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In a step that further strengthens Dubai’s global standing in advanced scientific research, a research team at Dubai Health has published a new scientific study in the international medical journal Nature Communications, revealing innovative techniques for the detection and diagnosis of rare diseases using genomic medicine.
The study, titled "Long Read Sequencing Enhances Pathogenic and Novel Variation Discovery in Patients with Rare Diseases," provides a scientific framework to improve the diagnostic accuracy of rare diseases. It demonstrates how advances in clinical genetic testing can increase precision and lead to more effective medical tools, directly supporting the healthcare system and Dubai Health’s Patient First commitment.
Dr. Rasha Buhumaid, Dean of the College of Medicine and Graduate Medical Education at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, said: “This success reflects our commitment to fostering scientific research within Dubai Health and our strategic partnership between academic inquiry and clinical practice. It is a purposeful step toward developing medical practices that enhance wellbeing and elevate the quality of patient care."
She added: “Fatma’s achievement demonstrates the strength of our graduate programs and the vibrant research culture across our academic health system. Through our Master’s and PhD programs in Biomedical Sciences, MBRU is dedicated to preparing research professionals equipped with rigorous scientific thinking and advanced research skills, fostering a discovery-based learning environment that supports sustainable development in healthcare. These research-intensive programs combine rigorous academic training with hands-on experience across Dubai Health’s clinical and research facilities. Students benefit from competitive financial support, including full scholarships for PhD candidates and substantial aid for Master’s students, enabling them to pursue high-impact research.”

Diagnostic Accuracy
Fatma Rabea, Emirati PhD student at MBRU, and spokesperson for the research team, explained that the study plays a key role in enhancing the accuracy of diagnosing rare diseases by using modern techniques to uncover their genetic origins. This approach supports evidence-based treatment decisions and helps elevate the standard of care for these patients, empowering them through precise diagnosis.
Fatma noted that the study analyzed clinical samples, demonstrating that long-read genomic sequencing techniques significantly improved diagnostic accuracy for rare diseases by identifying genetic variants missed by traditional methods. This led to new diagnoses for approximately 10% of the cases studied, providing essential treatments and enhancing wellbeing.
The Hamdan Medical Research Award
The study was honored with the prestigious Arab Award for Research in Healthcare, as part of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences 2025 Medical Awards. This honor recognizes the meaningful contributions MBRU students make in advancing discovery and contributing to globally relevant research. This accolade recognizes the study's substantial scientific contribution to improving diagnostic precision for rare diseases, which directly enhances overall patient care. 
To access the study, visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57695-9.

Dubai Health and Johnson & Johnson MedTech have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a collaborative framework to advance professional education, drive sustainability initiatives, and support digital innovation in healthcare. 

The MoU was signed by Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and Prosun Niyogi, Vice President and General Manager, Surgery Emerging Markets representing Johnson & Johnson MedTech. The signing was attended by Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer at Dubai Health. 

The collaboration is structured around three core pillars. The first focuses on professional education and capacity building through tailored training programs and train-the-trainer initiatives. The second advances sustainable development by expanding recycling programs across selected hospitals. The third supports the implementation of digital ecosystems that enable surgical video capture, secure content sharing, collaborative case planning, and telepresence-enabled remote collaboration and education. 

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi said: “This strategic partnership with Johnson & Johnson MedTech reflects our commitment to healthcare excellence through purpose-driven partnerships. Guided by our vision to advance health for humanity, we are building a framework that will enhance professional education, promote sustainability, and support digital innovation across our integrated academic health system.” 

Dr. Tarek Fathey said: “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing clinical practice across Dubai Health through the integration of advanced digital technologies into surgical environments and clinical education. It enhances precision in medical decision-making, strengthens multidisciplinary team capabilities, and ultimately contributes to improved patient outcomes.” 

Prosun Niyogi said, “Dubai Health's 'Patient First' promise reflects the same principle that guides everything we do at Johnson & Johnson MedTech: putting the needs of patients above all else. This partnership allows us to pioneer new models of professional education, advance sustainable healthcare practices, and connect clinicians through digital innovation- all in service of one goal: removing limitations to a full life and changing the trajectory of health for communities across the UAE and beyond.” 

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to driving meaningful progress in healthcare through knowledge exchange, innovation, and strategic partnership, ultimately supporting better outcomes for patients and communities. 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, launched ‘The Cancer Fund’ of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.

His Highness also unveiled ‘The Giving Wall’ at Dubai Hospital, which bears the names of donors who have supported its treatment programmes, in recognition of their generosity.

The Cancer Fund aims to provide vital support for cancer treatment, helping ease the financial burden on patients and ensuring they can continue their care throughout recovery.

The launch of The Cancer Fund took place during a ceremony hosted by Al Jalila Foundation at Dubai Hospital, where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured partners, donors, and supporters of the hospital’s treatment programmes.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH the Dubai Ruler's Court; Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors, and Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors; His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); and other senior officials.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed stated: “Giving is a deeply rooted value in the UAE instilled by our Founding Fathers and our leadership continues to build on this legacy through initiatives that place people’s health and wellbeing at the heart of national priorities.”

His Highness praised the individuals and institutions whose generosity strengthens community philanthropic efforts, noting that the strong engagement generated by such programmes reflects a shared national commitment to supporting people and enhancing quality of life.

Strategic step
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “The Cancer Fund marks a strategic step towards building a sustainable support system for patients.”

She added: “The Fund also reflects a forward-looking model of collaboration, with community and institutional giving playing a central role in strengthening our healthcare system and expanding its impact on patients’ lives. We believe that sustainable philanthropy is essential to building a more cohesive society, where collective efforts come together to shape a better future for all.”

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Dedicating this year’s Ramadan campaign at Al Jalila Foundation to The Cancer Fund will expand support pathways available to cancer patients. It reflects the role of community giving in helping patients access timely treatment, in line with Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise.”

He added: “The generosity of donors enabled us to provide care to 650 cancer patients over the past year, with contributions exceeding AED43 million through the ‘A’awen’ programme.

Al Jalila Foundation encourages individuals and organisations to support the Ramadan 2026 campaign through its donation channels, emphasising that every contribution makes a difference for patients and their families by helping them access treatment.
 

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, emphasised the importance of partnerships with leading academic health systems driven by scientific research and medical education to advance healthcare, elevate quality of care, strengthen patient safety standards, and build medical talent.
His Highness made these remarks during a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai 2026, with Dr. Omar Lateef, President and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center, one of the world’s leading academic health systems. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, and His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Rush University System for Health is ranked among the leading healthcare systems in the United States for quality, patient experience, and safety. It has received high ratings from patient safety regulators and is recognised for excellence across several medical specialties, including orthopedics, neurology, and cardiology.
One of the world’s leading healthcare exhibitions, WHX Dubai 2026 is taking place from 9 – 12 February at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC).

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Health, represented by Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Emiratization of healthcare professions by supporting Emirati students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across various medical specializations at MBRU.
The MoU marks a significant step forward in a shared commitment to developing national healthcare talent. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, and Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of MBRU.
Under the agreement, Dubai Health Authority will cover the tuition fees of a number of Emirati students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across various medical specializations at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, including programs offered by the Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Asma Al Sharif, Acting CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at DHA, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, during World Health Expo Dubai 2026. 
Dr. Asma Al Sharif said: “The MoU provides significant momentum to our shared efforts to advance the Emiratization of healthcare professions and equip the health sector with highly qualified national talent capable of achieving the strategic goals of Dubai’s health system.”

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi said: “This MoU reflects our commitment, together with Dubai Health Authority, to cultivating highly qualified national medical talent to lead the future of Dubai’s healthcare sector. By empowering Emirati students academically and professionally in vital specializations, including nursing, we strengthen the integration of our academic health system.”
She added: “The program will support students enrolled in the Medicine and Surgery programs, as well as those of the Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery at MBRU, reinforcing essential healthcare career pathways.”
 

Dubai Health has announced that its Ambulatory Health Centers, encompassing primary healthcare centers and outpatient specialized centers, as well as its hospitals have received accreditation from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) during a celebration held at the Dubai Health stand at WHX Dubai.

The event was attended by H.E. Bryony Hilless, Consul General of Australia in Dubai and Northern Emirates; Mr. Mounir Sankary, Deputy Consul General and Trade and Investment Commissioner; H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health, and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health; Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer of Dubai Health; and Dr. Entesar Al Hammadi, Chief of Patient Safety and Quality at Dubai Health.

This achievement reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to implementing the highest global standards in healthcare services through initiatives designed to elevate both patient and employee experience. The ACHSI assessment leveraged results from the Press Ganey Patient Survey Program, alongside the “Dubai Health Majalis: Voice of the Community” initiative, which encouraged active community participation in shaping healthcare services. Feedback was also gathered through the 04 Platform, a unified communications channel that enables customers to submit suggestions, comments, and complaints.

Dr. Amer Sharif said: “Receiving accreditation from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International represents a significant step forward in our efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global healthcare destination. It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, in line with our broader vision to advance health for humanity.”

He added: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our teams, whose efforts continue to strengthen our integrated academic health system, guided by global best practices.”

Dr. Entesar AlHammadi, commented on this achievement saying: “Securing ACHSI accreditation is a key part of Dubai Health’s strategy to pursue international endorsements. It enables us to benchmark our centers against leading global healthcare systems, which supports the continuous advancement of our services, through initiatives that prioritize both patient and employee experience.”

Dr. AlHammadi confirmed that the accreditation encompasses Dubai Health’s Ambulatory Health Centers, including primary healthcare centers and outpatient specialized centers, as well as its hospitals, all of which met comprehensive standards covering patient and employee experience, clinical service quality, education and training, support services, infrastructure, and accessibility for people of determination.

She added: “Our centers are the first in the world to receive this accreditation within an integrated academic health system, demonstrating excellence across clinical care, education, research, and patient safety.”

A History of International Accreditation
The ACHSI accreditation adds to Dubai Health’s Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, reflecting continued alignment with global best practices.
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International is one of the world’s foremost healthcare accreditation bodies. It is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the quality and safety of healthcare services worldwide.