Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In celebration of World Lupus Day, annually marked on May 10, the Autoimmune Association (AIA) organised an awareness workshop in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on Thursday, bringing together a distinguished audience of specialists, media representatives, as well as ministry employees.
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body — skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body, according to the World Lupus Day website.
The annual observance day aims to highlight the importance of raising awareness of lupus and the need for improved patient care and research into its causes and cure.
The workshop was led by Dr. Eman Al-Hashmi, Founder and President of the Board of Directors of the AIA, who presented an in-depth session exploring the nature of autoimmune diseases, their most common types, and the critical importance of early detection and innovative treatment strategies.
She also addressed key contributing factors such as genetic and environmental triggers, the role of lifestyle and nutrition, and the psychological and social impact on patients.
The event was medically and scientifically supervised by Dr. Atheer Al-Ansari, AIA’s Chief Medical Consultant, who facilitated specialised discussions and enriched the audience’s understanding of comprehensive patient care strategies.
In a related initiative, Dr. Al-Hashmi also conducted a public awareness session during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, in partnership with The Sea of Culture Foundation.
The workshop attracted strong community engagement, reflecting the growing public interest in autoimmune health and affirming the association’s mission to bridge the gap between medicine and society, while enhancing quality of life across the UAE.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Al-Hashmi explained how raising awareness about lupus supports the broader mission of the AIA.
"Raising awareness about lupus helps shine a light on the wider group of autoimmune diseases that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. It’s not just about one disease — it is about changing how people view invisible illnesses, and that’s at the core of AIA’s mission.”
“With this workshop, I hope we could break down the fear and confusion around autoimmune conditions, and help people recognise symptoms early. Early detection can make a huge difference in someone’s quality of life.”
Dr. Al-Hashmi noted that community outreach allows stakeholders to meet people where they are — it turns medical knowledge into something personal and accessible.
“Collaborating with partners like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment amplifies that message and builds trust across different sectors of society.”
