A delegation from UMass Chan Medical School, Massachusetts’s first and only public academic health sciences center, recently visited Dubai Health, solidifying a new chapter in healthcare collaboration between the two organizations. The visit, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), granted the delegation the opportunity to gain insight into Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, laying the groundwork for a productive partnership.

Inspired by UMass Chan’s reputation for impact through collaborative endeavour and aspiration to change the course of the history of disease, the partnership reflects a shared vision between the two academic health systems to advance health. Under the agreement, UMass Chan and Dubai Health will establish mutually beneficial research projects to improve patient care, create an exchange framework for learners between the two academic institutions, and drive transformative advancements for public health, both locally and globally.

Led by Michael F. Collins, MD, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and Chancellor at UMass Chan, the visit also included an opportunity for Dubai Health learners to gain insight into elective and residency program opportunities at UMass Chan.

Commenting on the partnership, Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health, and Provost of MBRU, stated, “This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to combine the strengths of two academic health organizations. By pooling our resources, capabilities, and expertise, we are well-positioned to advance the frontier of medical knowledge that better serves our communities. The visit has been incredibly productive, laying the foundation for meaningful collaboration anchored in our shared purpose of advancing health for humanity.”

Michael F. Collins, MD, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and Chancellor of UMass Chan commented “It is a privilege, along with a group of senior colleagues, to learn more about the breadth and depth of activity taking place at Dubai Health and to forge closer relationships with its leadership. The signing of an MOU between our respective institutions is an exciting development and provides UMass Chan and Dubai Health with a framework from which to pursue meaningful collaborations and exchanges, by partnering, we do hope to advance together on behalf of the communities that we serve.”

The UMass Chan delegation included Michael F. Collins, MD, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and Chancellor; Terence R. Flotte, MD, Provost, Dean, and Executive Deputy Chancellor; David D. McManus, MD, Chair, Department of Medicine; Anne Larkin, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, Vice Provost, and Senior Associate Dean for Educational Affairs; Lisa Colombo, DNP, MHA, RN, Executive Vice Chancellor and CEO, ForHealth Consulting; Rebekah Diamond, JD, Executive Director, Business Strategy & Operational Excellence, ForHealth Consulting; Brendan Chisholm, Vice Chancellor of Management, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor.

April 04, 2024, Dubai: Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health, announced that Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation has donated AED 15 million to support the development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai's first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital. This donation underscores Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation's commitment to advancing sustainable charitable and humanitarian work and reinforcing Dubai's pioneering role in healthcare excellence.

Set to open in 2026, the hospital honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, paying tribute to his lifetime of service to the nation and extraordinary global philanthropic activities that continue to touch the lives of many around the world. The hospital is being developed with the support of generous donations received from philanthropists, government and non-government organizations, UAE businesses and corporates.

Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation, said: “Inspired by our visionary leadership, which has embedded philanthropy into its core humanitarian strategies, the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation, led by H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, remains committed to social responsibility, education, and medical research support. We are pleased to contribute towards the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, aligning our efforts with Al Jalila Foundation to ensure equitable and essential access to cancer care. This partnership reflects the core principles of our esteemed founder, Haj Saeed Ahmed Lootah, who championed education, healthcare, and scientific research. Our dedication extends beyond borders, encompassing local and global charitable and humanitarian endeavors."

Dr. Thani Al Mheriri, CEO of Education & Health at Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation, said: “By joining hands, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer and advancing medical research. Our dedication to medical education and healthcare is deeply rooted in our legacy; Dubai Medical College for Girls, which was established forty years ago as the first institution for medical education for girls in the Gulf region, is now a prominent contributor to the healthcare landscape."

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Donor support is an integral part of our success in developing the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. We are grateful to Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation, which has committed to helping us support cancer patients and their families. The hospital will bring together cancer expertise and make an invaluable contribution to Dubai’s healthcare sector, putting patient care first.”

"Together, we are one step closer to establishing a center of excellence that will transform cancer care in the UAE." he added.

The 116-bed hospital will occupy 56,000 square meters. It will provide best-in-class outpatient, ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as inpatient and surgical services in a nurturing environment that features personalized patient care.

As part of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, the comprehensive cancer hospital will benefit from a multidisciplinary team, including specialized nursing, offering patients a full spectrum of care services in one location, from early diagnosis to treatment and supportive care. Aligning with Dubai Health’s Patient First promise, select treatments and services will be made available to patients in the comfort of their homes, ensuring an easy and accessible continuum of care.

For more information on Al Jalila Foundation and its programs, please visit:
https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae

On the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day, Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, today inaugurated 'The Clinic of Hope' at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. The charitable multi-specialty pediatric clinic is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to children who lack access to adequate medical care.

Driven by Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise, the Clinic is committed to ensuring that every child receives the high-quality healthcare they deserve, regardless of their socio-economic background. With a steadfast focus on compassion and excellence, a team of dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals stands ready to serve those in need.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health said: “We are both proud and humbled to inaugurate ‘The Clinic of Hope’ on Zayed Humanitarian Day, as we reflect on the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership and compassion have left an indelible mark on the world. At Dubai Health, we reaffirm our dedication to carrying forward his legacy by providing care to all and by extending our support to those in need. The launch of this new clinic aligns with our mission to impact lives through a ‘Patient First’ promise, ensuring that accessible and quality healthcare is provided across the continuum of care.”

Dr. Mohamed Alawadhi, Deputy CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital and Latifa Hospital said: “The inauguration of ‘The Clinic of Hope’ represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to serving the healthcare needs of all children in our community. We believe that every child deserves access to essential healthcare services, and ‘The Clinic of Hope’ will play a vital role in ensuring that this vision becomes a reality. Through collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders, we will create a healthier and more inclusive community for all children in Dubai.”

The inauguration event received support from the Community Development Authority and Awqaf Dubai, which played a pivotal role in identifying vulnerable children within the community. This collaboration further strengthened Dubai Health's collective efforts to reach those in need. During the event, the Clinic provided a range of essential health services, including medical examinations, diagnoses, as well as nutritional and dental education tailored specifically for children. To enrich the experience of young patients, the Emirates Literature Foundation organized several reading activities.

Established to enhance the standard of care and advance health for humanity, Dubai Health is the first integrated academic health system in Dubai. It encompasses six hospitals, 26 ambulatory health centers, 20 medical fitness centers, the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Al Jalila Foundation. With a focus on integrating care, learning, discovery, and philanthropy, 11,000 employees collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to prioritize patient care.