Bridging Arabian Mendelian and Complex Diseases Necessitates Utilizing Modern Bioinformatics

Since the post genome era nearly two decades ago, genomic sciences had enormously progressed at two interdepen- dent dimensions, the experimental and computational genomics. This was aided by the advanced technical (instrumental) side, combined with sequencing and high density genotyping technolo- gies. Not only mega size data had accumulated as one expects, but this was paralleled with the development of an endless list of computational genomics algorithms that are needed for genome assembly, alignment, variants annotation, imputation, network analysis, that are all together are opening the way for the implementation of a realistic personalized medicine. All these advancements also resulted in the establishment of many genomic databases that represent most of the global citizens across the continents. Unfortunately, the Arabs were underrepresented in these democratized genomic efforts, and left a major gap to be filled. Fortunately, few Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar had begun to embark on the Arabian genomics quest. However much is needed, and that calls for an efficient complementary steps to put the Arabian genetics on the global map of genomics. Furthermore, disease genomics is also needing the appropriate attention. Genomics of complex and non- communicable disorders such as diabetes and cancer, should be a priority, and both of which are heavily dependent on cancer care informatics. The challenge is not little, the tools are many, much of the required resources are publically available, but needing an efficient guidance, at high level, to make the Arabian genomics visible, accessible and transnational, to bring about the Arabian genomic medicine for real. Gaps and opportunities are presented next.