Dubai Health Launches Interactive Program Inspiring Children to Explore the Future of Healthcare

Dubai Health has announced that seven Emirati scholars have secured residency training positions at leading medical institutions in the United States and Canada for the year 2026-2027, reinforcing its commitment to developing highly skilled national medical talent and supporting the future needs of the healthcare sector.

The initiative is part of the Academic Mentorship Program, led by the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the heart of Dubai Health, which enables learning and discovery to advance health for humanity. 

The program offers access to advanced clinical training and specialization pathways at internationally renowned institutions. Since its launch three years ago, it has supported more than 30 scholars undertaking training at leading international institutions across a range of priority medical specialties. This has doubled the number of scholars undertaking specialty training in North America. 

Looking ahead, Dubai Health aims to support around 100 Emirati scholars in pursuing residency and fellowship training at leading international institutions over the next 10 years, helping to build a highly skilled medical workforce and meet Dubai’s evolving healthcare needs.

Specialty Training Programs
The third cohort will pursue residency training in neurology, urology, and internal medicine, as well as fellowships in behavioral neurology and pediatric emergency medicine. The training program will span between three and five years, depending on the specialty. 

Shaping Future Medical Leaders 
Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “Through the Academic Mentorship Program, a 10-year initiative launched by Dubai Health three years ago, we are creating pathways for Emirati medical professionals to pursue advanced training and specialization at leading academic and healthcare institutions around the world. By equipping them with advanced knowledge and expertise, we are fostering national talent capable of driving clinical, academic, and research excellence across priority specialties that support the future of healthcare."
She added: “We congratulate the new cohort on securing places in these specialized programs, a testament to their hard work, academic excellence, and professional potential. We look forward to their continued success and their contributions to advancing Dubai’s healthcare system.”

Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Dr. Rasha Buhumaid, Dean of the College of Medicine and Dean of Graduate Medical Education at MBRU, said the candidates are selected through a comprehensive evaluation process based on academic performance, research achievements, training experience, and the relevance of each applicant’s background to their chosen specialty, with particular emphasis placed on specialties that align with workforce needs.

She added: “The program supports scholars throughout their residency and fellowship training, helping them build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to excel in their chosen fields. It also prepares them to pursue advanced training opportunities internationally and work towards board certification in the United States and Canada, supporting their long-term professional growth.”
 

Dubai Health organized a new edition of its Clinic of Hope initiative at Al Jalila Children's Hospital, providing essential healthcare services to 600 children from various nationalities.

The initiative forms part of Dubai Health's ongoing efforts to foster a culture of volunteerism and humanitarian giving by providing diagnostic and preventive healthcare services for children, improving access to care and supporting families. It also aligns with the UAE's Year of Family.

Since its launch in March 2024, the Clinic of Hope initiative has recorded a 130% increase in the number of beneficiaries compared to its first edition, bringing the total number of children supported to more than 2,100. This demonstrates the initiative's positive impact and its role in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of children.

The latest edition of the clinic delivered medical care across more than 15 specialties, including general pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), hematology and oncology, physiotherapy, nutrition, dentistry, orthopedic surgery, pediatric surgery, audiology, ophthalmology, and other specialties. 

Al Jalila Foundation plays a vital role in enabling Dubai Health’s vision to advance health for humanity through the integration of Care, Learning, Discovery, and Giving. Through its A’awen program, which provides medical assistance to UAE-based patients through Dubai Health facilities, the Foundation covered the treatment costs of children requiring advanced medical interventions, ensuring they are able to continue their care journey.

The event was held in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA), Emirates Red Crescent, and Emirates Literature Foundation. It also saw the participation of several private sector partners and more than 140 volunteers, including medical, nursing, and administrative teams, as well as students from the University of Sharjah, and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the heart of Dubai Health, which enables learning and discovery to advance health for humanity.

Enriching experiences 
The initiative featured a range of interactive activities combining learning and entertainment, organized in collaboration with KHDA and Emirates Literature Foundation. Young authors led creative sessions, while UAE-based authors Ebtisam Al Beiti and Nadine Bakhous hosted storytelling sessions. The event also featured the theatrical performance “Fly Dragon Fly”, inspired by a story that carries uplifting messages of hope and positivity.  The authors concluded the activities by gifting copies of their books to the children, bringing them comfort and joy throughout their stay at the hospital.

The Emirates Red Crescent distributed gifts to the children, while the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai's beloved cartoon characters, Salem and Salama, brought smiles to their faces in an atmosphere filled with fun and joy.


Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “This initiative reflects the values of giving and solidarity that define our community. At Al Jalila Foundation, we continue to channel community contributions towards meaningful and sustainable initiatives, guided by the UAE's commitment to placing people at the heart of development and fostering a culture of philanthropy".
He added: “We deeply value the pivotal role of our partners in making this initiative possible. Their ongoing support demonstrates how collective efforts can expand the reach of humanitarian work and enable more children to receive the care they need”.


Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children's Campus, said: “Clinic of Hope demonstrates how volunteerism and community partnerships can create a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. We believe that ensuring every child receives the care they need is a shared responsibility, and that community solidarity is key to building a healthier future for children”.
He added: "The continued success of the initiative highlights the importance of sustaining this humanitarian model to reach even more beneficiaries, reflecting Dubai Health's Patient First commitment".


Brigadier Abdulsamad Hussein Al Blooshi, Assistant Director General of the Pioneering and Future Sector at the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, also affirmed that building a more cohesive society begins with institutional partnerships that place people at the heart of their work. 
He noted that the "Clinic of Hope" initiative embodies this approach by bringing together government entities and national institutions to create a meaningful humanitarian impact that touches the lives of children and their families, while reflecting GDRFA Dubai’s mission to promote happiness, enhance quality of life, and reinforce the values of giving and social responsibility. 
He added: "At GDRFA Dubai, we believe that our values extend beyond the delivery of services to embody the true meaning of happiness and positivity. Guided by this belief, our participation in the 'Clinic of Hope' initiative aimed to create a joyful experience for children through the distribution of Salem and Salama character plush toys, gifts, and ice cream. We believe that a smile is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a message of hope, and that reassurance and emotional support are an integral part of the healing journey. We also believe that partnerships that create genuine impact are those that leave a positive mark on people’s lives, contribute to building a more cohesive and compassionate society, and reflect Dubai’s vision of placing people at the heart of development."

Dr. Saeed Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said: “The Clinic of Hope initiative, organized by Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, is an inspiring example of community partnership that places children and their wellbeing at the heart of its efforts, while creating a supportive environment that brings hope to children and their families throughout their treatment journey.”
He added: “KHDA’s participation in this initiative reflects our commitment to advancing Dubai’s Early Childhood Care and Education Strategy by working closely with partners across the government and community sectors, listening to parents’ perspectives, and engaging them in shaping policies and initiatives that respond to the needs of children and their families.
We believe that building an integrated early childhood care and education system requires genuine collaboration among all stakeholders. Such partnerships help ensure every child has the best possible start in life, while enhancing their wellbeing, learning, and development during these formative years.”

Dania Droubi, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “Our mission has always been to bring the joy and comfort of stories to those who need them most. As someone who has spent my career in education, I have seen how books can spark imagination, build resilience, foster empathy, and bring people together in hope. We are deeply grateful to Dubai Health for giving us this opportunity.”
 

The Board of Directors of Dubai Health convened its first meeting of the year, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.

The Board reviewed progress across Dubai’s integrated academic health system and discussed key strategic projects and future initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare excellence.

Held at the Dubai Health headquarters, the meeting was also attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Professor Sir Ian Andrew Greer, His Excellency Walid Saeed Al Awadhi, His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, Dr. Amer Sharif, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum welcomed the Board members, noting their role in advancing Dubai’s health system and supporting the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to create a sustainable human-centered system. His Highness commended the achievements of Dubai Health teams and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in driving progress that advances the quality of care and life for the community.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed Dubai’s global position in healthcare, noting its continued progress in developing a system driven by knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence, and highlighting the role of Dubai Health as an integrated academic health system that brings together care, learning, discovery and giving to advance health for humanity.