authorities, lawmakers, and families. She framed her proposals as a call to action to keep Bahrain at the forefront of compassionate and science-driven healthcare. The MP concluded by reiterating that citizens' health remains a top national priority, and that thoughtful, ethical approaches to genetics must play a central role in shaping the Kingdom's healthcare future.
Al Etihad
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Emirati artist Dana Al Dhaen captures nature's hidden worlds in captivating visuals
26 June 2025 23:04 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Armed with a macro lens, a patient eye, and a vivid imagination, Dana Al Dhaen attempts to uncover often-overlooked microcosms in the natural world that reveal themselves only to those who stop and look closely. Her work 'Imprints of the Invisible' is displayed as part of the 'Cartographies, Revised' group exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat, showcasing the artworks of seven emerging artists from the Photography Studio's four-month Dhaen is an Emirati artist with a bachelor's degree in environmental science and sustainability. From an early age, she has been drawn to the natural world. 'I was that curious kid who is always playing grass and wanting to pet the ants,' she shared in a recent interview with Aletihad. Al Dhaen merges photography with digital art to create captivating visual narratives with fantastical creatures. Her approach involves capturing extreme close-ups of smaller plants or other subtle elements in nature, then overlaying them with imaginative, digitally drawn her art, she taps into pareidolia, a phenomenon in which people perceive meaningful images in random stimuli, like faces in Dhaen views these moments, not as illusions, but as creative catalysts that guide her digital interventions. 'I take a macro photo, then I stay with it. I reflect on it daily for weeks, and slowly, I start seeing these unexpected creatures. I draw them, and until I feel the image is complete and no other creatures are speaking out to me — then I know it's done,' she explained. 'Whatever is happening to me at that moment might influence what I draw.'Though nature has many muses, its quieter members are what grips Al Dhaen's attention. 'The underdogs of nature, in my humble opinion, are plants,' she said. 'Animals make sounds, move and play around. Plants are quiet, but they possess incredible capabilities and resilience. They just don't announce it loudly. You have to look carefully.'This philosophy is echoed throughout Al Dhaen's exhibition layout. Her photographs are grouped in two ways: some are mounted at eye level, while others are placed horizontally on slightly elevated platforms, compelling viewers to intentionally direct their gaze down. The 'Cartographies, Revised' group exhibition runs at Manarat Al Saadiyat from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm, until September 1.
Daily Tribune
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
MP Al Dhaen Hails UK-Bahrain Defence and Investment Deals as Milestone in Global Cooperation
TDT | Manama MP Dr. Maryam Al Dhaen has praised the UK-Bahrain defence and investment agreements signed during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to London on Thursday, describing them as a clear signal of international trust in Bahrain's strategic direction. Dr. Al Dhaen said the agreements underscore Bahrain's rising influence in global diplomacy and security, pointing to the Kingdom's leadership in forging partnerships that strengthen regional stability and long-term economic growth. She highlighted the potential of the new accords to advance cooperation in cybersecurity, defence training, and investment, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Growing Recognition Al Dhaen added that the reception given to Bahrain in London, including support for its UN Security Council bid, reflects the growing confidence in the Kingdom's role as a constructive, stabilising force in the region. She noted that the UK's engagement builds on Bahrain's earlier diplomatic initiatives under the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), broadening the scope of cooperation across defence and development fronts. Al Dhaen also expressed hope that the agreements would serve as a model for future collaborations, inspiring deeper integration among allied nations seeking to address global challenges through shared security frameworks and joint investment strategies.
Daily Tribune
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain is pursuing an integrated diplomatic and field approach to enhance security and civil protection
MP Dr. Mariam Al-Dhaen affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, continues its unwavering approach to resolving crises through dialogue and diplomatic means, in a manner that preserves regional and international security and stability. She noted that this approach is accompanied by integrated field work to ensure national preparedness and enhance the efficiency of the civil protection system. Al-Dhaen commended the advanced measures taken by the esteemed government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhance the level of preparedness and readiness to confront any emergency. She emphasized that His Royal Highness's recent visit to the Operations Room at the Prime Minister's Office and his close follow-up of the procedures and measures taken reflect the leadership's commitment to enhancing security and public safety in light of regional developments. She pointed out that government measures were not spur-of-the-moment, but were preceded by pioneering efforts and initiatives, most notably the launch of the National Civil Protection Platform, a unique project that reflects an advanced security culture combining all institutional and community efforts to create a safe environment and improve the quality of life for all. She also highlighted the "Aware Society" application, which includes unique services and features that enhance individuals' ability to respond and interact with various developments and constitute an advanced awareness and interactive tool in the field of community protection. Al Dhaen added that the Civil Defense Council, chaired by His Excellency Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, plays a pivotal role in strengthening preventive measures, raising the level of preparedness to confront potential risks, and increasing safety rates for all citizens and residents. She also commended the ongoing awareness and training campaigns implemented by Civil Defense across various institutions and agencies, which also included training for members of the Council of Representatives. This confirms that the concept of safety in Bahrain has become a shared responsibility between state institutions and society. Al Dhaen concluded her statement by emphasizing that the Kingdom of Bahrain represents an advanced model in crisis management governance, as clearly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the existence of firm confidence in its ability to confront challenges, achieve stability, and protect the gains achieved under the comprehensive development process.
Daily Tribune
15-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Protect Outdoor Workers
TDT | Manama Delivery, fuel staff left exposed • Workers face direct sun exposure • MP urges expanded labour ban • Risks rise amid summer heat Bahraini Member of Parliament Dr Mariam Al Dhaen has called for urgent action to protect groups of workers who remain exposed to extreme summer temperatures despite existing midday work regulations. She urged authorities to expand the midday work ban to include gas station employees and food delivery riders, citing the severe toll of sun exposure and heat stress on their safety and wellbeing. Although Bahrain enforces a midday outdoor work ban from 12 noon to 4pm during summer, it currently applies only to traditional field workers. Dr Al Dhaen argued that gas station attendants and motorcycle-based delivery staff are just as exposed to harsh conditions, if not more so, yet continue to work through peak heat hours. She said delivery riders, in particular, face not only heatstroke risks but also increased chances of traffic accidents due to heat-induced fatigue and loss of focus. Dr Al Dhaen proposed that delivery operations during the midday ban be limited strictly to air-conditioned vehicles. 'This is a humanitarian and legislative responsibility,' she said, highlighting the urgent need to revise the framework to reflect real-world working conditions. She also called on the Ministry of Labour to step up field inspections and enforcement, warning that non-compliance remains a persistent issue despite existing laws. The MP stressed that protecting workers from the health risks of extreme temperatures is part of Bahrain's broader commitment to human rights and social justice. She called for stronger protective policies that align with international labour standards and reflect the Kingdom's stated values. Al Dhaen's appeal comes amid intensifying heat waves across the region, prompting renewed scrutiny of how well labour policies are keeping up with rising environmental and occupational hazards.
