Connecting with hearts and humanity is the motivation behind ‘Voices of the Future.’ When meeting people as authentic, deep, insightful, and purposeful as Dr. Mariam Matar, our conversation can project her voice into the future – and the hearts of many more people.
While she describes herself as a proud Emirati, mother, physician by practice, scientist, and researcher with a special interest in epigenetics and regenerative medicine, that’s an understatement. Her extensive accolades and leadership roles in the United Arab Emirate’s medical and public health sectors underscore her status as a preeminent figure in preventative medicine.
Her mission is to change the lives of every citizen in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and her ultimate goal is to be a Nobel Laureate. She’s well on her way to achieving those aspirations. As a trailblazer in the field of genetic disorder studies, she plays an instrumental role in initiatives such as pre-marital screening and preventive genetic testing. She has been pivotal in creating and implementing several key health legislations in the UAE government.
As extraordinary as her achievements are, so is her story. Dr. Matar describes her life as ‘lucky.’ She explains: “I’m one of nine children, born fifth, the middle – and the lucky one. I believe I’m lucky in everything in my life, and I’m fortunate to be in the golden era of the UAE, and to innovate and pioneer initiatives that impact many lives. Through the challenges, I found great opportunities through which I acquired skills that I could only dream of having.”
Initially aspiring to be a plastic surgeon, Dr. Matar’s career direction changed dramatically at Latifa Hospital’s Genetics and Thalassemia Centre, where the distress of young patients and their parents sparked a profound shift in her focus. She vividly recalls: “I saw the suffering and the guilt in the eyes of those parents. I felt that we, as physicians, need to be the caregivers and angels bringing smiles and happiness to their faces.”
This epiphany propelled her towards a mission to combat thalassemia. Inspired by Cyprus’ success in virtually eliminating the disease, she pursued a strategy that was initially met with sharp skepticism. Undeterred, she led a grassroots initiative that eventually influenced national policy, resulting in the UAE’s mandatory premarital testing law in 2005. Today, a substantial reduction of thalassemia in the UAE’s population has been achieved.
Dr. Matar’s journey further evolved through her participation in the Muhammad Leadership Program, enriching her medical expertise with leadership and strategic skills. “I’m lucky; I am a physician, but I was empowered with the skills of negotiation, leadership, and strategic planning,” she reflects on this transformative experience. Her impact extended beyond thalassemia, with significant contributions to holistic health and wellness. Dr. Matar established wellness centers at Dubai Ladies Club and Dubai Women’s College, focusing on comprehensive health education and services. Her advocacy also championed the inclusion of special needs students in higher education, demonstrating her commitment to empowering all segments of society. One such example was the founding of the UAE Down Syndrome Society, which started with a simple act of kindness and grew into a significant organization.
I believe people make their own luck and shape their own lives. When asking her what sacrifices she made in her life, she corrects me: “The word sacrifice is prohibited in my life; I believe in giving. If you sacrifice, it means you wait for somebody to appreciate that and give something in return. I give my life without waiting for somebody to appreciate or give something back; that way, there are no disappointments, expectations, unhappiness, or disrespect, and only that I may have positively contributed to their lives.” This concept is carried throughout her life.
I always say that our only boundaries are in our minds and imaginations. If we believe and manifest something, we can make it happen. You’re focused, planned, disciplined, and ready to accept the 2033 Nobel Award for Health Medicine. She responds: “I can feel the warmth of it in my hand; it’s not an exaggeration – I am allowed to dream.”
She was deeply influenced by her mother’s encouragement and a life-changing moment at a Nobel Laureate television ceremony. She recounts: “My mother, she asked, ‘When you will win it?’” This simple question from her mother ignited a profound ambition in her: “From that moment, my whole life changed.
Dr. Matar’s journey toward groundbreaking work in genetics and public health began with a determination to achieve what seemed impossible. She understood the magnitude of what it takes to be a Nobel Laureate: “You need to create a very disruptive outcome in terms of a scientific breakthrough.” With this goal in mind, her career took a pivotal turn in 2005 when she was selected to contribute to Dubai’s strategic plan. This role would leverage her expertise in community development, health education, and national identity.
Significant milestones and transformative initiatives mark her career. As Undersecretary for Preventive Medicine, she advocated for expanding the scope to public health, a concept then novel in the UAE. It had a groundbreaking effect in shaping the nation’s health policies.
Under her leadership, significant legislation was enacted, including a ban on smoking in public areas and progressive policies for individuals with HIV and AIDS. She describes this achievement with a sense of pride: “For the first time in the ministry’s history, we conducted a press release to openly discuss the actual statistics regarding those affected by the disease.”
Dr. Matar’s contributions extended beyond policy-making to tangible, impactful actions. She played a crucial role in the establishment of premarital genetic testing laws and infectious disease screening for workers, reflecting her commitment to preventive health measures.
A defining moment in her journey was the recognition she received from Nobel Laureates, validating her efforts and methodology. “They listened to my talk, and then they are here, not one, five of them,” she recounts with a mix of awe and humility. The Nobel Laureates’ endorsement of her work, particularly her approach to genetic screening and community engagement, stands as a testament to her innovative and altruistic vision.
As the conversation delves deeper into her philosophy, I ask about her perspective on trust and its role in the future. Dr. Matar is building a legacy: “Trust can be as a result of legacy. If you have an accumulative credibility within your community, you will earn trust. In the future, trust wholly depends on what we’ve done yesterday.”
Regarding the evolving landscape of technology, such as ChatGPT, is her view of the future optimistic? “I believe they’re fortunate,” she reflects on access to tools like ChatGPT. She views embracing technological advancements as essential to progress. “If ChatGPT wasn’t here, it means humanity’s not developing,” she asserts.
Dr. Matar emphasizes the importance of considering an audience’s readiness and understanding when sharing innovative ideas. She stresses the importance of regional innovation, particularly in the Middle East, in breaking away from simply following Western medical schools, as relying solely on those medical models can limit progress. “We shouldn’t be followers,” she declares.
Addressing the concept of longevity, she observes that many in the field haven’t adequately considered the importance of ethnicities and gender differences in medical research. She calls for more inclusive and diverse research practices. Her concern extends to the use of supplements and treatments without proper understanding of their effects, especially on women’s health in nonEuropean or American communities. Dr. Matar’s commitment to this cause led her to establish an institute for longevity, focusing on safe and ethical guidelines for interventions. She emphasizes the need for tailored approaches based on ethnicity and gender, a perspective often overlooked in current research and clinical trials.
In 2013, sparked by a fascination with microbiota, Dr. Matar delved into the world of microorganisms and their crucial role in our health. “Microbiota is significant in producing neurotransmitters and influencing the gut-brain axis,” she highlights. “If you talk about longevity without doing a test for my microbiome, there is something wrong.”
Sleep emerges as a critical factor in her discussion: “If you don’t have a good night’s sleep, you’ll not be able to function well.” She describes sleep as a time for the brain to communicate with and regulate the body’s organs. She suggests that ensuring a good night’s sleep is critical to aging gracefully and maintaining good health.
She also advises: “Remember to take deep breaths. Also, cherish love in your life. Don’t let a day pass without spending time with someone you love and who loves you back.”
Dr. Matar firmly believes in the power of selfless giving as a means to create a sustainable legacy, transcending the boundaries of life and death. This belief is rooted in the idea that one’s soul continues to exist, making acts of generosity timeless. She holds that not all deeds require recognition or reward. Sharing achievements is valuable, yet she expresses no regret in allowing others to take credit for their accomplishments. “It’s fine, as long as it is executed — that’s what matters,” she says, emphasizing the importance of genuine intentions behind actions.
She attributes her success to a daily renewal of intention (Niyya) in her actions, viewing each as an act of Sadaqa Jariyya — a concept in her religion signifying ongoing charity. This practice of renewing intentions helps her stay grounded amidst praise and recognition from others.
Dr. Matar is on a mission to enhance and enrich the lives of Emiratis – and beyond. Her vision and passion are beacons for the transformative powers of love, compassion, and community for a world of the future.
