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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an NGO operating out of the UAE.

Our mission is to better the lives of people living with MS and their communities in the UAE through education, advocacy and advancing global efforts to finding a cure for MS.

ms awareness

Baseline Survey in the United Arab Emirates.

As we navigate the complexities of healthcare, it is imperative that we shine a light on conditions that often exist in the shadows of misunderstanding and misconception. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

It is a great honor to present the findings of the MS Awareness Baseline Survey in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This comprehensive study, conducted under the auspices of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), sheds light on the landscape of MS awareness, perception, and support systems within our nation.

who we are

About NMSS

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an NGO operating out of the UAE. We are a group of committed local and international experts, medical professionals, strategic advisors, MS ambassadors and volunteers working to ensure that people affected by MS can access high quality care, receive emotional support, and get the guidance that they need through reliable resources.

Let’s help redefine MS in the Emirates.

Building a supportive MS community with individuals from across the UAE is one of our main goals. You don’t have to go through MS on your own!

What We Do.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is working towards creating a supportive ecosystem for the MS community in the UAE.

We do this through promoting educational and wellness programs, working hand in hand with international and regional network of partners advocating for access to better care, supporting and funding cutting edge research in the UAE and globally, and educating the public on earlier diagnosis and providing world-class care.

Our Principles

Five key principles guide our work:

01

Inclusion

02

Equity

03

Partnership

04

Innovation

05

Long-term Impact

Leadership

Governance

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an NGO established under the Ministry of Community Development, and is led by a board of trustees and advised by a Strategic Advisory Committee and a Medical Advisory Committee, consisting of local and international experts, strategic partners, and people living with MS.

Strategy

The society’s Strategic Advisory Board helps to focus impact, raise awareness, and effectively influence a range of stakeholders within the local and global MS communities to act.

Muna Al Harbi

MS advocate and person living with MS

Muna Al Harbi, a leading MS advocate and personal growth coach, was diagnosed with MS in 2015 although her symptoms had started surfacing nearly three years earlier.

Since then, she has worked to inspire others with her fight against Multiple Sclerosis. In 2022, together with Gulf News and international pharma company Novartis, Muna launched an insightful podcast series titled MS Talks to raise awareness and acceptance of the condition and to serve as a resource for people living with MS.

Peer Baneke

CEO of MS International Federation (MISF)

Peer grew up in Amsterdam with a father who had MS. He moved to London and worked for 20 years for human rights globally and refugee protection throughout the European Union.

In 2007, he became Chief Executive Officer of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), and plays an important role at the Executive Committee of the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Cynthia Zagieboylo

President and CEO of US National MS Society

Cyndi Zagieboylo became president and CEO of the US National MS Society in 2011, and has worked tirelessly to cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives.

A passionate advocate of building the MS movement, Cyndi works to amplify the voices of people affected by MS and ensuring people know that the National MS Society is a lifelong partner in their MS journeys. She was educated in the US and graduated from University of Connecticut with a master’s in social psychology.

HE Abdulla Al Humaidan

General Secretary of ZHO

As General Secretary of ZHO, His Excellency aims to provide as many advantages as possible to people of determination in order to integrate them fully into society and ensure their participation in the UAE’s continued sustainable development.

He was educated at HCT Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi School of Management, where he obtained an MBA

HE AbdulRahman Al Owais

Minister of Health and Prevention

His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Owais joined the federal Government in 2006 as Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and has held the position of Minister of Health since 2016, he was also appointed as Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs following the Cabinet reshuffle of October 2017.

He graduated from UAE University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems.

HE Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid

Minister of State

As Minister of Community Development, Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid’s responsibilities include promoting community and family cohesion and encouraging people to participate in the development of the UAE.

Buhumaid holds an MBA with honors from American University of Sharjah, a BSc with honors inBusiness Sciences from Zayed University, and an Executive Diploma in Public Administration from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore.

Our Partners

The National MS Society works with a range of leading healthcare partners, government partners and private companies across the UAE, as well as global partners who share our vision of a world free from MS.

Governmental & Institutional Healthcare Partners

Ministry of Health and Prevention

Dubai Health Authority

Department of Health

Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Harley Street Medical Center

Rashid Hospital

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

Governmental entities

Department of Community Development

Ministry of Community Development

Strategic Partners

Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation

Solutions+

Global MS Partners

MS International Federation

National MS Society (USA)

World MS Day Partners

Community Partners

Cultural Foundation

Dubai International Financial Center

Etisalat by e&

Majid Al Futtaim

NYU Abu Dhabi

Shurooq

The Galleria

Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Archeology

Vox Cinema

Yas Mall

Youth Hub

F&B Community Partners

"dialogue"

Blacksmith Coffee

DRVN

Dice

Notes

Rain

Media Partners

Abu Dhabi Media Office

A Message From Our Vice Chair; Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi.

NMSS advocates for better access to treatment for all people living with MS in the UAE,MENA region and globally. Left untreated, MS is a progressively...