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Dubai Health Celebrates International Nurses Day and Honors DAISY Award Winners in Ceremony Attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri
12 May 2025
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.
Dubai Health Supports the Nursing Profession Through Ongoing Initiatives and Development Programs
Dubai Health reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the nursing profession through initiatives focused on academic qualification, professional development, talent attraction, and creating an environment that promotes learning and discovery, recognizing nurses as a key pillar in advancing healthcare.
This was highlighted during a ceremony organized by Dubai Health to celebrate its nursing workforce on International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12. The event recognized the dedication of nurses and their contribution to delivering compassionate care.
Held at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer and Provost of MBRU.
Continuous growth
The nursing workforce at Dubai Health has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with the total number of nurses reaching 4,436. The number of Emirati nurses has reached 130 as of this year, marking more than 200% increase compared to 2021.
Efforts continue to attract and empower Emirati nursing professionals in line with the highest international professional standards, supporting their readiness and contributing to the continued progress of the healthcare sector.
Frontline caregivers
H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We appreciate the dedication of our nursing teams at Dubai Health, who represent the first line of care in the healthcare sector, and their vital role in advancing health for humanity and upholding our Patient First promise.”
He added: “We remain committed to empowering our nursing workforce through a supportive environment that fosters professional development and continuous learning. We also continue to nurture national talent, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global healthcare hub.”
Development Programs and Initiatives
Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, said: “At MBRU’s Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery, we continue to develop specialized programs and initiatives that encourage Emiratis to pursue the nursing profession, in line with broader efforts to strengthen the role of national talent within the healthcare sector.”
She explained that student enrollment in nursing programs at the college has increased by 125% since 2020, with Emiratis accounting for 43% of enrolled students. The college offers full and partial scholarships for Emirati students, alongside awareness programs and field visits for secondary school students to introduce them to the nursing profession. The college also organizes open days and clinical simulation experiences that help foster students’ interest in this vital field.
Recognition
During the ceremony, 11 recipients of the international DAISY Award were honored in recognition of their dedication and contributions to patient care. Additionally, 25 newly graduated nurses from the second cohort of the Transition to Practice Program were celebrated. The program supports newly graduated nurses joining Dubai Health hospitals and centers by helping them transition into clinical practice with greater confidence.