Media Center

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today met with the top-performing graduates of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) at the Union House in Dubai.

His Highness congratulated the graduates on their academic achievements, praising the dedication and scientific distinction they demonstrated—values that reflect the founding principles of the University and the UAE’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in education and healthcare.

During the meeting, His Highness highlighted the importance of nurturing talent capable of shaping the future of medicine and scientific research in the region. He said the graduates represent key pillars in the UAE’s ambition to build a world-class academic and healthcare ecosystem that attracts leading minds from around the globe.

His Highness said: “We take pride in these achievements, which form part of the broader success story the nation is building. This academic excellence stands as a testament to the UAE’s ability to shape the future by nurturing exceptional minds across vital sectors.”

Sheikh Mohammed added: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences has become a beacon of modern knowledge and an incubator for innovation in the healthcare sector. It plays a vital role in preparing future leaders in medicine and scientific research—fully aligned with our vision to position the UAE as a global centre for knowledge and advanced healthcare.”

The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors and Chairperson of MBRU Council; 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 MBRU; Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Acting Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU; and members of the MBRU Council.

The 2025 graduating class comprises 164 students from 30 nationalities, across 30 academic programmes. Among them are 129 female graduates, including 52 Emiratis.

Dubai Health’s Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, the first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital in Dubai, was awarded Gold in the Future Healthcare Projects category by World Architecture News in March 2025.

The World Architecture News Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding architecture on an international scale and are judged by a panel of international experts. The 2024 Future Projects: Healthcare category specifically honors projects that are innovative, visionary, and imaginative prior to construction completion.

David Martin, Project Architect and Global Design Director for Stantec, the architectural firm behind the hospital’s design, said, “We are honored to see our design of the new hospital win this prestigious award. The project challenged us to create a space that not only meets the functional requirements of a modern healthcare facility but also fosters a healing environment for patients and the care team alike. This recognition is a testament to Dubai Health’s vision and dedication to transforming cancer care. They are a wonderful partner, providing insightful feedback and support throughout the design journey.”

The hospital’s patient-centered approach is reflected in its architectural concept, which draws inspiration from the UAE’s national tree, the Ghaf, a symbol of resilience and life. Feedback from cancer patients, informed the design that blends clinical functionality with emotional well-being. Central to the facility, an open-air courtyard with greenery that brings in natural light, creating a calming environment.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors, and Chairperson of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Steering Committee, said, “It is deeply rewarding to see the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital recognized on the global stage. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of all those involved; from patients and healthcare providers to architects and industry leaders, united by a shared vision to create a healing environment for patients, in alignment with Dubai Health’s “Patient First” commitment. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this hospital, including the donors whose contributions through Al Jalila Foundation continue to bring this vision to life.”

Located in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, the 59,000 square meter hospital is set to host 53 clinics, 21 clinical research areas, 60 infusion rooms, 10 urgent care rooms, 5 radiotherapy rooms, and 116 inpatient beds. Designed with well-being and environmental sustainability in mind, it will also feature 19 tranquil gardens for patients, their families, and the hospital community. Once completed, the hospital will serve as a center of excellence for cancer treatment and research, and will offer a comprehensive range of services, from early diagnosis to treatment and supportive care, all delivered by multidisciplinary teams. Research and clinical trials will be central to its mission, driving the discovery of evidence-based treatments and personalized therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman 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 2025, the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The ceremony honoured 164 graduates representing 30 academic programmes across the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery, the College of Medicine, and the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education.

The university also marked a key milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from Dubai’s only Biomedical Sciences PhD programme, along with six graduates from the new Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education.

Enhancing healthcare capabilities

His Highness congratulated the graduates and their families, emphasising that the university continues to play a vital role in strengthening the healthcare sector by developing highly skilled professionals dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in the community. He praised the graduates’ contributions to advancing the healthcare system and expanding its meaningful impact.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to establish itself as a global hub for excellence in medical education and research. Today, we take pride in the graduation of a new cohort of talented healthcare professionals who will support Dubai’s efforts to deliver an advanced model for healthcare."

His Highness, Chairman of Dubai Health and Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), urged the graduates to practice their noble profession with commitment and responsibility, stressing the importance of continuous learning, growth, and readiness to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape in order to have a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and communities they serve.

Pride and honour

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors and Chairperson of MBRU Council, stated: "The graduation of a new class of talented students marks a moment of immense pride and is a testament to the University’s commitment to empowering young talents and nurturing tomorrow’s leaders in healthcare."

She added: "Since its establishment nine years ago, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, MBRU has progressed steadily in fostering a culture that champions excellence and innovation, preparing future generations to deliver innovative solutions that enhance quality of life, supporting the vision of the UAE and Dubai for a sustainable healthcare future."

His Excellency Professor Alawi Al-Sheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and guest of honour, addressed the attendees during the ceremony, saying: "Our leadership’s commitment to human development and knowledge is not a recent endeavor, it is a deeply rooted legacy that has shaped the very identity of our nation. The late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, captured this vision when he said that building people must come before building factories, and that human development must precede infrastructure.

This wisdom dates back nearly a century, when the late Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum sent the first student from Dubai to study medicine abroad, fully aware that investing in minds is the most valuable investment of all. This vision was carried forward through institutional progress, including a pivotal moment in October 1970, when the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum ordered the establishment of the Department of Health and Medical Services, with a strong focus on education and professional training."

In his address, Professor Dr. Alawi shared a series of inspiring messages with the graduates, reminding them that compassion lies at the heart of healthcare. He called on them to lead with humility, describing it as one of life’s greatest teachers, and to remain open to continuous learning and discovery. He encouraged them to uphold integrity, to trust in the moral compass rooted in their values, and reminded them that a person’s true worth is measured by their generosity and kindness to others.

Advancing discovery

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, said: "We celebrate the graduation of a new cohort of physicians and healthcare professionals, nurtured within our integrated academic health system. These graduates embody Dubai Health’s vision to develop globally competent medical professionals, individuals who combine academic excellence, clinical expertise, and a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care, in line with our ‘Patient First’ promise.

We are also proud to mark a significant milestone with the graduation of our first PhD students, whose research has enriched the scientific landscape and contributed to advancing discovery within our health system. We are deeply proud of this cohort and confident in their ability to make a meaningful impact on healthcare. We wish them continued success as they carry forward our shared mission to advance health for humanity."

On behalf of the graduating Class of 2025, Dr. Sarah Tahlak addressed the audience during the ceremony, saying: “This day marks a pivotal milestone as we transition into the next chapter, as qualified physicians and healthcare professionals carrying forward a profound humanitarian mission.

Our years at MBRU have been filled with growth and learning. We now embrace the responsibility of serving our community with integrity, advancing purposeful scientific research, and contributing to collective progress. On behalf of my fellow graduates, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our leaders, faculty, and families, who have inspired and guided us throughout this journey. We are committed to living up to the trust you’ve placed in us and to carrying our responsibility with dedication."

Since its founding in 2016, MBRU has contributed more than 1,800 scholarly studies, with 84% published in leading Q1 and Q2 indexed journals. The University has also earned a Group 1 ranking within the Ministry of Education’s National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework.

It has also established five advanced research centres that drive healthcare innovation and scientific discovery: Center for Protein Engineering, Center for Innovation and Technology, Center for Microbial Sciences, Center for Applied and Translational Genomics, and Center for Space and Aviation Health.

During ‘Meet the CEO’ session, Dubai Health CEO Outlines Vision for a Future-Ready Healthcare System

 The Integrated Physician Practice model unifies care standards across all Dubai Health facilities — enhancing patient safety, reducing wait times, and improving clinical care management.

• 10% of faculty members from MBRU featured on Stanford University’s 2024 list of the world’s top 2% most influential scientists
• The university has published 1,811 scientific papers to date, with 84% in top medical journals (Q1 & Q2 ranked)

Dubai is shaping a healthcare ecosystem that places people at its heart—one that is innovative, inclusive, and deeply human-centred, said Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

He attributed the remarkable progress of Dubai's health sector to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

These insights were shared during a media briefing hosted by the Government of Dubai Media Office as part of its ‘Meet the CEO’ series. The event was attended by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, along with a group of senior media leaders and editors-in-chief from leading UAE newspapers.

Patient-First Approach
Dr. Amer Sharif highlighted healthcare progress in Dubai from its early beginnings in the 1940s, culminating in the creation of its first integrated academic health system under Law No. 13 (2021). He also noted the adoption of the Integrated Physician Practice model across all facilities to enhance patient safety, reduce wait times, and improve clinical care management, aligning with Dubai’s vision and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 for a sustainable, human-centred system.

Strategic Vision and New Institutional Identity
Dr. Sharif detailed Dubai Health’s vision, mission, and strategic programmes to establish global benchmarks in evidence-based care. He introduced the ‘Dubai Health’ brand identity, drawing on Dubai’s heritage and symbolized by arches welcoming all. The central arch signifies Care, flanked by Learning and Discovery, all underpinned by Giving.

Community Engagement
Dr. Sharif reiterated Dubai Health’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships by involving patients and the public in shaping healthcare services. Key initiatives include ‘Dubai Health Majalis: Voice of the Community’ and the Press Ganey programme, which captures insights across every stage of the patient journey to enhance care quality and patient experience. These efforts align with the national ‘Year of Community 2025’ campaign.

Flagship Projects
Dr. Sharif emphasised Dubai Health’s role in advancing healthcare through globally aligned initiatives. Among them is the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, set to transform cancer care through early detection, advanced diagnostics, and holistic treatment. Designed with input from cancer survivors, the project won a WAN Gold Award for ‘Future Projects – Healthcare.’ Additionally, five research centres are being developed to support scientific discovery, with three already operational. An upcoming Diabetes Centre will further Dubai’s goals for personalised, predictive care.

Leveraging AI and Advanced Technologies
Dubai Health is leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in line with the Dubai Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Health Sector 2025–2028. It has launched 37 high-priority AI initiatives focused on five core areas, including enhancing patient experience, improving access to care, and increasing diagnostic accuracy, among others.

Academic Excellence
MBRU, Dubai Health’s Academic and Discovery arm, was ranked in Group 1 of the National Higher Education Institutions Classifications and secured three grants under the Dubai Future Foundation’s RDI Programme. Dr. Sharif noted that 10% of faculty were ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists in 2024 by Stanford University. The university has published 1,811 research papers, with 84% in top-tier Q1 and Q2 journals.

He also emphasised the need for greater media coverage and specialised language to highlight the depth and impact of academic and scientific work.

Strategic Partnerships
Through Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai Health partners with the U.S. based Children’s National Hospital to advance paediatric oncology, technology, and training. It has also signed MoUs with top institutions like the UK’s Royal Marsden Hospital for cancer care collaboration, and UMass Chan Medical School for joint research, education, and clinical work. In 2024, Dubai Health launched the Dubai Health Leadership Academy with the University of Oxford to develop future healthcare leaders.

Additionally, it partnered with Emirates Group to integrate hospitality best practices into patient experience through cross-industry collaboration.

Transformative Giving
Dr. Sharif shared that Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, recorded outstanding performance in 2024, raising AED177.65 million in support of Dubai Health’s mission to impact lives and shape the future of health.

He further noted: “As part of its efforts to support education, Al Jalila Foundation awarded 13 scholarships for the first time in 2024. It also expanded its strategic partnerships by signing several MoUs with local charities and organisations.”

Health Operations Centre and Patient Journey
Dr. Sharif highlighted the Health Operations Centre’s role in overseeing patient pathways from entry to recovery, reflecting Dubai Health’s “patient-first” ethos.

Between 2022 and 2024, Dubai Health achieved significant growth in service uptake. A cornerstone of this progress is the Patient Journey Redesign initiative, prioritising 45 care pathways (covering around 68% of patients) across emergency, specialised, and preventive care.

Exponential Growth
Dubai Health recorded remarkable growth across several performance indicators during 2024. Home medication deliveries increased by 189%, reaching approximately 109,000 in 2024, up from 37,724 in 2022.

The Patient Transport Service, which provides dedicated transportation for patients between their homes and Dubai Health’s facilities, saw a significant increase in beneficiaries, rising from 862 in 2023 to 5,365 in 2024.

The medical home visits programme saw a 68% increase, reaching a total of 90,816 visits over the three years, up from 23,277 in 2022 to 39,114 in 2024.

From 2022 to 2024, Dubai Health delivered 256,350 telemedicine services. The number of services rose from 78,969 in 2022 to 92,930 in 2024, representing a 17.7% increase.

Over the past three years, Dubai Health’s call centre professionally handled approximately five million calls. In 2024, customer satisfaction reached 93.1%, marking an 8% increase compared to 2023.

Dubai Health marked International Nurses Day by hosting a ceremony honoring its 4,400-strong nursing team, including 12 recipients of the international DAISY Award for clinical excellence and compassionate care. The event, held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, welcomed more than 1,500 nurses from across Dubai Health’s hospitals and centers.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, who joined Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health; Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); and Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer at Dubai Health.

The event also featured a special recognition to GDRFA Dubai for its achievement in receiving the Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Government Flag, attended by Major General Talal Al Shanqeeti, Assistant Director-General for the Airports Sector. Dubai Health commended Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri and the GDRFA Dubai team for their people-first approach and alignment with the UAE leadership’s vision.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: “We are grateful for the incredible contributions of our nurses, and to celebrate the DAISY Award winners who exemplify both clinical and human excellence. At Dubai Health, we remain committed to supporting and empowering our nursing teams, who are essential in delivering our ‘Patient First’ approach.”

He added: “I extend my sincere thanks to Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri for joining us in recognizing our nursing community and congratulate him and the GDRFA Dubai team on receiving the Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Government Flag. Our shared focus on serving people continues to drive collective progress toward excellence and improved quality of life in Dubai.”

Dr. Sharif also welcomed the 16 graduate nurses who have transitioned to clinical practice at Dubai Health, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing investment in healthcare talent.

He concluded: “We are also proud of the recent naming of the Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery at MBRU by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This recognition inspires us to continue strengthening national capacity and elevating this vital profession.”

Dr. Tarek Fathy, Chief Clinical Officer at Dubai Health, said: “Our nursing team continues to grow in strength and diversity, with more than 4,400 nurses now serving across our facilities. This year, 16 newly graduated Emirati nurses will begin their careers across Dubai Health’s hospitals and centers, joining 120 Emiratis across the system. The number of Emirati nurses has increased by 200% since 2022, reflecting our commitment to developing national talent while delivering high-quality patient care.”

He noted that more than 1,500 Dubai Health nurses were nominated for the DAISY Award this year, which honors nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise and a commitment to patient-centered care. In addition, 26 nursing educators were recognized for their role in advancing clinical excellence and supporting workforce development.

Chaired by Ahmed bin Saeed and attended by Mansoor bin Mohammed, Dubai Health Board reviewed three-year milestones in advancing patient-centred care.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, chaired a meeting of Dubai Health’s Board of Directors, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, to review Dubai Health’s achievements over the past three years and their impact on improvements to access to care and the patient experience.

The meeting, held at Dubai Health’s headquarters, was 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, Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, and Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, representing the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

At the outset of the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum welcomed the board members and commended their efforts to foster a culture of continuous improvement of healthcare services in Dubai. He acknowledged their contributions to enhancing the quality of services in ways that have positively impacted patient experience and satisfaction.

He said: “Dubai Health’s achievements over the past three years reflect our commitment to placing patients at the heart of every improvement and transformation. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our teams and represent a key step towards fulfilling the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33 — establishing a sustainable, and people-centred health system that prioritises well-being.

His Highness expressed his appreciation to the teams across Dubai Health for their dedication, which contributed to achieving a customer happiness score of over 90% in the 2024 Dubai Government Customer Happiness Index - a reflection of Dubai Health’s commitment to delivering integrated, high-quality healthcare services.

Following the meeting, Their Highnesses toured Dubai Health’s Operations Center, where they were briefed on the Patient Journey Redesign Program — a strategic initiative to enhance care delivery across the integrated academic health system.

Advancing through continuous improvement

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described the progress in patient care delivery as a transformative shift in how healthcare is provided across the city. He noted that these efforts reflect a forward-looking vision to offer a seamless care experience for all members of society.

He said: “We believe that the continuous enhancement of our healthcare services requires scientific research — a cornerstone for achieving excellence in the quality of care. Our aim is to deliver a future-ready patient journey, aligned with the needs and expectations of our community. This vision reinforces Dubai’s global standing as a hub for healthcare innovation and excellence.”

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, reaffirmed Dubai Health’s commitment to building an integrated academic health system that places the patient at its core, guided by global best practices. He emphasised the importance of the community’s inputs in shaping healthcare services, noting that public feedback on healthcare experiences has become a key pillar in driving improvement efforts. Initiatives such as the launch of the Press Ganey patient experience programme and the ‘Dubai Health Majalis: Voice of the Community’ reflect Dubai Health’s commitment to listening closely to the community and meeting them where they are — in alignment with the objectives of the Year of Community 2025.

Health Operations Center overview

During the tour of the Health Operations Center, Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Health, presented a comprehensive overview of progress achieved from 2022 to 2024. He noted measurable growth in patient-focused services, aligned with Dubai Health’s primary value of ‘Patient First.’

Community Health Services:

Dubai Health recorded significant growth in community healthcare services, with performance indicators improving across the board. Medicine home deliveries increased by 189% to approximately 109,000 in 2024, compared to 37,724 in 2022.

Patient Transport Services:

As part of efforts to enhance service quality and improve access to medical care, Dubai Health launched the Patient Transport Service to offer dedicated transportation for patients between their homes and healthcare facilities for appointments and treatments, ensuring safe and convenient access to care. The service aims to offer patients a more comfortable and dignified healthcare experience, reinforcing the principles of hospitality within the health sector. Launched just two years ago, the service has seen a strong uptake, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 862 in 2023 to 5,365 in 2024.

Home Care:

The medical home visits programme saw a 68% increase in visits over three years, reaching a total of 90,816 visits — up from 23,277 in 2022 to 39,114 in 2024. This reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to delivering care that is accessible, consistent, and centred around patient comfort.

Telemedicine:

From 2022 to 2024, Dubai Health delivered 256,350 teleconsultation services, reflecting a 17.7% increase. The number of services rose from 78,969 in 2022 to 92,930 in 2024, supporting the goals of Dubai’s Digital Strategy.

Call Center operations:

Approximately 5 million calls were professionally managed over three years, demonstrating high levels of responsiveness and operational readiness in meeting community healthcare needs.

Redesigning the patient journey

Dubai Health’s Patient Journey Redesign Program is designed to follow the patient’s care pathway from entry into the system to treatment completion, ensuring a seamless and coordinated experience across all stages of care.

The initiative focuses on optimising 45 priority care pathways — covering approximately 68% of the patient population — including emergency, specialised, and preventive care journeys.

Developed in direct response to community feedback and insights regarding healthcare experiences, the initiative aligns cross-disciplinary efforts and leverages data to reinforce Dubai Health’s future readiness and commitment to delivering integrated, high-impact services.