Professor at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Habiba Alsafar has been awarded the rank of Knight in the Order of Leopold of Belgium, marking the first time a scientist from the United Arab Emirates has received this distinction. The knighthood was presented by Antoine Delcourt, Ambassador of Belgium to the UAE, acting on behalf of King Philippe of Belgium. The decoration acknowledges Alsafar’s contributions to biomedical research and her efforts in fostering scientific cooperation between the UAE and Belgium — most notably through the collaborative programme known as Biomedical Science Discovery.
Ambassador Delcourt described the Order of Leopold as Belgium’s oldest order of knighthood, reserved for individuals who have offered exceptional service through leadership, achievement and public good. By awarding the honour to Alsafar, he recognised her “brilliant career — as well as integrity, perseverance and responsibility,” and said the award symbolised the trust and partnership between the two countries. Khalifa University’s president, Ebrahim Al Hajri, said the recognition represented a milestone for the UAE’s scientific community and illustrated the nation’s growing role as a hub for biomedical discovery.
Alsafar, who serves as Dean of the university’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences and heads its Biotechnology Centre, has built a research record centred on genetic studies, with a particular emphasis on uncovering genetic risk factors for diabetes among indigenous populations. Her academic credentials include a PhD in medical and forensic science from the University of Western Australia, a Master’s degree from University of Liverpool, and a BSc from San Diego State University. Before entering academia, she served as a forensic expert for Dubai Police. Her career has garnered previous recognition including a fellowship from L'Oréal‑UNESCO for Women in Science.
The BISDI programme, under which much of Alsafar’s collaborative work is conducted, seeks to deepen biomedical research ties between the UAE and Belgium, emphasising genomics, immunotherapy and precision medicine. The joint effort includes a PhD initiative that offers students training across both countries. Belgian and Emirati scientists involved in BISDI focus on developing therapeutic strategies for conditions such as diabetes and cancer, using advanced genomic and immunological technologies. The award thus underscores the cross-border nature of modern scientific research and the value of international cooperation in advancing healthcare outcomes.
Alsafar accepted the honour with humility, describing it as a recognition not only of her individual journey, but also of the collective efforts of researchers, clinicians and students who contributed to the vision of building a robust biomedical ecosystem. She highlighted that the knighthood reflects the maturity of the UAE’s scientific institutions and their emerging status on the global research stage.
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