Multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the brain and nerves, is becoming more common in the United Arab Emirates. Scientists reviewed what they know about why this is happening. They found that both genes you inherit from your parents and things in your environment—like not getting enough vitamin D, smoking, poor eating habits, and not exercising—may be playing a role. This research helps doctors and scientists understand the disease better in this region and could lead to better ways to prevent and treat it.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Why multiple sclerosis cases are increasing in the United Arab Emirates and what factors might be causing it
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research, not a study with human participants. Scientists looked at published studies and medical knowledge about MS in the UAE region
  • Key finding: Multiple sclerosis rates in the UAE are going up, likely because of a combination of genes people inherit and environmental factors like vitamin D deficiency, smoking, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise
  • What it means for you: If you live in the UAE or a similar region, paying attention to modifiable factors like vitamin D levels, diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking may help reduce your risk. However, this is a review of existing knowledge, not proof that these changes prevent MS

The Research Details

This research is a review, which means scientists gathered and analyzed information from many existing studies and medical knowledge about multiple sclerosis in the UAE. Instead of doing their own experiment with patients, they looked at what other researchers have already discovered and organized it to see patterns and connections. They examined both genetic factors (things passed down from parents) and environmental factors (things in your surroundings and lifestyle) that might explain why MS is becoming more common in this region. This type of review helps create a big-picture understanding of a health problem.

A review like this is important because it brings together scattered information into one clear picture. The UAE hasn’t been studied as much as other regions for MS, so this review helps fill that gap. By understanding what factors are involved, doctors can better help patients and researchers can focus on the most important areas to study next.

This is a review article, which means it summarizes existing knowledge rather than presenting new experimental data. The strength of the conclusions depends on the quality of studies it reviewed. The authors note that very little research has been done specifically on MS in the UAE, so some conclusions are based on general knowledge that may or may not apply perfectly to this population. Readers should understand this is a framework for understanding the problem, not definitive proof.

What the Results Show

The research identified that multiple sclerosis is becoming more common in the UAE, classified as a medium-to-high-risk area. The main finding is that this increase is likely caused by a combination of two types of factors working together: genetic factors and environmental factors. On the genetic side, certain variations in genes called HLA and non-HLA genes appear to make some people more likely to develop MS. These are genes people inherit from their parents and cannot change. On the environmental side, the review identified several factors that are common in the UAE population that may increase MS risk: very low vitamin D levels (because of limited sun exposure or dietary factors), high rates of smoking, unhealthy eating patterns, and people not getting enough physical activity.

The review emphasizes that genes and environment work together—having a genetic risk doesn’t mean someone will definitely get MS, and environmental factors alone don’t cause it. Instead, it’s the combination that matters. The research suggests that environmental factors may actually turn on or turn off certain genes, affecting how the immune system works. This is important because it means some risk factors can potentially be changed, even if genetic risk cannot.

This research fits with what scientists have learned about MS in other parts of the world. Multiple sclerosis is known to be more common in some regions than others, and both genetics and environment have been shown to play roles globally. However, the UAE has unique characteristics—it’s a hot climate with high sun exposure but also high rates of vitamin D deficiency, which is unusual. This review helps explain why MS patterns in the UAE might be different from other regions.

The biggest limitation is that very little research has been done specifically on MS in the UAE, so the review is partly based on general knowledge that may not perfectly apply to this population. This is a review of existing knowledge, not new research with patients, so it cannot prove that specific factors cause MS—it can only suggest connections. The review doesn’t provide exact numbers or statistics about how much each factor contributes to MS risk. Additionally, some factors mentioned (like specific dietary patterns) may need more research to confirm their role in MS development.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, people in the UAE might consider: getting vitamin D levels checked and supplementing if needed (moderate confidence), avoiding smoking (high confidence based on general MS research), eating a healthier diet with more fruits and vegetables (moderate confidence), and getting regular physical activity (moderate confidence). These are general health recommendations that may help reduce MS risk, though this review cannot guarantee they prevent the disease.

This research is most relevant to people living in the UAE or similar regions with comparable climates and populations. It’s also important for doctors and health officials in the UAE who want to understand and address MS in their communities. People with a family history of MS in this region should be particularly interested. However, people in other parts of the world may find some information useful, though their specific risk factors might be different.

If someone makes lifestyle changes based on these findings, it would likely take months to years to see potential benefits. Vitamin D levels can improve within weeks of supplementation, but the effect on MS risk would take much longer to measure. This is a long-term health strategy, not something that produces quick results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly vitamin D intake through food and supplements, aiming for recommended daily amounts. Also monitor weekly exercise minutes (goal: 150 minutes) and daily smoking status (if applicable).
  • Set a reminder to check vitamin D levels annually and track sun exposure patterns. Create a weekly exercise goal and log dietary choices, particularly noting servings of fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. If a smoker, use the app to track quit-smoking progress.
  • Monthly review of vitamin D supplementation compliance, quarterly assessment of exercise consistency, and ongoing tracking of dietary patterns. Users should also note any new symptoms or health changes and share this data with their healthcare provider during regular check-ups.

This review summarizes existing research about multiple sclerosis risk factors in the UAE and should not be considered medical advice. The findings suggest associations between certain factors and MS risk but do not prove causation. If you have concerns about multiple sclerosis, a family history of MS, or symptoms like vision problems, numbness, or fatigue, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Any lifestyle changes should be discussed with your doctor before implementation, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. This information is for educational purposes only.