Al Jalila Foundation, the giving arm of Dubai Health, announced that it has received a donation of AED11.3 million from renowned businessman and philanthropist His Excellency Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor. The pledge will help cover the annual cost of 4,000 dialysis sessions for needy patients residing in the UAE. Additionally, the donation will fund the renovation of the nephrology unit at Dubai Hospital.

The renovated nephrology unit will be named after the late Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi in honour of his legacy of philanthropy and community service. The contribution for the unit comes from Al Suwaidi’s estate, which is managed by His Excellency Al Habtoor as per Al Suwaidi’s will. The funds are dedicated to support charitable and humanitarian projects and HE Al Habtoor has taken care to ensure that the resources are used to support initiatives that enhance lives, elevate healthcare services, and benefit society at large.

Speaking about the initiative, HE Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founder and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, said: “We are proud to continue the legacy of our founding fathers, who instilled in us the values of solidarity and generosity that define the UAE. Supporting Al Jalila Foundation reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare and easing the burdens of kidney patients.

“It is an honour that the renovated nephrology unit will bear the name of the late Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, paying tribute to his legacy of compassion and philanthropy. Business leaders have a critical role in supporting healthcare systems and driving sustainable development in our society. Investing in healthcare is an investment in a healthier, more prosperous future. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Al Jalila Foundation for their tireless efforts in serving those in need, and I look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.”

Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, commented: “We deeply appreciate this generous contribution from HE Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, one of the nation’s most prominent philanthropic leaders. His initiative underscores the importance of community engagement in bolstering the healthcare system and reflects the spirit of giving that is a cornerstone of our society and healthcare vision. This donation will significantly enhance the quality of care for patients while ensuring its sustainability.”

The collective efforts of donors, whether individuals or organisations, play an essential role in saving lives, improving patients’ quality of life, and advancing the healthcare infrastructure to deliver world-class medical services, he added.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “This generous support from HE Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor will provide free dialysis treatment to a significant number of kidney failure patients through our A’awen patient a treatment programme, designed to offer financial support to those in need. This initiative aligns with Dubai Health's commitment to the ‘Patient First’ promise.”

The second annual Mediclinic Middle East and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) Excellence Awards were held at MBRU. The awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of Mediclinic staff who have contributed to the education and academic training of MBRU’s MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) students, MSc Nursing trainees, and postgraduate medical residents and fellows.

Mediclinic Middle East and MBRU work closely together to provide MBRU students and trainees with valuable clinical experience at Mediclinic’s facilities in Dubai. This academic partnership also offers opportunities for the students and trainees to engage in research with Mediclinic’s research-focused physicians, fostering a robust environment for academic and professional growth.

The event featured the ‘Educator of the Year’, ‘Star’ and ‘The Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Education’ awards, recognizing individuals from Mediclinic who have made exceptional contributions to students’ educational journeys. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Dr. Edwin Hertzog Outstanding Educator of the Year Award 2023-2024. Selected by a panel of judges from Mediclinic and MBRU based on student nominations, this award recognises individuals who possess a unique set of qualities and skills that make them highly effective in teaching and guiding aspiring medical professionals. This year, Dr. Gerasmos Capatos, Consultant Intensivist at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital and Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at MBRU, was recognized with this award. In addition, Dr. Paddy Kilian was awarded The Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Education award for her pivotal role as an exceptional leader fostering collaboration between MBRU and Mediclinic.

Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, said: “We are immensely proud of our partnership with Mediclinic, which has been instrumental in providing our students with unparalleled clinical experience and academic training. Over the past eight years, this collaboration has blossomed into a robust alliance, deeply rooted in shared values and a steadfast commitment to medical excellence and serving our communities. This partnership is a real illustration of how an integrated academic health system benefits the public and is testament to our learning and discovery missions at Dubai Health. My heartfelt thanks go to Mediclinic Middle East for their unwavering dedication to our vision of advancing health for humanity. Together, we are not only shaping the future of medicine but also laying a strong foundation for excellence.”

Hein van Eck, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East, commented, “Following the success of the first Annual Mediclinic and MBRU Excellence Awards last year, I am delighted to be here again to celebrate the Mediclinic doctors and nurses who have contributed in such a significant way to the education of these talented students.  It is their passion for teaching which makes our partnership with MBRU so meaningful, as we work together to deliver exceptional education for the UAE’s healthcare professionals of tomorrow. I look forward to many more events such as this as the academic affiliation between Mediclinic and MBRU continues to grow.”

Marking World Diabetes Day, Dubai Health highlights its diabetes care and prevention programs, which are accessible throughout its hospitals and ambulatory health centers. With a focus on early detection and lifestyle education, Dubai Health's programs aim to manage diabetes proactively while supporting patients at every stage of their journey. These initiatives align with the goals of Dubai's Social Agenda 33, which seeks to establish the most efficient and high-quality health system that promotes a healthy lifestyle and enhances the quality of health and preventive services.

Dubai Health's approach to diabetes care places a strong emphasis on preventive health and early detection programs. Awareness initiatives educate patients and their families on managing diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices, while early detection efforts enable timely intervention to prevent disease progression. Tailored, comprehensive care plans delivered by multidisciplinary teams incorporate advanced monitoring technologies, including AI for blood sugar tracking and medication management, alongside psychological and medical treatments. These efforts are aligned with Dubai Health's 'Patient First' value, focusing on evidence-based treatments that enhance quality of life and promote a proactive approach to managing the chronic condition.

This commitment to advancing diabetes care follows the announcement that the Dubai Health Board of Directors approved a new facility for the Diabetes Center. Spanning over 53,000 square feet, the new facility will double the Center's current size, significantly increasing its capacity to treat more patients over the next ten years.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health, stated, "At Dubai Health, we are prioritizing diabetes prevention and early detection by collaborating with the community to raise awareness of the disease-associated risks. Importantly, we are emphasizing the significance of early screenings to prevent the disease and resultant complications. This is part of our comprehensive plan to reduce the impact of the disease and highlight the importance of prevention." She also thanked the teams at Dubai Health for their tireless work in supporting strategies that aim to establish Dubai as a leading model for integrated care.

Dr. Walid Mohamed Mahmoud, Chair of Medicine at Dubai Health, explained that their plan for diabetes care is based on three main pillars. The core pillar revolves around offering integrated multidisciplinary care so that patients receive necessary treatment services from various departments to achieve optimal results. These specialties encompass endocrinology, internal medicine, nursing, ophthalmology, nutrition, and pharmacy, among others. The second pillar is dedicated to ensuring the availability of the latest advanced technological devices that deliver comprehensive healthcare for this patient group, while the third pillar focuses on providing specialized treatment programs tailored to each patient's specific condition. He highlighted Dubai Health's initiatives for the community, including workshops, awareness activities, and outreach programs offering free screenings and consultations.

In observance of World Diabetes Day, Dubai Health honored 12 dedicated professionals from the Diabetes Center for their 15 years of service since its founding. The ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Board Member of Dubai Health and Chair of the Steering Committee for the new Diabetes Center, and Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health. Dr. Amer Sharif also expressed gratitude to teams across the integrated academic health system for their commitment to delivering comprehensive diabetes care to patients.

Dubai Health's Diabetes Center hosted an event promoting healthy lifestyles for diabetes prevention and management, featuring mental health sessions and success stories from Emirati patients. For the past 15 years, the Center has offered a range of patient-centered services, including a child-friendly internal medicine clinic, sports and foot care facilities, pharmacy, and laboratory services.

Dubai Health's efforts aim to promote a healthier community by advocating for healthy lifestyles through awareness programs and early detection initiatives, which are in alignment with Dubai's Social Agenda 33.