Majid and Lynn Jafar Recognized by UMass Chan Medical School for Pioneering Rare Disease Research and Pediatric Care
UAE Philanthropists Honored for Driving Medical Innovation and Supporting Children with Special Needs
Sharjah, UAE — The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School recently handed out honorary doctorate degrees to Majid Jafar, the CEO of Crescent Petroleum, and his wife, Lynn Barghout Jafar, who co-founded the Loulou Foundation.
They received this honor because of the amazing work they’ve done in pushing forward medical research into rare diseases and supporting children’s health through the High Hopes Therapy Center in the UAE.During the 2025 graduation ceremony, Chancellor Michael Collins presented the awards, praising the Jafars’ dedication to speeding up scientific progress in a field that affects more than 350 million people around the world—mostly children, representing approximately 70% of the population affected. Even though more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, nearly all of them—about 95%—still don’t have approved treatments, which really shows how urgent their work is.
Majid Jafar said the honor reflects how powerful it is when people come together with a clear purpose to tackle unmet medical needs. He also pointed out the UAE’s commitment to innovation in healthcare and reaffirmed their ongoing mission to make a real difference in children’s lives everywhere through research and new therapies.
The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, a top-tier institution in the U.S., recently made a strategic partnership with Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which helps strengthen global ties in medical research. The ceremony also recognized other influential leaders, like Dr. Marcia McNutt, president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Carolyn Clancy from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration.
Lynn Barghout Jafar shared that their journey started when their daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease, which turned into a bigger mission to connect families and researchers all over the world. She talked about how the community committed to transforming rare disease research through science, teamwork, and hope is growing fast. Earlier this year, the Jafars hosted a major Charity Suhoor event that raised AED 50 million for the Al Jalila Foundation’s Child Fund—making it the biggest donor-led fundraiser since the Foundation started.
This event brought together top business and philanthropic leaders to support critical medical research and treatments for kids. Since launching the Loulou Foundation in 2015, the Jafars have supported more than 100 research projects across the globe. Majid Jafar also co-chairs an international campaign for Cambridge Children’s Hospital, is on the advisory board of the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre—which was led by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron—and holds key roles at Harvard Medical School’s Board of Fellows and Discovery Council.
On the professional side, Majid Jafar leads Crescent Petroleum, the oldest private oil and gas company in the Middle East, and also holds important positions at Dana Gas and Crescent Group based in Sharjah. Lynn Barghout Jafar started the High Hopes Pediatric Therapy Center in 2017, providing early intervention services to over 300 children with moderate to complex needs in the UAE.
The center provides specialized therapy in a loving environment, thereby aiding in the growth of children and pursuing their happiness. The UMass Chan Medical School award emphasizes the significant contribution the Jafars make in bridging medical research, philanthropy, and community care that ultimately leads to new opportunities and hope for families dealing with rare diseases.
To read more on Press Releases, head to the link.
