Dubai Health Launches Blue Café to Support Autism Care
Dubai Health continues to build on its "Patients First" promise with the launch of Blue Café, an initiative to improve autism care for children. Leveraging the expertise and resources within Dubai Health, the platform offers learning resources and funds research initiatives dedicated to improving autism care. Designed to be a ‘living lab’ within the community, the Blue Café is also an interactive space and supportive environment where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
Introduced initially as a parent support program at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, it is understood that a recent diagnosis can be overwhelming for families, often leaving them feeling uncertain and isolated. Now, under Dubai Health, the initiative aims to elevate autism care for children through active participation in the community and harnessing the inherent benefits of the academic health system. Learning experts within Dubai Health have developed concise, research-informed content on a wide range of autism care topics, delivered in a user-friendly microlearning format. These bite-sized pieces of knowledge make it easy for families to fit learning into their busy schedules. The website will also host webinars, translating the latest research insights on autism into practical care strategies for families. Beyond information, the platform also provides a safe and supportive online community forum – a virtual space for families to connect, ask questions, and share valuable insights with one another.
Connecting families, Sharing Knowledge, Transforming Care
Looking ahead, Blue Cafe is brewing something special. In the coming months, a physical café in Dubai will open its doors, offering a welcoming space for families and caregivers to gather. All proceeds from this cafe will directly fund research initiatives dedicated to improving autism care.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Nabil Zary, Senior Director of the Institute of Learning (IOL) at Dubai Health, said, “Blue Cafe was born from a desire to support the well-being of children with autism. We are proud to launch this first-of-its-kind living lab, combining the power of research with real-world experiences from the community. Thanks to generous donor support, we can establish a physical cafe, ensuring the project's financial sustainability and continued impact.”
Visit the Blue Cafe website to explore the online learning resources and join the Blue Café community forum.
Al Jalila Foundation Offers Hope to Patients Awaiting Kidney Transplants
Al Jalila Foundation, Emarat Al Youm newspaper, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (IACAD) Department in Dubai, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch Your Donation Saves Lives, the second edition of an initiative to support patients in need of kidney transplantation in Dubai. The fundraising campaign urges businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members to embrace the initiative and offer essential support to those in need.
The MoU was signed by Executive Director of the Charitable Sector, Mohamed Musabih
of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai; Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation; and Saud Al Darbi, Head of the News and Publishing Centre at Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI). The signing took place in the presence of Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health.
Al Jalila Foundation, which leads Dubai Health's giving mission, will be responsible for identifying patients within Dubai Health’s healthcare facilities, including Dubai Hospital, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, and Mediclinic City Hospital. Al Jalila Foundation will provide the healthcare facilities with comprehensive details about the patients, their medical conditions, and the funds required for transplants and post-operative care. Furthermore, they will take measures to ensure that these cases receive timely support from the initiative.
As a strategic partner, Emarat Al Youm newspaper will be responsible for transferring donations and contributions received through a hotline service. IACAD has pledged to collaborate with all parties and distribute donations to Dubai Health patients, identified by Al Jalila Foundation.
His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, confirmed that signing the MoU with Al Jalila Foundation and Emarat Al Youm newspaper supports the national agenda for achieving a better life for citizens and residents of the UAE, helping to empower and further humanitarian work in line with the vision of the wise leadership for supporting the spirit of giving in humanitarian work locally, regionally, and internationally. He explained that it also encourages community members to save lives and improve the quality of life of patients with organ failure, helping them return to being productive members of society.
Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, said, “We are grateful to our partners in this campaign, as it marks another significant step towards providing support to patients in need. Through this collaboration, we combine expertise and resources to positively impact individuals and society, advancing health for humanity. At Dubai Health, we’re guided by our primary value of ‘Patient First,’ and are dedicated to providing our communities the highest quality healthcare and treatment.”
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “We at the Al Jalila Foundation are pleased to launch the second edition of the ‘Your Donation Saves Lives’ campaign, aimed at raising funds for kidney transplant operations. By providing critical support for life-saving surgeries and therapeutic services, we are building on the success of the campaign’s first edition, which treated over 38 kidney failure patients and significantly reduced the financial burden on their families. This ongoing collaboration is a testament to our commitment to advancing humanitarian efforts, underscored by Dubai Health’s spirit of giving.
Saud Al Darbi, Head of the News and Publishing Centre at Dubai Media Incorporated, said that Emarat Al Youm has a history of participating in important initiatives such as Your Donations Save Lives, so deciding to participate was natural. These include a strong legacy of partnerships with governmental and semi-governmental entities to deliver community initiatives.“Based on prior experiences, the newspaper has confidence that philanthropic businessmen and community members will react to the initiative so that these patients can be treated.”
Dubai Health marks Zayed Humanitarian Day with the inauguration of 'The Clinic of Hope'
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.
Dubai Health announces the launch of ‘The Child Fund’ by Al Jalila Foundation
Dubai Health today announced the launch of ‘The Child Fund’ by Al Jalila Foundation, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. The pioneering annual charitable fund amounting to AED50 million will be dedicated to providing essential medical treatment for 3,000 children every year at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, the UAE’s first and only dedicated children’s hospital.
The announcement was made at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, in addition to a number of officials and major donors.
During his tour of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, HH Sheikh Mansoor visited a group of young patients and was briefed on the hospital’s specialty services that underscore its commitment to prioritising child-friendly healthcare focused on quality and excellence.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoumconveyed his gratitude to all donors and contributors who play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of excellence within the health system in Dubai. Their collective efforts contribute significantly to providing the best forms of healthcare, particularly for children. This commitment aligns with the enduring values of giving and compassion that have consistently defined the people of the UAE and its society, His Highness said.
Sheikh Mansoor said: “The launch of 'The Child Fund' underscores our steadfast dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for children, which is a paramount focus within Dubai's health system. We consider it our fundamental responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care for them, as they symbolise the foundation of our future. Through such community initiatives, our goal is to extend support and deliver treatment to the largest number of children, with the ultimate aim of enabling them to lead normal lives.”
‘The Child Fund’ will serve as a dedicated children’s charity programme designed to raise funds for providing essential, life-saving medical support to children in need. Beyond being a beacon of hope for children and their families in the UAE, the initiative aims to cultivate a culture of giving within the community, ensuring that every child receives the care they need to thrive.
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurghighlighted Al Jalila Foundation’s role in supporting Dubai Health’s philanthropic mission. She said: “For over a decade, Al Jalila Foundation has made a significant impact through its A’awen patient treatment programme, touching the lives of thousands of patients and their families across the UAE. With this new fund, we pledge to extend the reach of our care and provide renewed hope for a brighter and more promising tomorrow for even more children. ‘The Child Fund’ reaffirms our heartfelt commitment to securing a healthy future for our children. Today, we proudly recognise the unwavering dedication and generosity of our donors and supporters who, together, united by care and compassion, are lighting the path to healing young lives.”
Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, said:“’The Child Fund’ goes beyond just providing essential medical treatment for children in need, it is a beacon of hope for families and their loved ones facing life-threatening illnesses. Through this initiative our dedicated team of doctors and physicians can extend life-saving care to those who cannot afford access to necessary treatments.”
“We are eternally grateful for the opportunities ‘The Child Fund’ will provide to our doctors and physicians, aligning with Al Jalila Children's unwavering dedication to excellence in treating young patients. The Fund, reflecting our ‘Patient First’ promise, will enable us to extend care to children of all ages, empowering them to step into a more promising tomorrow," said Dr. Al Khayat.
'The Giving Wall'
During the launch, 'The Giving Wall' was unveiled as a tribute to the donors and contributors that have impacted children’s lives through their support to Al Jalila Foundation. They were invited to sign a pledge in support of the AED50 million annual fund dedicated to providing essential medical care for 3,000 children per year. Notable partners include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Establishment; Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation; Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department; Awqaf Dubai; Albatha Holding; IFFCO; and Tarahum.
‘The Child Fund’ builds on Al Jalila Foundation’s impactful history of philanthropic achievements in supporting a number of healthcare programmes in medical education, research and patient care transforming thousands of lives. The Foundation has supported medical treatment to over 8,600 patients, including 30% children, suffering from life-threatening conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses, underscoring its ongoing commitment to transforming lives of those in need in the community.
Click the link ‘The Child Fund’ for more information.