The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the signing of an agreement with Dubai Health to cooperate in the provision of an optimum environment to ensure the health and safety of astronauts, in addition to enhancing innovation in health sciences. The agreement was signed by H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, and H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO, Dubai Health, at the Centre’s headquarters recently.

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said, “The health and safety of our astronauts are paramount, and this agreement will ensure that they receive the best possible care before, during, and after their missions. In the rapidly evolving space sector, collaboration is the way forward. By integrating our efforts with Dubai Health, we are not only enhancing the well-being of our astronauts but also pushing the boundaries of space healthcare and driving innovation in health sciences. This partnership not only strengthens our capabilities but also underscores the UAE’s commitment to pioneering advancements in space and health technologies.”

H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO, Dubai Health, said, “Emirati astronauts are a source of national pride and a significant asset for the UAE in advancing knowledge, scientific capabilities, as well as raising our great country's profile on a global stage. At Dubai Health, we are proud to play a direct role in ensuring the health and safety of our astronauts by offering an environment for quality healthcare, providing comprehensive health assessments and supporting the monitoring of health during space missions.”

He further commented, “This agreement aligns with our strategic objectives, encompassing key pillars of care, learning and discovery to elevate the standard of care and to advance health for humanity, whilst helping to strengthen our nation’s healthcare and space capabilities.”

The agreement outlines a range of initiatives by MBRSC to ensure the health and well-being of astronauts. In cooperation with Dubai Health, the Centre will conduct comprehensive health assessments for astronauts prior to mission deployment, including medical examinations, screenings, and evaluations to ensure fitness for space travel.

Furthermore, MBRSC will provide astronaut training programs in collaboration with Dubai Health, ensuring that astronauts are adequately prepared for health-related protocols and emergencies, in addition to integration and exchange of health data with healthcare providers for comprehensive astronaut care. Both entities will also work together to enhance medical technologies and methodologies related to space healthcare, fostering continuous improvement.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with top graduates from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) Class of 2024.

His Highness commended the MBRU graduates for their dedication and perseverance in striving for excellence throughout their educational journey. He urged them to continue their commitment to excellence as they transition into their professional careers, noting that their achievements will inspire future generations of medical professionals. His Highness encouraged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge, as their contributions will shape the future of healthcare and enhance the well-being of society.

Highlighting efforts to reinforce the UAE and Dubai's position as a center for excellence in medicine, health sciences, and scientific research, His Highness underscored the role of institutions like MBRU as well as healthcare professionals in the nation's progress. MBRU is a pioneering institution that significantly contributes to expanding scientific research and innovation, as well as empowering the next generation of national talent, he added.

The meeting was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Commenting on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chancellor of MBRU and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, said: “I extend my deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support. His visionary leadership in establishing Dubai Health and his dedication to advancing healthcare and education in Dubai have been instrumental in shaping the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU). We take immense pride in our graduates who embody the values and aspirations of our nation. We are confident they will make significant contributions to the field of healthcare, both locally and on the global stage.”

Also present at the meeting were Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the MBRU Council and Dubai Health Board Member; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, President of MBRU and CEO of Dubai Health; and Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Provost of MBRU and, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health.

At the event, Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “We extend our sincerest thanks and profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for meeting our graduates and celebrating their remarkable achievements. This moment is a profound honor for our graduates. Inspired by a visionary leader whose foresight has shaped the trajectory of healthcare and education, our graduates now stand as inspiring role models for excellence across all fields.”

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif shared: “The gathering highlights His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in the field of medicine and health sciences. Under his vision, our integrated academic health system was established to empower all learners, from students to experienced clinicians, with a scholarly-driven ethos that not only advances the healthcare field but directly translates to better care for our patients at Dubai Health. We are immensely proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and alumni and remain dedicated to nurturing talent and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

The 2024 graduating class from MBRU included 153 graduates from 24 programs, spanning the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education. Nearly 40% of the graduates were young Emiratis, with the remaining graduates representing 27 different nationalities. The diversity of the graduating class highlights MBRU’s commitment to advancing healthcare on a local and global scale.

Dubai Health, Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, and Emirates Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) underscoring a commitment to enhance the patient experience and embed a culture of compassionate hospitality within healthcare.

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, the MoU was signed by Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, and Dr Amer Al Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

The MoU is testament to Dubai’s constant efforts to improve public healthcare systems as it strives to transform itself into a global hub for medical and life sciences and a destination for health and medical services while boosting medical education, research and scientific innovation.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said: "Emirates is renowned for its world-class hospitality, and this partnership between Dubai Health and Emirates Group further supports Dubai Health's transformative journey towards becoming a leader in patient-centricity. This strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in fostering excellence, innovation, and synergy between the two organisations."

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed said: “The Emirates Group and Dubai Health partnership is grounded in reciprocity, with Dubai Health as Dubai’s first integrated academic health system uniquely placed to support Emirates’ mission through research and development.

"The partnership spans multi-disciplinary functions, underpinning a commitment to knowledge exchange and shared best practices. It also emphasises joint efforts in advancing the career development and training of UAE nationals, underscoring a commitment to local talent."

HE Al Redhasaid: “With a shared commitment to excellence, Emirates and Dubai Health joined forces to foster a culture of hospitality in healthcare. With our partnership, we strive to bring the essence of Emirates’ signature customer service to every interaction, creating an environment where an elevated patient journey flourishes alongside medical excellence.”

HE Dr Sharifsaid: “As the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, we believe in enriching the healthcare experience by prioritising patient-centric care, ensuring that compassion and medical excellence are at the core of the patients’ journey. Through our partnership with one of the world leaders in hospitality, we aim to create an ecosystem where patients feel valued, supported, and confident in their healthcare choices, ultimately elevating the standard of care in Dubai in line with our ‘Patient First’ promise.”

Dubai Health is Dubai’s first integrated academic health system where care, learning, discovery and giving come together to advance health for humanity.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in the emirate, has announced the addition of a new cohort of Emirati nurses to its team. This expansion strengthens healthcare delivery across the system and reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to nurturing and promoting local talent within the healthcare sector.

The new cohort, all graduates holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah, has been strategically placed across four locations within Dubai Health: Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Rashid Hospital, Hatta Hospital, and Latifa Hospital.

Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, stated: “We are proud to continue to place local talent at the heart of the frontline workforce at Dubai Health. The latest cohort of Emirati nurses brings a wealth of knowledge and a local perspective to help our integrated academic health system elevate the standard of care and advance health for humanity. We look forward to their contribution to serving Dubai and its communities.”

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health said: “The arrival of these talented Emirati nurses marks another significant milestone for Dubai Health. Their dedication and passion for healthcare delivery will undoubtedly enhance our services and patient care. We are proud to offer a supportive environment for Emirati talent and are fully committed to supporting these nurses as they contribute to our vision to advance health for humanity.”

Nursing at Dubai Health thrives with 4,300 dedicated nurses committed to advancing health. Through mentorship and development programs, Dubai Health nurtures nursing leadership, empowering nurses to drive change in healthcare. The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions, offers specialized master’s programs tailored to local healthcare demands. The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Nursing and the Master of Science in Pediatric Nursing equip nurses with skills for optimal patient care, shaping the future of nursing and elevating healthcare quality.