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- Mansoor bin Mohammed congratulates Al Jalila Children’s Hospital for No. 1 regional ranking in Newsweek’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026 list

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, met with a team representing Al Jalila Children’s Hospital to celebrate its achievement after it was named the top-ranked paediatric hospital in the Middle East, according to Newsweek’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of Dubai Health in the presence of members of the Dubai Health Board of Directors including His Excellency Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Shaibani, His Excellency Walid Saeed Al Awadhi, His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, Dr. Amer Sharif, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi. Also in attendance were Dr. Abdullah Al Khayat, CEO Emeritus of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital; Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Women and Children’s Health Campus; and Dr. Ibrar Majeed, Chair of Paediatrics, along with several department directors, consultants, and heads of paediatric specialties. 

His Highness, together with members of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, reviewed the rankings issued by Newsweek’s Best Specialized Hospitals Middle East 2026. In addition to Al Jalila Children’s Hospital being recognised as the top specialised paediatric hospital, Rashid Hospital was ranked third in Orthopaedics in the Middle East.
His Highness stated: “This achievement reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for advanced healthcare and the strength of our system in providing exceptional outcomes. We commend the dedication of all teams across Dubai Health for their role in advancing health for humanity.”

The Newsweek rankings are based on a rigorous methodology developed with Statista, incorporating patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction scores, peer recommendations, and international accreditations, making them a trusted benchmark for healthcare excellence worldwide.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, expressed gratitude for the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and members of the Dubai Health Board of Directors for their continued support to strengthen Dubai’s leading position in healthcare. “We are proud to see Al Jalila Children’s Hospital recognised as the region’s leader in paediatric care. This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of our teams to deliver care aligned with global standards,” he said.

Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for meeting with the Al Jalila Children’s team and inspiring our continued pursuit of excellence.

“We deeply value the feedback from our patients, which played a pivotal role in achieving this prestigious ranking. It reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering a comprehensive and world-class model of paediatric care across all specialties.”

55 participants received accredited certificates and completed 35.5 hours of training

Dubai- UAE, 00 November 2025:

Dubai Health organized a specialized training program, Essential Skills in Organ Donation, to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals involved in organ donation and transplantation, ensuring alignment with global medical standards.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Health Authority, participants earned a professional certificate from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, in addition to 35.5 credit hours in continuing medical education (CME) accredited by the Dubai Health Authority. A total of 55 physicians, nurses, technicians, and organ donation coordinators from across the UAE took part in the program.

The two-day program, held at MBRU, was attended by His Excellency Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center; His Excellency Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the UAE National Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation;  Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues; Dr. Hanan Obaid, Director of Health Policies and Standards Department at the Dubai Health Authority.

Representing Dubai Health at the program’s launch ceremony were His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU; Dr. Hanan AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU; Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer of Dubai Health; Nujood Al Khloofi, Senior Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation Program at Dubai Health; and Rasha Buhumaid, Dean of Graduate Medical Education and the College of Medicine at MBRU.

H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif said: “Dubai Health is committed to supporting organ donation and transplantation in the UAE. This includes advancing the professional development of our healthcare professionals within our integrated academic health system, and contributing towards national efforts that enhance services in this area.”

He added, “We are grateful to contribute towards impactful programs that promote the culture of organ donation as a noble humanitarian act that saves lives. Working alongside our partners strengthens our collective efforts, and we look forward to continuing these efforts that support progress in this field of healthcare.”

Specialized Program

The specialized program took place at MBRU’s Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Medical Simulation Center, where participants engaged in realistic scenarios that reflected real-life situations. The hands-on approach allowed them to practice their roles, strengthening their readiness and improving their skills in managing organ donation cases with confidence and professionalism.

The program also included a series of theoretical sessions and practical workshops that provided comprehensive training on the essentials of human organ donation, aligned with the latest global practices in the field.

The training program was presented by specialists in critical care from the National Center for Organ Donation and Transplantation, Emirates Health Services, The Ministry of Presidential Affairs Medical Office, SEHA- Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Health. It primarily targeted licensed healthcare practitioners, including physicians, nurses, and allied health technicians, particularly those working in intensive care, emergency medicine, neurology, and internal medicine.

The program, the first-of-its-kind in the UAE within an integrated academic health system, aligns with the Dubai Health Authority’s mandate to train 70% of intensive care and relevant teams in essential organ donation skills.

Inspiring stories

Two families with inspiring experiences in organ donation shared their stories with the participants. Emirati father, Hamdan Al Mulla, spoke about donating his kidney to save the life of his nine-year-old son, Rashid. The surgery performed at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, has allowed his son to regain his health and improve his quality of life.
 A French resident, Nathalie Groll, also recounted her humanitarian experience, describing her decision to donate the organs of her deceased son, Vego, which helped save the lives of five people.

Ongoing efforts

Dubai Health continues to lead organ donation efforts across the UAE, where it has successfully facilitated more than 280 transplant procedures across its facilities, all made possible by the generous support of more than 90 donor families. The organization remains committed to supporting the goals of the UAE’s National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, Hayat, by providing specialised care programs, advancing scientific research, and assisting patients who are unable to afford treatment costs. These efforts have contributed significantly to promoting a culture of organ donation and raising community awareness surrounding its profound humanitarian impact.

In recognition of World Children's Day, Boston Children's Hospital, one of the world's leading pediatric academic health centers, and Dubai Health have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reflecting their shared commitment to elevating children’s health and supporting patient care through clinical excellence, education, research, and philanthropy.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Ryan Nagy, MD, MBA, President and Chief Operating Officer of Boston Children's Hospital, and Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children's Campus, which includes Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Latifa Hospital, and the Dubai Fertility Centre. The agreement establishes a collaborative framework that will guide joint efforts to strengthen pediatric services across Dubai Health's network.

The Boston Children’s Hospital delegation included Dr. Ryan Nagy, MD, MBA,  President and Chief Operating Officer, Christopher R. Viney, JD, Executive Vice President, System General Counsel; John G. Meara, MD, DMD, MBA, Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Diala Atassi, MBA, Vice President- Global Alliances; Michelle Niescierenko MD, MPH, Director Global Health Program.

The delegation was received by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, as well as Dr. Hanan AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer; Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children's Campus, and Atif Albraiki, Chief Digital and AI Officer.

Dr. Ryan Nagy, MD, MBA, Boston Children's Hospital President and Chief Operating Officer, said, "Boston Children's Hospital is proud to join forces with Dubai Health in a shared commitment to support pediatric care, education, and research. Together, we are committed to supporting the health system's mission to deliver exceptional outcomes for children and families in the region."

Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children's Campus, said: "We are grateful for this partnership with Boston Children's Hospital, a globally recognized leader in pediatric care and treatment. This collaboration strengthens key initiatives across our integrated academic health system by enhancing the quality of care for children, expanding training for clinicians and students, advancing research and innovation, and reinforcing our commitment to giving through meaningful programs. We look forward to working together to improve pediatric health, deliver better outcomes for children and their families across the region, and further our vision to advance health for humanity."

The visit also provided the Boston Children's Hospital delegation with an opportunity to learn more about Dubai Health's integrated academic health system and to explore potential future collaborations across clinical services, education, research, and philanthropy. Both organizations affirmed their commitment to building a long-term partnership that supports the advancement of pediatric healthcare in Dubai and contributes to the broader global effort to improve outcomes for children everywhere.

Dubai Health participated in Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity 2025 with three projects that demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can advance healthcare, through the integration of research, and technology.

The exhibition, held from 17 to 20 November on the sidelines of the Dubai Future Forum 2025 at Emirates Towers, features 100 student projects tailored to real-world needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yacine Hadjiat, Director of The Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health, said: “As this marks Dubai Health’s second year participating in Prototypes for Humanity, our presence at the 2025 exhibition reflects Dubai Health’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative health solutions that contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals and communities. The three projects we are showcasing this year are the result of direct collaboration between students, researchers, and experts, as they integrate scientific research, technology, and innovative design to reshape the future of healthcare.”

He added: “Through our participation, we are reinforcing our commitment to developing innovative solutions that shape the future of health. The Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health embodies this vision by bringing together clinicians, scientists, learners, and innovators to transform bold ideas into real-world solutions that enhance patient care, drive medical innovation, and advance health for humanity, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in the health sector.

Among the featured projects is Wasl, a student-led initiative from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, that explores how a mobile application can proactively support mental health.

Two additional projects are presented under the Professors Program, a newly introduced initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic research and its implementation to drive meaningful change. The first, PainDetect, a 2024 RDI Grant recipient, utilizes artificial intelligence and wearable technology to develop new methods for assessing and quantifying pain in real time, offering insights that could reshape how healthcare professionals understand and manage pain.

The second project, Design4Change: Sustainability in Healthcare, builds upon an international initiative from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) that utilizes cross-cultural collaboration and design thinking to enhance health outcomes and promote environmental sustainability.  Since 2023, this cross-sector alliance has connected more than 350 students from 13 universities across eight countries to co-create innovative solutions.

Dubai Health participated in Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity 2025 with three projects that demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can advance healthcare, through the integration of research, and technology.

The exhibition, held from 17 to 20 November on the sidelines of the Dubai Future Forum 2025 at Emirates Towers, features 100 student projects tailored to real-world needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yacine Hadjiat, Director of The Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health, said: “As this marks Dubai Health’s second year participating in Prototypes for Humanity, our presence at the 2025 exhibition reflects Dubai Health’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative health solutions that contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals and communities. The three projects we are showcasing this year are the result of direct collaboration between students, researchers, and experts, as they integrate scientific research, technology, and innovative design to reshape the future of healthcare.”

He added: “Through our participation, we are reinforcing our commitment to developing innovative solutions that shape the future of health. The Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health embodies this vision by bringing together clinicians, scientists, learners, and innovators to transform bold ideas into real-world solutions that enhance patient care, drive medical innovation, and advance health for humanity, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in the health sector.

Among the featured projects is Wasl, a student-led initiative from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, that explores how a mobile application can proactively support mental health. 
Two additional projects are presented under the Professors Program, a newly introduced initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic research and its implementation to drive meaningful change. The first, PainDetect, a 2024 RDI Grant recipient, utilizes artificial intelligence and wearable technology to develop new methods for assessing and quantifying pain in real time, offering insights that could reshape how healthcare professionals understand and manage pain. 
The second project, Design4Change: Sustainability in Healthcare, builds upon an international initiative from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) that utilizes cross-cultural collaboration and design thinking to enhance health outcomes and promote environmental sustainability.  Since 2023, this cross-sector alliance has connected more than 350 students from 13 universities across eight countries to co-create innovative solutions.
 

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer at Dubai Health and Vice Provost for Clinical Affairs at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), has concluded her term as President of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) after becoming the first Arab woman to hold the position in 2023, since the Federation’s establishment in 1929.

Her presidency concluded during the 48th World Hospital Congress in Geneva, inaugurated by Dr. Tahlak and 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.

The event, being held from 10–13 November 2025 at the Geneva International Conference Center, in collaboration with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), has brought together healthcare leaders and experts from across the globe to exchange insights and explore the future of healthcare.  

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Tahlak guided the Federation through a period of growth, expanding collaboration with global health organisations and furthering its mission to advance healthcare management and quality worldwide.

Highlighting the significance of Dr. Tahlak’s presidency, His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali said: “Dr. Muna Tahlak’s leadership of the International Hospital Federation marked a defining milestone for Emirati women, showcasing their active role in shaping the future of the global healthcare sector. Her achievements reflect the continued support of the UAE’s leadership, which empowers national talent to lead with impact on both local and international levels.” 

He added: “During her tenure, Dr. Tahlak built bridges of cooperation with global health organisations, expanding dialogue around healthcare quality. Her accomplishments reinforce the presence of Emirati women in decision-making positions.”

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif said, “We take great pride in the achievements of Dr. Muna Tahlak during her presidency of the IHF. As the first Emirati and Arab woman to hold this key role, she set an inspiring example of leadership, advancing the UAE’s representation on the world stage.”

In his remarks at the IHF General Assembly, His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif expressed his appreciation for Dr. Tahlak’s exceptional efforts, which strengthened the Federation’s presence internationally and supported the development of its healthcare quality programmes.

Reflecting on her term, Dr. Muna Tahlak said: “It has been an honour to serve as President of the International Hospital Federation, an opportunity made possible by our leadership, whose support empowers Emirati women to excel globally and contribute meaningfully across various sectors, particularly in healthcare.”

She added: “I extend my sincere gratitude to the IHF team for their support throughout my tenure, which was instrumental in advancing the Federation’s global impact.”

Healthcare Expertise 
As part of the congress in Geneva, His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif led an interactive workshop with young healthcare executives, sharing insights on leadership development and career progression in healthcare.

The session, part of the ‘Young Executive Leaders’ programme, brought together 48 participants from 33 countries, creating a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange and discussion on best practices shaping the future of healthcare.