Dr. Abdulrahim Sajini Recognized for Pioneering Work in RNA and Skin Stem Cell Research and Contribution to UAE鈥檚 Scientific Landscape听
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Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) Assistant Professor Dr. Abdulrahim Sajini has won the prestigious UK Alumni Award 2025 in the 鈥楽cience and Sustainability鈥� category for the UAE in recognition of his pioneering research in stem cells and RNA.听
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The award was officially presented to Dr. Sajini at a ceremony in Dubai that was attended by His Majesty鈥檚 Ambassador to the UAE Edward Hobart CMG, and Martin Daltry OBE, Director, British Council, UAE. Dr. Sajini鈥檚 work with human induced pluripotent stem cells, RNA modifications, his contributions at Khalifa University, supervising graduate students, his scientific publications, as well as volunteering service were evaluated by the judges.听
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The Science and Sustainability Award鈥痗ategory recognizes alumni from UK institutions who have distinguished themselves through their career and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession. Some of the areas of work covered by this category include climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction.听
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Dr. Sajini said: 鈥淭he UK Alumni Awards recognize outstanding achievements of international UK alumni worldwide and honor international leaders who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their communities, industries, and countries. In my case, I was judged the winner in the Science and Sustainability Category for leveraging the knowledge I gained at the University of Cambridge to impact my research at Khalifa University and the UAE. The UK government award also acknowledges my significant contribution to the UAE’s science landscape, especially in pioneering stem cell research, and for being the first in the country to generate Emirati human-induced pluripotent stem cells.鈥澨�
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Dr. Sajini from the CMHS Biological Sciences department is currently leading his research group to use RNA molecules clinically and commercially. His research themes focus on studying obesity, RNA modifications and鈥痵tem cell biology. More specifically, his research group has produced the UAE’s first Emirati human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in order to study how Emirati genes are causing obesity. His lab is also working on understanding the role of RNA post-transcriptional modifications in stem cell self-renewal and in RNA sorting.听
Dr. Sajini completed both his Post-Doc and PhD at the University of Cambridge. He received his M.S. in Stem Cell Biology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. At Cambridge, he undertook a special entrepreneur program (Accelerate Cambridge) designed by the Judge Business School to transform himself from a biological scientist into a biological entrepreneur. His research at Khalifa University has attracted funding that includes AED 1,000,000 from Abu Dhabi Award for Research Excellence (AARE) 2019, AED 2,058,000 from Khalifa University’s RIG-2023 internal research grant call, and another two Khalifa University’s RIG-2024 internal research grants as Co-PI.听听
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The UK Alumni Awards highlight the impact of graduates from UK higher education institutions, and how they have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries.听
Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
