Autoimmune Association - UAE

AIA is the first and most comprehensive association of its kind worldwide, uniquely dedicated to both the health and community aspects of supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases. This dual-focus model positions the United Arab Emirates as a leading pioneer on the global stage.

Vision, Mission and Objectives

Our message

Providing comprehensive support to people with autoimmune diseases in the UAE and raising community awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing care.

Our vision

To be the leading organization supporting people with autoimmune diseases and enabling them to live healthy and active lives.

Our values

1. Integrity and transparency.
2. Justice and equality.
3. Team spirit.
4. Loyalty and belonging.
5. Respect for privacy.

AIA Objectives

The Association operates within two main domains—medical and community—aiming to create a comprehensive and sustainable impact on the health and quality of life of individuals with autoimmune diseases and on the health of the UAE community at large by raising awareness and encouraging early detection.

A. The Medical Domain

  1. Raising public awareness of autoimmune diseases, their types, symptoms, prevention methods, and early detection through workshops, events, programs, and awareness campaigns in coordination with relevant authorities.
  2. Enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to autoimmune disease patients by establishing effective communication channels with relevant entities and participating in conferences, forums, and educational seminars.
  3. Developing a comprehensive system aimed at improving the quality of life for autoimmune disease patients through health initiatives and programs offering enhanced services in coordination with relevant authorities.
  4. Coordinating and collaborating with international organizations to exchange expertise and enhance service quality in the field of autoimmune diseases (subject to ministry approval).
  5. Establishing strategic partnerships with relevant entities to strengthen scientific research, continuing education, and the use of technology in developing healthcare services.

B. The Community Domain

  1. Developing psychological support programs under the supervision of certified professionals and organizing workshops in various fields to help patients, their families, and those close to them cope with the psychological challenges associated with autoimmune diseases, including the following therapies:
    • Music Therapy: Recreational and therapeutic music activities.
    • Reading and Writing Therapy: Activities in reading, writing, and poetry.
    • Qur’an Healing: Group sessions for Qur’an recitation.
    • Counseling Therapy: Psychological, family, and community counseling under the supervision of specialized and trained professionals.
    • Sports and Physical Activity Therapy: Sports activities, marathons, physical exercises, physiotherapy, relaxation, etc.
    • Alternative Medicine, Healthy Nutrition, and Aromatherapy: Supervised by certified experts.
    • Art Therapy: Activities encompassing all art forms (painting, theatre, handicrafts, etc.).
    • Pet Therapy: Interaction with pets to improve psychological and emotional well-being.
    • Community Responsibility Therapy: Community visits and patient outreach inspired by the Prophetic tradition.
    • Skill-Based Therapy: Engaging individuals with unique or academic skills to promote the value of charitable volunteer work.

Autoimmune diseases

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, which involve the immune system attacking the body’s own cells, tissues,
internal organs, or one or more of its organs. Internal organs are treated as enemies, and can affect
the joints, skin, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, vascular, nervous, brain systems, and more. Attacks vary
in severity from patient to patient, and are not contagious at all, as they occur due to a dysfunction of the blood, specifically
white blood cells.

No. Disease Name
1 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
2 Alopecia
3 Psoriasis
4 Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
5 Sjögren’s Syndrome
6 Crohn’s Disease / Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
7 Fibromyalgia
8 Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
9 Behçet disease
10 Graves’ Disease

Logo Meaning

The logo reflects the name of the association in both Arabic and English — Autoimmune Association — emphasizing the organization’s mission to support individuals with autoimmune conditions. The heart symbol represents a continuous pulse and the essence of life, while the integration of the letters “MM” within it subtly refers to the association’s name.

The turquoise blue color symbolizes tranquility, serenity, purity, sophistication, and the ability to convey trust, quality, and optimism. Turquoise is one of the most renowned gemstones associated with positive meanings. In this context, it signifies protection from negative energies, promotes logical and positive thinking, and enhances an optimistic outlook.

Be part of a community that embraces and understands you… Join us at AIA and be our partner in change.

Scroll to Top