Dubai-based Medical Supplies Company (MSC), is planning to launch the Middle East’s first research centre for stem-cell treatment, with an investment of up to Dh60 million ($16.3 million).

MSC plans to open two specialised medical clinics in the UAE by the end of this year that will treat patients with cord-blood stem cells, according to a report in The National.

The Dubai centre will focus on treatments such as plastic surgery, while the Abu Dhabi centre will conduct major surgery and research into the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, said Shahab al Awadi, chief executive of MSC.

al Awadi said his centres would charge families less than Dh7,000 to store their cord blood for 20 years. The DCBRC charges about Dh9,000 for any family, including those with a history of genetic disorders, to store their child’s cord blood.

Currently there were no healthcare regulations relating to stem-cell research in the UA, said Dr Ali Khalil, the chairman of research at the Khalifa Medical City.

“According to Sharia, stem cells are probably OK if taken from and injected back into the same person,' said al Awadi.

The UAE ministry of health had approved the opening of a clinic in the Dubai Healthcare City by stem-cell expert Dr Haluk Deda.