Dubai Health

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health and Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), attended the graduation ceremony of MBRU's Class of 2026, held yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The ceremony marked MBRU’s 10th anniversary.

MBRU, the heart of Dubai Health, which enables learning and discovery to advance health for humanity, celebrated 184 graduates from 40 academic programmes across various medical disciplines in its Class of 2026. The graduates represented the College of Medicine, Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, and the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum congratulated the graduates and their families, praising their dedication and commitment throughout their academic journey. He emphasised the important role they will play in shaping the future of healthcare and in advancing the well-being of the communities they serve.

His Highness said: "MBRU’s achievements over the years have been made possible through the steadfast support of our leadership, who have positioned advancing health for humanity as a central pillar of sustainable development. This continued support has also been instrumental in equipping our health system to meet the evolving needs of the future.”

His Highness urged the graduates to remain committed to community service, while upholding the values and responsibilities of their profession. He encouraged them to pursue lifelong learning, strive for continuous professional growth, and play an active role in advancing the future of healthcare.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health and Chairperson of the MBRU Council, said: "Since its establishment 10 years ago, MBRU has been committed to shaping generations of healthcare professionals who combine academic excellence, clinical expertise, and compassion. Today, we are proud to see this vision embodied in our graduates, who are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to healthcare, research, and society.”

Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, delivered the commencement address, highlighting that the UAE’s leadership has long championed the principle that the true value of any achievement lies in its positive impact on people’s lives — a principle embodied every day by healthcare professionals through their service, compassion, and humanity.

Her Excellency noted that this year's graduation holds special significance as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. In just a decade, MBRU has established itself as a centre of excellence in medical education and scientific research, extending its impact far beyond the UAE.

Addressing the graduates, Her Excellency emphasised that the mission of medicine extends beyond treating disease to advancing knowledge and pursuing discoveries that improve people’s lives. She noted that while knowledge opens doors, compassion opens hearts, and that no matter how far science and technology advance, they can never replace the uniquely human qualities of empathy, integrity, listening, and genuine care.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, said: "As we celebrate 10 years since MBRU’s establishment, I extend my sincere appreciation to our leadership for their continued guidance and support, and to Dubai Health’s Board of Directors and everyone who has contributed to its journey, including faculty, professional services staff, researchers, and partners. Over the past decade, these collective efforts have helped establish the university as a cornerstone of our integrated academic health system, where Care, Learning, Discovery, and Giving come together to advance health for humanity.”

On behalf of the graduating Class of 2026, Dr. Mohammed Al Braiki, a graduate of the Doctor of Medicine programme, addressed the ceremony, saying that the graduates began their academic journey in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These exceptional circumstances taught them the importance of adaptability and responsibility, while expanding their knowledge and reinforcing their commitment to serving patients, reflecting Dubai Health’s Patient First promise. 

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the UAE leadership for its continued support, and to MBRU’s administration and faculty for their guidance, encouragement, and vision, which helped students reach this important milestone. He further thanked the families of the graduates for their support and encouragement throughout their journey.

A decade of milestones and achievements
Since its establishment, MBRU has achieved numerous milestones that have strengthened its standing as a leading academic and healthcare institution. 

In 2016, the university inaugurated its College of Medicine, laying the foundation for transformative clinical advancements including the launch of Dubai’s first organ transplant programme. Building on this momentum, in 2018, a medical team from MBRU and Dubai Health’s Al Jalila Children’s Hospital performed Dubai’s first pediatric kidney transplant and conducted the UAE’s first whole genome sequencing, marking a major breakthrough in clinical care and precision medicine.

In 2019, MBRU partnered with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to launch an advanced training programme in medicine and scientific research for astronauts, underscoring the university’s commitment to innovation and future-focused fields. This was followed, in 2020, by the establishment of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, alongside the launch of the Master of Science and Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Programs, expanding opportunities for the education and development of future healthcare professionals.

In 2022, the university celebrated the graduation of the ‘Class of Khalifa’, which included the first graduates from both the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing and Midwifery. In 2025, the College of Nursing and Midwifery was named in honour of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, in recognition of her enduring support for healthcare and education.

To date, MBRU has graduated more than 500 alumni across its academic programmes, with graduates securing residency positions at leading institutions globally, including Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, UMass Chan Medical School, and University of Toronto, among others.

The university has also made a significant contribution to scientific advancement, with more than 2,362 research publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals and the establishment of 10 research centres across diverse medical disciplines. These efforts reflect MBRU’s integrated approach to care, learning, and discovery, translating scientific knowledge into practical impact.

In parallel, MBRU has developed strategic academic and clinical partnerships with leading international institutions, including Queen’s University Belfast and Mediclinic, founded on a shared vision to advance medical education and research.
 

Al Jalila Foundation has announced an AED 10 million Zakat donation from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), reinforcing the Foundation’s efforts to ensure timely access to care while also accelerating learning and discovery programs.

The donation reflects DIB’s commitment to supporting meaningful community initiatives that create lasting impact and elevate quality of life. The donation will further Al Jalila Foundation’s vital role in enabling Dubai Health’s vision to advance health for humanity through the integration of Care, Learning, Discovery, and Giving. 

The donation was announced during a visit by Nawaf Al Rayssi, Head of Community Support Services at DIB, to Dubai Hospital, where he was received by Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Omar Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of Dubai Hospital. The visit included the unveiling of a plaque bearing Dubai Islamic Bank’s logo on The Giving Wall at Dubai Hospital, in recognition of its support for Al Jalila Foundation’s programs and initiatives, and its commitment to advancing community health and well-being.

Nawaf Al Rayssi said: "DIB continues to play a vital role in supporting humanitarian and development-focused initiatives that enhance quality of life for various societal segments. In line with this commitment and social responsibility, DIB directs its Zakat Funds to eligible beneficiaries through initiatives that create meaningful and lasting outcomes. Our ongoing partnership with Al Jalila Foundation reflects that commitment, helping expand access to care, strengthen wellbeing, and support medical progress for those who need it most across the UAE."

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni said: "Philanthropy is a fundamental pillar in supporting the healthcare sector and ensuring its sustainability. It also reflects the deeply rooted values of solidarity that define the UAE community and help facilitate access to care. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dubai Islamic Bank for its generous donation, which supports the Foundation’s mission, and advances quality of life.”

Dr. Omar Al Marzouqi said: "This contribution from Dubai Islamic Bank will further enhance Dubai Hospital’s ability to deliver advanced, patient-centered care guided by leading international standards and best clinical practices. It will also support the continued development of our facilities and services, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of the community, elevate the quality of care, and improve patient experience."

Commitment to Making a Difference 
Through its programs and initiatives, Al Jalila Foundation continues to transform lives by supporting patient treatment, learning, and discovery, while providing sustainable channels for giving that enable individuals and institutions to make a meaningful difference and reinforce a culture of social responsibility and community contribution across the UAE.
 

Dubai Health reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the nursing profession through initiatives focused on academic qualification, professional development, talent attraction, and creating an environment that promotes learning and discovery, recognizing nurses as a key pillar in advancing healthcare. 

This was highlighted during a ceremony organized by Dubai Health to celebrate its nursing workforce on International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12. The event recognized the dedication of nurses and their contribution to delivering compassionate care. 

Held at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer and Provost of MBRU.

Continuous growth 

The nursing workforce at Dubai Health has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with the total number of nurses reaching 4,436. The number of Emirati nurses has reached 130 as of this year, marking more than 200% increase compared to 2021.  

Efforts continue to attract and empower Emirati nursing professionals in line with the highest international professional standards, supporting their readiness and contributing to the continued progress of the healthcare sector.  

Frontline caregivers 

H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We appreciate the dedication of our nursing teams at Dubai Health, who represent the first line of care in the healthcare sector, and their vital role in advancing health for humanity and upholding our Patient First promise.” 

He added: “We remain committed to empowering our nursing workforce through a supportive environment that fosters professional development and continuous learning. We also continue to nurture national talent, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global healthcare hub.” 

Development Programs and Initiatives 

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, said: “At MBRU’s Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery, we continue to develop specialized programs and initiatives that encourage Emiratis to pursue the nursing profession, in line with broader efforts to strengthen the role of national talent within the healthcare sector.” 

She explained that student enrollment in nursing programs at the college has increased by 125% since 2020, with Emiratis accounting for 43% of enrolled students. The college offers full and partial scholarships for Emirati students, alongside awareness programs and field visits for secondary school students to introduce them to the nursing profession. The college also organizes open days and clinical simulation experiences that help foster students’ interest in this vital field. 

Recognition 

During the ceremony, 11 recipients of the international DAISY Award were honored in recognition of their dedication and contributions to patient care. Additionally, 25 newly graduated nurses from the second cohort of the Transition to Practice Program were celebrated. The program supports newly graduated nurses joining Dubai Health hospitals and centers by helping them transition into clinical practice with greater confidence.