Driving Community Health: Bristol Myers Squibb, Emirates Thalassemia Society and Dubai Science Park Host the 6th 'Help Save a Life' Blood Donation Drive

Part of Bristol Myers Squibb's Global Patient Week, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to patient care in the UAE

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For patients living with chronic blood disorders, access to safe and reliable blood supplies is fundamental to their care journey. Marking the sixth edition of an impactful partnership, Bristol Myers Squibb proudly collaborated with the Emirates Thalassemia Society and Dubai Science Park, the region's leading science focused hub and part of TECOM Group PJSC, hosted the 'Help Save a Life' blood donation drive, bringing together community members and healthcare professionals to provide vital support for patients who rely on regular blood transfusions.

At its core, the 'Help Save a Life' concept is built on the profound connection between a donor's generosity and a patient's ongoing treatment. For individuals managing chronic blood disorders like thalassemia, routine transfusions are essential lifelines that allow them to live full and active lives. The initiative was created to transform corporate social responsibility into direct and tangible action, mobilizing the wider community to sustain the local blood supply and offer hope to patients navigating these conditions.

Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Emirates Thalassemia Society, said: "Our long-standing partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb highlights the profound impact of collective social responsibility. Blood donors are quiet heroes in our community, playing an indispensable role in the daily lives of individuals and families managing thalassemia. By showing up consistently year after year, our community proves that we can lighten the burden for patients in need. We are proud to join hands once again for this drive, reinforcing our shared dedication to awareness, education, and steadfast patient support."

"Dubai Science Park brings together a vibrant community of healthcare and life sciences organisations and professionals, creating a platform for partnerships that deliver meaningful impact," said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, part of TECOM Group. "Our collaboration with the Emirates Thalassemia Society and Bristol Myers Squibb for the sixth edition of the 'Help Save a Life' blood donation drive reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to health and wellbeing in the UAE."

Commenting on the initiative's success, Mayada Al Ahmad, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb, GCC Countries, said: "At Bristol Myers Squibb, patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we are reminded every day of our responsibility to support them. Marking the sixth year of this blood donation drive during Global Patient Week allowed us to put those values into direct action. A consistent, reliable blood supply is essential to supporting patients living with thalassemia and other blood disorders, ensuring they have access to the care they need when it matters most."

She added: "We are deeply grateful to our partners at the Emirates Thalassemia Society and Dubai Science Park, and to the community members whose generosity helps us deliver tangible support and renewed hope to families across the UAE."

The drive serves as a flagship event for Bristol Myers Squibb's annual Global Patient Week. Every year, the company hosts a week of patient-centered activities where individuals share their lived experiences, reminding teams of the human impact behind their daily work.

Taking place on the eve of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in October, the drive also provides a timely reminder of the constant need for community health initiatives that support patients managing various blood conditions.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Transforming Patients' Lives Through Science
At Bristol Myers Squibb, our mission is to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. We pursue bold science to define what's possible for the future of medicine and the patients we serve. For more information, visit BMS.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Dubai Science Park

Dubai Science Park is the region's leading science-focused hub and one of TECOM Group PJSC's 10 business districts. For more than two decades, Dubai Science Park has fostered innovation and growth in the life sciences, energy, and environmental sciences with a purpose-built ecosystem featuring LEED-certified labs, Grade-A offices, and storage and logistics spaces as well as industry networking events and platforms, including The DSP Leadership Network. Home to over 6,500 professionals, Dubai Science Park continues to enable science innovation and nurture the region's research and development (R&D) landscape, strengthening the knowledge- and innovation-led economy.
For more information, please visit www.dsp.ae. 

About Emirates Thalassemia Society

The Emirates Thalassemia Society is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to reducing the spread of thalassemia in the UAE. Established on October 10, 1997 by families of patients, the Society provides comprehensive medical, social, and financial support to those affected. It also contributes to prevention efforts through health awareness campaigns and premarital screening advocacy. Since 1997, ETS has been a proud member of the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF).