Harefield, United Kingdom, 04 August 2026:Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) and President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), has formally accepted the patronage of the Magdi Yacoub Institute, marking a new chapter in the growing collaboration between Sharjah and this world-leading centre for cardiovascular research.
Bestowed during a visit to the Magdi Yacoub Institute Heart Science Centre in Harefield, United Kingdom, the patronage is rooted in a mutual commitment to advancing scientific discovery, regenerative cardiac medicine and international research collaboration. It also reinforces Sharjah’s growing role in supporting global innovation that delivers tangible benefits for humanity.
Her Highness was received by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, Founder and Director of the Institute, Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London and Chief Scientific Officer of Heart Biotech Holdings. She was accompanied by His Excellency Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of SPARK, and Dr Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK.
Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub formally invited Her Highness to be Patron of the Institute by virtue of her longstanding commitment to advancing knowledge, innovation and scientific collaboration.
The patronage builds on Sharjah’s commitment to advancing regenerative cardiac medicine, through its collaboration with the Magdi Yacoub Institute, together with a USD 2 million investment in the company Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd for the development of the Yacoub Heart Valve programme. The initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose enduring belief that scientific advancement is a powerful force for serving humanity has inspired sustained investment in pioneering research with the potential to transform the treatment of heart valve disease and improve the lives of patients around the world.
During the visit, Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub and researchers from the Magdi Yacoub Institute and Heart Biotech presented an overview of the Institute’s scientific programmes, including a presentation by Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd on the latest progress on the Yacoub Heart Valve and the next phase of its development. Her Highness toured the laboratories, meeting researchers and witnessing first-hand the advances being made in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Discussions focused on expanding research collaboration between the Magdi Yacoub Institute, SPARK, the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah. Both sides explored opportunities to strengthen joint research programmes, facilitate scientific exchange and create new pathways for researchers and students from Sharjah to engage with one of the world’s foremost centres of cardiac science.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said:
“Sharjah has long believed that investing in science is an investment in people. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, we seek partnerships that combine knowledge, innovation and international collaboration to address challenges that affect lives around the world. The Magdi Yacoub Institute exemplifies how scientific excellence can lead to transformative healthcare, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership while creating new opportunities for researchers in Sharjah to contribute to, and benefit from, this remarkable journey of discovery.”
Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub welcomed Her Highness’s acceptance of the patronage and expressed his appreciation for Sharjah’s continued support for this collaboration, noting that this strengthens the Institute’s ability to advance pioneering cardiovascular research, nurture future scientific talent and accelerate the development of life-saving therapies through international collaboration.
The collaboration brings together Sharjah’s research, innovation and higher education ecosystem – including SPARK, the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah – with one of the world’s leading institutions in heart science. It reflects Sharjah’s broader strategy of fostering international scientific collaboration, accelerating research and innovation, and contributing to breakthroughs that improve lives globally.
