His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai attended a ceremony unveiling the design of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, part of Dubai Health. Set to be Dubai's first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital, the event also announced the hospital's groundbreaking model of care.

Marking a significant step in terms of providing advanced and accessible cancer care, Dubai Health announced that the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital is 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 ceremony was held at the site allocated for the hospital in the presence 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, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; and Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Establishment for Medical and Educational Sciences.

His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member, and His Excellency Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health also attended the ceremony among other officials and donors.

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital is being developed with the aid of generous donations received through Al Jalila Foundation, which leads Dubai Health's giving mission. The collective contributions of individuals and organizations will support the establishment of the 56,000²m hospital.

Reflection of Dubai Social Agenda 33
HH Sheikh Hamdan said, "The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital honors the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This new addition to the health system in Dubai will play a crucial role in achieving the Dubai Social Agenda 33 goal to deliver the most efficient world-class healthcare system of the highest quality."
HH Sheikh Hamdan thanked all donors who had contributed to the hospital project, highlighting their support as invaluable contributions to building the future of Dubai and its healthcare sector.

Beacon of hope
HH Sheikh Ahmed said, "The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital is a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, resonating with his belief that helping others was not just a duty but a blessing. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will stand as a beacon of hope, a hub of innovation, and a promise to provide excellent care to our patients in Dubai and beyond. With some of the world's leading experts, cutting-edge technology, and a compassionate approach, we will create an environment that fosters healing and resilience in the region."

HH Sheikh Mansour said, "The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will break new ground in elevating cancer care standards, reaffirming Dubai Health's commitment to advancing health for humanity. Together, we will honor the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and realize Dubai's ambition to be a global leader in healthcare innovation, ensuring access to world-class medical services for all."

The hospital, located in the Al Jaddaf area, is envisaged to host 50 clinics, 30 clinical research areas, 60 infusion rooms, 10 urgent care rooms, 5 radiotherapy rooms, and 116 inpatient beds. Enhancing the healing environment for patients and their families will be 19 gardens distributed across the hospital campus. Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been appointed as the architect for the project.

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.  

HE Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said, "We extend our deepest gratitude to all our generous donors for upholding the spirit of giving, echoing the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The hospital is a collective endeavor, a testament to our shared humanity, uniting us against a global challenge."

New model of care
The hospital will spearhead a transformative shift in care delivery, moving from a traditional inpatient model to an ambulatory model of care. This shift includes integrating primary care with diagnosis and treatment to offer detection and intervention at earlier stages of the patient's journey.

Research and clinical trials will be at the heart of the hospital's array of services, fostering opportunities for discovering the best patient outcomes through personalized, patient-centric, evidence-based care.

In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the future of the emirate’s healthcare sector, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the new brand identity for ‘Dubai Health’, the emirate’s first integrated academic health system that seeks to enhance the quality of patient care in the city.

The new identity encapsulates essential pillars that underscore collaborative teamwork, aiming to consolidate Dubai's leadership in advancing healthcare excellence across the domains of health, education and research.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed directed the transformation of Dubai into a leading global model for advancing human health by providing highly efficient medical services and adhering to the best international practices in healthcare. He also underscored the significance of enhancing the academic aspect of the healthcare system to achieve the desired outcomes for the sector in the next phase.

The unveiling of the new brand identity for 'Dubai Health' took place at a press conference held at the Dubai Press Club. The event was attended by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), along with several healthcare providers in the emirate.

Dubai Health – Brand Identity

The ‘Dubai Health’ brand identity finds its inspiration in the attributes of care, learning and discovery, rooted in a strong tradition of giving as depicted in the brand’s logo. Symbolised by three arches anchored by a foundation, the logo’s central arch serves as a representation of care, expressed through compassionate guardianship and nurturing of boundless potential. The secondary arches represent learning and discovery, while the solid base of the logo stands for giving.

Through the integration of these four missions, Dubai aligns with leading academic health systems worldwide, enhancing patient outcomes and fostering accessibility and sustainability within its healthcare sector.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, said: “The new brand identity builds on Dubai’s robust healthcare system and is a significant step towards shaping a new paradigm of excellence for the sector. The healthcare sector is the cornerstone of the wellbeing of our communities and pivotal to realising our vision of a world-class healthcare system. We are dedicated to continually enhancing Dubai's health system and helping it evolve with a transformative care model poised to tangibly enhance community health and shape the future of healthcare in Dubai and beyond. Strengthening the sustainability and resilience of our health sector is integral to achieving the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”

 Dubai Health – Dubai’s integrated academic health system

As the first academic health system in the city, ‘Dubai Health’ is strongly committed to providing the best outcomes for patients through evidence-based care. ‘Dubai Health’ oversees six hospitals, 26 ambulatory health centres and 20 medical fitness centres. The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Al Jalila Foundation also operate under the umbrella of ‘Dubai Health’.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, said: “‘Dubai Health’ underscores our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the community in Dubai. Academic health systems worldwide have consistently demonstrated an elevated standard of patient care by seamlessly integrating knowledge, people and capabilities. The world's top 10 ranked hospitals are affiliated with renowned medical schools and universities within academic health systems. Through the integration of care, learning, discovery and giving, 'Dubai Health' aligns with global best practices, harnessing the transformative power of an integrated academic health system for the emirate.”

Dubai Health – Patient First Promise

‘Dubai Health’s’ primary value is ‘Patient First’, which encompasses a dedication to delivering high-quality care, ensuring patient safety and promoting a positive patient experience.

Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We are dedicated to achieving integration of the health system through the new corporate identity, encompassing care, learning, discovery and giving, with the aim of positioning ‘Dubai Health’ as a global benchmark in patient care and health outcomes. This marks a new phase in realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global healthcare destination.

“Our mission of integration serves as an engine for innovation, dedicated to the patient. We believe that through instilling this transformative mindset and uniting as one system we can advance health to new heights of patient-centric excellence. The new corporate identity reflects our vision to contribute to Dubai's pursuit of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy, supporting the growth and performance of the health sector,” Dr. Sharif said.

Dr. Sharif added: “In the ever-progressing field of medicine and health sciences, continuous learning is pivotal. At the heart of our academic health system is a commitment to ensure that we are well-versed in the latest medical discoveries, technological breakthroughs and progressive best practices. This scholarly-driven ethos not only advances the healthcare field but also enhances the care received by our patients.”

Unified Vision

During the press conference, Dr. Sharif explained that the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is responsible for ensuring a high-quality healthcare system in the emirate. This is achieved by organising and developing necessary policies and legislation to safeguard public health, enhance the standard of living, and introduce a health strategy geared towards enabling Dubai to meet its future needs.

On the other hand, ‘Dubai Health’, with its primary commitment to enhancing human health and a dedicated focus on improving the patient experience within the healthcare sector, assumes the responsibilities of establishing global standards grounded in scientific evidence for patient care. It aims to enhance health outcomes through rigorous scientific research and bring about a transformative shift in education by refining the patient journey and preparing qualified professionals to meet future requirements. Additionally, it emphasises the significance of health endowment due to its impact on supporting health and preserving individual lives.

Dr. Sharif noted that the new brand identity of ‘Dubai Health’, along with its future vision, aligns with and complements the Dubai Health Authority's efforts to strengthen Dubai's standing as a global exemplar in delivering the best healthcare and treatment to patients.

‘Dubai Health’ provides a spectrum of benefits designed to attract strategic investments in health sciences, foster governance development, enhance operational efficiency, improve healthcare outcomes, build local health capabilities, attract and retain distinguished talent and promote research and innovation.

Milestones

‘Dubai Health’s’ team of over 11,000 professionals collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to provide compassionate, evidence-based care centred on the patient and their families. ‘Dubai Health’ has attained several milestones, with its hospitals recording over 4.7 million outpatient visits, nearly 350,000 emergency department visits and over 60,000 patient admissions in 2022. Notably, it has drawn in over 1,000 learners from various disciplines worldwide, provided 60 scholarships and 100 research grants and offered a total of 8,686 patients in need medical support.

Since 2016, ‘Dubai Health’ has also contributed significantly to studies and research, issuing more than 1,114 scientific and clinical research papers. The importance of this research lies in recognising that individual well-being is a pivotal factor in prosperity and psychological comfort, subsequently impacting productivity and national development. The advancement of the academic healthcare sector stands as a key indicator of a country's progress and the well-being of its citizens.

Dubai Academic Health Corporation was established as per Law No. (13) of 2021, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Effective 11 November 2023, Dubai Academic Health Corporation will operate under the new brand name 'Dubai Health'.

The International Hospital Federation (IHF), a global organisation dedicated to advancing and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery and management worldwide, announced that it has elected Emirati Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), Vice Provost Clinical Practice of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and CEO of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, as President of the Federation during the World Hospital Congress in Lisbon.

Dr. Tahlak's election as President of IHF is a major milestone for the UAE on the global healthcare front. As the first Arab woman and Emirati to hold this esteemed position, it underscores the UAE's commitment to both advancing the role of women across diverse fields and promoting excellence in the healthcare sector. This achievement also marks a remarkable moment in the history of the IHF, with Dr. Tahlak assuming the highest international position ever held within the organisation.

The IHF Governing Council voted to elect Dr. Tahlak as the new IHF President. In doing so, Dr. Tahlak ends her term as President Designate and now begins her two-year term as President of the IHF, succeeding Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Tahlak expressed her gratitude and honour on being appointed, stating: “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our visionary leadership for their unwavering commitment to empowering women. Emirati women have consistently excelled in diverse high-ranking roles across various domains. Our nation has also consistently offered abundant opportunities to foster the progress and specialisation of Emirati women, particularly within the medical field.

“This victory highlights not only the progress that Emirati women have made but also reflects the leading position of UAE’s health sector. I am honoured to represent the UAE and fellow Emirati women on such an important global platform,” she added.

Dr. Tahlak also noted that her work with the IHF over the past seven years has provided her with a platform to showcase the exemplary work of hospitals in the UAE and the invaluable contributions of Emirati women on a global scale.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation, congratulated Dr. Tahlak on her well-deserved appointment as the President of the International Hospital Federation, emphasising her exceptional leadership, expertise, and remarkable contributions to the healthcare system in Dubai and beyond. He also expressed his pride in Dr. Tahlak’s accomplishments and the recognition she brings to the exceptional talent of Emirati women on the global stage.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire healthcare sector in the UAE. Emirati women have consistently excelled across various domains, particularly in the medical field, making substantial contributions to the nation's growth and development. Dr. Tahlak's leadership and dedication play a crucial role in fulfilling DAHC's mission to impact lives and shape the future of health through the integration of care, learning, discovery, and giving,” he said.

Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, announced that it has earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® by the Joint Commission International (JCI) across all its hospitals and primary care centers.

By maintaining its international accreditation, DAHC demonstrates a steadfast dedication to upholding healthcare excellence for patients and their families. The accreditation also reflects its commitment to becoming a global leader in providing exceptional patient care by maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.

The Joint Commission International, a leading accreditation body for hospitals and healthcare organizations worldwide, conducted a thorough evaluation process to award DAHC hospitals with the Gold Seal of Approval®. This evaluation concentrated on critical operational systems related to safety and encompassed various facets of patient care. JCI's comprehensive assessment examined the hospitals' adherence to rigorous global standards, with a particular emphasis on patient safety, clinical quality, and risk management protocols.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of DAHC and CEO of Latifa Hospital, said: “Receiving JCI accreditation across Dubai Academic Health Corporation hospitals and healthcare facilities is a tremendous accomplishment that speaks volumes about our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of our teams and demonstrates our ongoing pursuit of excellence in healthcare in line with our ‘Patient First’ promise.”

Joel Roos, Vice President, International Accreditation, Quality Improvement and Safety, Joint Commission International, said: “The accreditation offered by JCI equips hospitals with processes that foster improvements across multiple areas, such as staff education advancements and the implementation of leading practices within the hospital environment. We commend Dubai Academic Health Corporation for its dedication to becoming a quality improvement organization and reaching this prestigious milestone, which showcases a strong commitment to patient safety and quality.

By successfully securing JCI's accreditation, patients and their families can have even greater confidence in the care they receive at DAHC hospitals, affirming the organization's pledge to place its patients first.

Dubai Health welcomed Professor Yasmine Belkaid, the winner of the Great Arab Minds 2024 in Medicine, to deliver a lecture and engaging discussion at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU). Renowned for her groundbreaking research in immunology, Professor Belkaid shared transformative insights with a diverse audience of healthcare professionals and students.

During her lecture, ‘Microbiota Control of Immunity,’ Professor Belkaid shared her groundbreaking research on how the immune system differentiates between beneficial and harmful microbes. She also shared insights from her scientific journey, offering students valuable perspectives on tackling immune and infectious diseases through innovative approaches. With over 220 published studies in infection and immunity, Professor Belkaid has made significant contributions to sustainable solutions in healthcare and nutrition. The session generated enthusiasm among students and healthcare professionals, offering a valuable opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading immunologists.

The session was attended by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU; Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer at Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, alongside students and healthcare professionals.

Professor Belkaid also toured research facilities at MBRU, including the Biomedical Research Center, the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), and the Biobank, where she expressed appreciation for the university's infrastructure and academic programs. She also met with MBRU students from various disciplines to discuss recent advancements in immunology and health sciences.

H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of MBRU’s Board of Trustees and Dubai Health Board Member, said: “Professor Yasmine Belkaid exemplifies the extraordinary potential of Arab women to drive transformative advancements in science and healthcare. Her achievements inspire future generations, demonstrating the Arab world’s ability to lead meaningful innovations for the benefit of humanity. MBRU is proud to be a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration with scientific talents, furthering our mission of fostering continuous learning and discovery within our integrated academic health system.”

Her Excellency added: “We were honored to host Professor Yasmine Belkaid, and I extend my congratulations on her well-deserved recognition. I also thank her for sharing her invaluable insights with our community.”

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, said: “We were privileged to welcome Professor Yasmine Belkaid, an inspiring example of Arab scientific excellence whose work has greatly benefited humanity. This visit reflects our commitment to fostering a learning environment that nurtures the next generation of healthcare professionals and serves as a role model for aspiring researchers throughout the Arab world.”

He added, “We are deeply grateful for her visit and impactful lecture, which enriched the knowledge of our students and academic community. I also want to thank the organizers of the Great Arab Minds Award for highlighting such exceptional talents.”

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer at Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, stated: “Hosting Professor Yasmine Belkaid provided an exceptional opportunity for our students and medical community to deepen their understanding of immunology and its role in combating immune and infectious diseases. Her visit underscores our commitment to advancing science and learning by preparing the next generation of specialized scientists and researchers.”

He added: “We are grateful to Professor Belkaid for sharing her invaluable insights and engaging with our academic community. Her contributions not only inspire our students and professionals but also elevate the pursuit of excellence in research and discovery.”

As the first Arab woman to lead the Institute Pasteur in France, Professor Belkaid’s research has transformed our understanding of the immune system, paving the way for breakthroughs in treating immune-related conditions. Her achievements reflect her dedication to advancing science and humanity, aligning seamlessly with MBRU’s vision of integrated learning, discovery, and innovation.

Let’s get moving together for a healthier team. We encourage everyone to participate in the various activities taking place across the city of Dubai.