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Dubai Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the non-profit research and development organization Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) at World Health Expo Dubai (WHX).

The agreement 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, and Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), in the presence of His Excellency Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, and Thi Hanh Cao, Director of External Relations at DNDi.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in medical education, research, and clinical training, with a shared goal of improving health outcomes for underserved populations affected by neglected infectious diseases. It brings together DNDi’s global expertise in needs‑driven drug discovery and development and Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system to support research and capacity‑building across priority global health areas.

Under the agreement, students from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health will take part in DNDi‑led programs, including fieldwork and clinical research activities in Africa and Asia. These programs provide hands‑on exposure to patients affected by neglected diseases and to the full spectrum of drug discovery, development and public health delivery. DNDi experts will also contribute to MBRU academic programs, supporting two‑way academic and professional exchange.

The collaboration will begin with joint research scoping to identify priority projects. It will involve active faculty engagement through guest lectures, curriculum development, student co‑supervision, joint grant applications, and collaborative research publications.

The partnership will also encompass collaboration in drug discovery, clinical trials, regulatory science, and public health policy, with a particular focus on viral diseases, pandemic preparedness, and fungal infections. In addition, it will support joint initiatives in the application of artificial intelligence to health research, as well as the co‑organization of scientific conferences and workshops and the dissemination of knowledge on key global health challenges.

Dr. Luis Pizarro, said: “Neglected diseases disproportionately affect the world’s most vulnerable populations and are often overlooked by traditional research models. Through this partnership with Dubai Health, we aim to advance scientific progress while helping train the next generation of global health leaders to deliver more equitable health solutions.”

Dr. Hanan AlSuwaidi, said: “This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in how we prepare our students and researchers to engage with the world’s most pressing and complex health challenges. By partnering with DNDi, we are giving our learners direct access to real-world drug development, clinical research, and global health practice. It reflects our commitment to advancing health for humanity by ensuring that care, learning, discovery, and giving are driven by purpose and real-world impact.”

Dubai Health announced its participation in World Health Expo Dubai 2026 (WHX), where it will highlight the power of integrating care, learning, discovery, and giving to advance health for humanity. 

Through its participation, Dubai Health will demonstrate its evolution as an integrated academic health system, alongside the role of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, in developing talent and advancing medical education and scientific research. Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, will highlight the role of philanthropy in supporting healthcare.

At the stand, Dubai Health will offer immersive experiences for participants, featuring expert-led discussions and presentations on healthcare innovation, patient safety, digital transformation, and organ donation, among other topics, alongside a selection of research and clinical studies.

Organized by Informa Markets, WHX Dubai 2026 is a leading global platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in healthcare. The exhibition will take place from 9 to 12 February at Expo City Dubai, bringing together more than 4,800 exhibitors from over 180 countries, as well as international experts and thought leaders from across the sector.

Expanding Strategic Partnerships
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, said: “WHX Dubai 2026 provides a platform for Dubai Health to demonstrate the power of integration, bringing together care, learning, discovery, and giving. The exhibition also offers an opportunity to share global best practices in healthcare, with the participation of Dubai Health scientists and experts, while enabling dialogue and knowledge exchange with leading healthcare leaders from around the world.”
She noted that, during the exhibition, Dubai Health will expand its strategic partnerships with academic, research, and international partners through the signing of several memoranda of understanding. She added that Dubai Health will also highlight its academic and clinical partnerships, along with key international accreditations that reflect its commitment to meeting the highest global standards.

Reimagining the Patient Experience
Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operations Officer at Dubai Health, said: “Our participation in WHX Dubai 2026 highlights Dubai Health’s power of integration and its role in elevating the patient experience. This includes initiatives designed to improve access to care, alongside programs that encourage community involvement in shaping healthcare services and future development plans.”
He added: “As part of our commitment to social responsibility, a blood donation bus will be stationed at the exhibition throughout the event, offering visitors and participants the opportunity to donate blood and contribute to the wider community.”
Gala Dinner
Alongside the exhibition, Dubai Health Authority will host a private gala dinner in partnership with Dubai Health and Informa Markets, celebrating the Year of Family 2026 and recognizing the essential role families play in supporting healthcare professionals throughout their professional journeys.

The Board of Directors of Dubai Health convened its first meeting of the year, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.

The Board reviewed progress across Dubai’s integrated academic health system and discussed key strategic projects and future initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare excellence.

Held at the Dubai Health headquarters, the meeting was also attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Professor Sir Ian Andrew Greer, His Excellency Walid Saeed Al Awadhi, His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, Dr. Amer Sharif, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum welcomed the Board members, noting their role in advancing Dubai’s health system and supporting the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to create a sustainable human-centered system. His Highness commended the achievements of Dubai Health teams and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in driving progress that advances the quality of care and life for the community.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed Dubai’s global position in healthcare, noting its continued progress in developing a system driven by knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence, and highlighting the role of Dubai Health as an integrated academic health system that brings together care, learning, discovery and giving to advance health for humanity.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, attended the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Dubai Health Leadership Academy’s flagship Systems Leadership Program.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Program celebrated the graduation of 40 graduates during a ceremony held at the Museum of The Future.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum congratulated the graduates, highlighting the importance of investing in leadership capabilities that can contribute to the development of the healthcare sector. “Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai is advancing the future of healthcare by developing leaders who can navigate rapid change and transform it into meaningful opportunities for growth and innovation,” he said. “I congratulate all the graduates whose leadership will shape the future of health in Dubai and advance the quality of care and life for our community,” His Highness added.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said “We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of the Dubai Health Leadership Academy’s Systems Leadership Program, delivered in partnership with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. Building future-ready leaders remains central to our journey toward a sustainable health system, one built on knowledge, innovation and care, and informed by leading global practices.”

The ceremony was also attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of the 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; members of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; as well as Dr. Eleanor Murray, Academic Director and Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Oxford Saïd Business School, and Dr. Mark O’Brien, Program Director of the Systems Leadership Program and Associate Fellow at Oxford Saïd Business School.

His Excellency, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, said: "The Systems Leadership Program stands as a powerful catalyst for transformation across our health system. It develops leaders who can navigate complexity, think holistically across the continuum of care, and champion the values at the heart of Dubai’s health sector. By strengthening the foundations of a resilient, people centered health system, we ensure excellence for our community today, while shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for our city and beyond."

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, said: “This program was founded on the powerful idea that leadership in health must reflect the complexity and compassion of the system we serve. The Dubai Health Leadership Academy was designed with an ambitious purpose, to prepare leaders for a health system as dynamic as Dubai. Today our graduates are ready to carry that purpose forward.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their support of the program, noting that the knowledge and experience gained by the graduates will be applied across the Dubai Health system.

He also thanked the program partners; Emirates, Dubai Airports, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, in recognition of their valuable contributions which elevated the program’s impact and continue to inspire Dubai Health’s transformation journey.

Commenting on the program, Dr. Eleanor Murray, said: “Witnessing this cohort reach graduation has been especially meaningful. The Systems Leadership Program brought together distinguished faculty and global experts who fostered thoughtful dialogue, encouraged reflection, and enriched participants’ understanding of leadership within complex health systems. Their Certificate of Completion, jointly endorsed by Dubai Health and Saïd Business School, formally recognises the comprehensive learning journey they have undertaken and the commitment they have shown throughout the program.”

Dr. Mark O’Brien said: “This graduation represents an important milestone for Dubai Health and Oxford Saïd Business School, reflecting a shared commitment to developing leaders who can drive transformation. Their progress throughout the program has been remarkable, and the capabilities they have developed will support Dubai’s continued pursuit of excellence and innovation for many years ahead.”

The Dubai Health Leadership Academy was launched in September 2024, alongside its inaugural Systems Leadership Program, delivered through a partnership with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, with the aim of cultivating leadership talent capable of contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector. It was designed based on the expertise of academics and specialists from around the world, alongside best practices, and was developed in alignment with the priorities and initiatives of Dubai Health, which served as a cornerstone for learning throughout the duration of the program.

Over 14 months, delivered through four modules, participants applied their learning in practice, supported by personalised executive coaching and insights from experts at Oxford Saïd Business School.

A delegation from the Dubai Sports Council visited Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, to learn about its sports philanthropy initiatives and discuss areas of collaboration. 

The delegation was led by His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and other officials. They were welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer 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. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus; Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, and Shamma Alrafi, Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement Programs at Al Jalila Foundation.

During the visit, His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul learned about Al Jalila Foundation’s sports philanthropy initiatives and met with the Foundation’s “Champions of Hope” team, a group of athletes who leverage sports for humanitarian giving.
To date, the philanthropic sports initiatives have raised AED 15 million through more than 450 community and partner-led activities, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting Al Jalila Foundation’s programs. 
His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, said: “The Dubai Sports Council is committed to supporting all national efforts and charitable initiatives that aim to enhance the wellbeing, health, and active lifestyles of our community. We see this commitment embodied in the ‘Champions of Hope’ initiative, an inspiring model that harnesses the power of sport and the positive influence of athletes to spread values of generosity and compassion across the community.
His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We are honored to welcome His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul and the accompanying delegation, whose visit reflects our commitment to Advancing Health for Humanity.”
He added: “We deeply appreciate the Dubai Sports Council and the athletes, whose dedication and spirit inspire a culture of giving and create a meaningful impact on the community.”

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul met the “Champions of Hope” team, which included several inspiring athletes: Yahya Al Ghassani, UAE National Football Team player and founder of YA10 Academy; Ghani Souleymane, endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder for the T100x100 challenge; Mustafa Kaan Yildiz, swimmer and junior coach at Heroes of Hope; Coach Dan Cordero, endurance cyclist and founder of LifeSpark Cycling; Keisha Pais, open-water swimmer who completed the 15-kilometer Bonifacio Strait swim from Italy to France; Ahmed El-Shennawy, member of the inaugural Team Al Jalila Kilimanjaro charity climb and leader of the Himalayan Charity Challenge; Essam Adams, the founder of “Run 4 A Purpose” running club; and Aarti Shah, an Athlete of Determination and member of Heroes of Hope.
 
The visit also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YA10 Academy, a sports academy founded by professional Emirati footballer Yahya Al Ghassani that supports emerging football talent. 

Yahya Al Ghassani said: “Through this partnership, YA10 Academy and Al Jalila Foundation will unite sports with philanthropy through athlete engagement and community challenges designed to raise awareness and funds for patient care. It embeds a culture of giving into the academy’s calendar, transforming every training session, match, and milestone into an opportunity for fans to support life-changing healthcare programs”.

Shamma Alrafi said: “For over a decade, we have seen how sports can go beyond the game to drive real change. By combining athletic spirit with charitable initiatives, we can support 
patients in need and inspire the community, showing how Dubai leads in using sports as a force for good.”

Dubai Health has announced the launch of 24-hour operations at Al Lusaily Health Center, starting January 1, 2026. The step came in response to feedback from community members during the “Dubai Health Majalis: Voice of the Community” initiative, which provides a platform for residents to engage directly in shaping healthcare services.

This expansion enhances Dubai Health’s network of around-the-clock health centers, improving access to healthcare services and strengthening the overall readiness of the healthcare system.

Dubai Health currently operates 14 ambulatory health centers across the city, providing a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services for all age groups. These centers offer multidisciplinary services, including preventive care, routine screenings, and the management of chronic conditions.

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, said: “The transition to round-the-clock operations at Al Lusaily Health Center forms part of a broader set of initiatives driven by community feedback gathered through the Dubai Health Majalis. This initiative was launched in alignment with the Year of Community 2025 and reflects our commitment to putting community feedback into action while ensuring the continuity and advancement of our healthcare service delivery.”
 

He added: “During the year, Dubai Health organized five community Majalis across different areas of Dubai, including Umm Suqeim, Al Khawaneej, Dubai Club for People of Determination, Al Rashidiya, and Al Lusaily, as part of our ongoing efforts to listen to and engage with the community.”

Dr. Ayesha AlBasti, Chair of Family Medicine at Dubai Health, said: “Operating Al Lusaily Health Center around the clock demonstrates our dedication to expanding accessible primary healthcare for the community, actively addressing the needs of Dubai residents. With this step, Al Lusaily Health Center will join the Nad Al Hamar, Al Barsha, and Dubai Airports medical centers, which also operate around the clock. The center will provide integrated medical care across several specialties, including family medicine and emergency care.”

Dubai Health Majalis

Dubai Health launched the “Dubai Health Majalis: Voice of the Community” initiative in support of the objectives of the Year of Community 2025. These engagements are designed to bring Dubai’s residents and the Dubai Health team together in direct conversation through scheduled gatherings in residential neighborhoods. The initiative encourages community members to share feedback, raise concerns, and offer suggestions, empowering them to play an active role in shaping the future of healthcare and services provided by Dubai Health.