Dubai Health Welcomes a New Cohort of Emirati Nurses

The Academic Guidance for Physicians Program helped applicants meet the requirements to enroll in medical residency programs in Canada and the US.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai has announced that 100% of its Emirati scholars from the Graduate Medical Education at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) have successfully secured training opportunities for medical residency programs in Canada and the US. This notable achievement was facilitated by the Academic Mentorship Program for Physicians, a flagship initiative under the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education at MBRU designed to support trainees in pursuing medical residency training programs in North America.

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health, and Provost of MBRU, said: “This is a very special moment for Dubai Health, celebrating the success of our young scholars who are pushing the envelope and getting outside of their comfort zones to pursue their graduate medical education abroad, which is a testament to the caliber of medical education, mentorship, and clinical training that is distinctively offered at MBRU, the University within Dubai's first integrated academic health system. This success not only reflects the individual achievements of our young doctors but also underscores Dubai Health's commitment to empowering local medical talent, ensuring that they receive opportunities to excel on the global stage. I'm very proud of these young doctors and very proud of the graduate medical education team that is supporting them.”

Professor Sulaiman AlEmran, Dean of Graduate Medical Education at MBRU, said: “We are honored by the accomplishments of our Emirati scholars and MBRU’s new Academic Mentorship Program for Physicians. These achievements reflect MBRU’s commitment to supporting trainees in their learning journey, aligning with Dubai Health’s goal to cultivate local medical talent in various medical fields,”

“The Deanship of Graduate Medical Education at MBRU implemented a standardized program for academic mentorship, offering comprehensive support to medical trainees aspiring to enroll in medical residency programs in Canada and the US. The initiative included meticulous review and optimization of trainees' academic performances and resumes, coupled with informative workshops addressing application requirements and refining personal interview skills. The program facilitated communication between trainees and prominent Canadian and American institutions, introducing them to Dubai Health, and provided diligent follow-up throughout all application stages and requirements,” he added.

A total of 11 trainees who participated in the academic mentorship program, successfully meeting all admission requirements and criteria for prestigious Canadian and American institutions, including the successful completion of medical licensing exams. The Deanship of Graduate Medical Education oversaw the review process of all documents, submitting them to numerous universities in Canada and the US in collaboration with UAE attachés.

Each applicant excelled in meeting the admission requirements, including personal interviews. Successful candidates have been accepted into several medical residency programs, such as internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, and diagnostic radiology. Notable institutions welcoming MBRU trainees include the University of Texas in the US, as well as Canadian universities such as McGill University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Queen's University.

This unprecedented accomplishment of securing 11 training opportunities across Canadian and American institutions is a pinnacle achievement in the UAE's healthcare landscape. Moreover, this success aligns seamlessly with Dubai Health's commitment to investing in developing national healthcare talents, fostering excellence in healthcare services, and championing learning and discovery to impact lives.

Dubai Health, Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, and Emirates Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) underscoring a commitment to enhance the patient experience and embed a culture of compassionate hospitality within healthcare.

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, the MoU was signed by Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, and Dr Amer Al Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

The MoU is testament to Dubai’s constant efforts to improve public healthcare systems as it strives to transform itself into a global hub for medical and life sciences and a destination for health and medical services while boosting medical education, research and scientific innovation.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said: "Emirates is renowned for its world-class hospitality, and this partnership between Dubai Health and Emirates Group further supports Dubai Health's transformative journey towards becoming a leader in patient-centricity. This strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in fostering excellence, innovation, and synergy between the two organisations."

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed said: “The Emirates Group and Dubai Health partnership is grounded in reciprocity, with Dubai Health as Dubai’s first integrated academic health system uniquely placed to support Emirates’ mission through research and development.

"The partnership spans multi-disciplinary functions, underpinning a commitment to knowledge exchange and shared best practices. It also emphasises joint efforts in advancing the career development and training of UAE nationals, underscoring a commitment to local talent."

HE Al Redhasaid: “With a shared commitment to excellence, Emirates and Dubai Health joined forces to foster a culture of hospitality in healthcare. With our partnership, we strive to bring the essence of Emirates’ signature customer service to every interaction, creating an environment where an elevated patient journey flourishes alongside medical excellence.”

HE Dr Sharifsaid: “As the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, we believe in enriching the healthcare experience by prioritising patient-centric care, ensuring that compassion and medical excellence are at the core of the patients’ journey. Through our partnership with one of the world leaders in hospitality, we aim to create an ecosystem where patients feel valued, supported, and confident in their healthcare choices, ultimately elevating the standard of care in Dubai in line with our ‘Patient First’ promise.”

Dubai Health is Dubai’s first integrated academic health system where care, learning, discovery and giving come together to advance health for humanity.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, welcomed the international crew of Expedition 69, the 69th long-duration expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), during their UAE tour.

The event took place at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and was attended by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) team led by His Excellency Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, besides the Dubai Health team, including students and scientists who had been working closely with the MBRSC and Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi on research projects aboard the ISS. Dr. Hanan Alsuwaidi, Chief Business Officer of Dubai Health and the UAE’s first flight surgeon, was reunited with the crew.

Expedition 69 showcased the collaborative benefits of space exploration, bringing together seasoned astronauts from around the globe including Roscosmos’s Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitri Petelin and Andrey Fedyaev, NASA’s Frank Rubio, Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, along with Dr. Al Neyadi, who undertook the longest Arab space mission in history, and Hazza Al Mansoori, the UAE's first astronaut and the Increment Lead of Expedition 69.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, expressed immense delight in welcoming the astronauts. “We are proud to host the distinguished crew of Expedition 69 that includes Emirati astronauts Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazzaa Al Mansoori. This historic gathering of all eight astronauts in the UAE is a grand moment for our nation and today’s visit highlights our longstanding relationship with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in our commitment to advancements in science and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

“We are proud of the groundbreaking work and the impact of Emirati astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazzaa Al Mansoori, who have inspired our young generation to dream big and believe that the sky is no longer the limit. Their remarkable efforts will shape the future of space exploration,” HE Dr. Sharif said.

His Excellency Al Marri said: “We thank Dubai Health for hosting the crew of Expedition 69 and our astronauts for this event. The collaboration with MBRU and the invaluable contributions of Dr. Hanan Alsuwaidi, the UAE's first flight surgeon, have been fundamental in ensuring the health and safety of our astronauts. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to pioneering medical advancements that not only benefit space exploration but also enhance healthcare on Earth. We hope today’s session inspired the younger generation to pursue space exploration and also instills in them the spirit of human curiosity and resilience that propels us towards a brighter future."

The event offered a unique meet-and-greet opportunity with all eight astronauts of Expedition 69, who returned to earth after a historic space exploration recently. The crew shared anecdotes about their experiences, discoveries, and the bond that developed during the course of their mission. The astronauts also toured MBRU upon the conclusion of the event, spending time at the Simulation Center and the Space Lab and interacting with students from the Space Medicine Club.

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, welcomed its tenth cohort into the Doctor of Medicine program with a White Coat Ceremony. This event is a deeply symbolic tradition for medical students during which they take the Hippocratic Oath, marking the beginning of their academic and professional journey and reinforcing the values of commitment and professional ethics throughout their studies.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU; Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Acting Chief Academic Officer at Dubai Health and Acting Provost at MBRU; Professor Suleiman Al-Hammadi, Dean of the College of Medicine at MBRU; and Dr. Laila Al Suwaidi, Dean of Student Affairs at MBRU, along with MBRU faculty members, students, and their parents.

Dr. Amer Sharif congratulated the students on reaching this important milestone in their academic journey, emphasizing that MBRU leads the learning and discovery missions of Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, Dubai Health. He also introduced a new tradition, the Patient First Pinning Ceremony. As the primary value of Dubai Health, wearing the Patient First pin on the white coats underscores the students’ commitment to placing patients at the center of their medical practice, and serves as a reminder of the university’s core values: Respect, Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, and Empathy.

Since its launch in 2016, the Doctor of Medicine program at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences has graduated 170 doctors, many of whom have joined residency and fellowship programs both within the UAE and abroad. The six-year program combines medical education with clinical training and scientific research.

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi said: “The White Coat Ceremony, now in its tenth edition, represents an important milestone in the journey of our new students and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to developing medical professionals who contribute to serving the community and enhancing the quality of healthcare in Dubai and across the UAE.”

She added: “Through our integrated academic health system, we ensure a connection between education, clinical practice, and scientific research, providing our students with the knowledge and experience that strengthen their skills and elevate their capabilities. Over the past ten years, we take pride in supporting the healthcare sector with highly qualified medical professionals across various specialities, contributing to the advancement of the health system.”
Dean Suleiman Al-Hammadi said: “The tenth cohort of the Doctor of Medicine program represents a continuation of the journey that began in 2016, followed by our graduates’ progression into residency and specialty programs. This new cohort continues this advanced academic path, contributing to the preparation of physicians qualified to enhance the quality of medical services.”

Dean Laila Al Suwaidi said: “The new cohort ceremony is a moment of pride that renews each year and reflects the university’s commitment to guiding medical students from their first day until they graduate as distinguished physicians. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment that expands knowledge, develops talent, and equips students with the skills to advance healthcare and serve the community.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, attended the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Dubai Health Leadership Academy’s flagship Systems Leadership Program.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Program celebrated the graduation of 40 graduates during a ceremony held at the Museum of The Future.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum congratulated the graduates, highlighting the importance of investing in leadership capabilities that can contribute to the development of the healthcare sector. “Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai is advancing the future of healthcare by developing leaders who can navigate rapid change and transform it into meaningful opportunities for growth and innovation,” he said. “I congratulate all the graduates whose leadership will shape the future of health in Dubai and advance the quality of care and life for our community,” His Highness added.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said “We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of the Dubai Health Leadership Academy’s Systems Leadership Program, delivered in partnership with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. Building future-ready leaders remains central to our journey toward a sustainable health system, one built on knowledge, innovation and care, and informed by leading global practices.”

The ceremony was also attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors, His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; members of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; as well as Dr. Eleanor Murray, Academic Director and Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Oxford Saïd Business School, and Dr. Mark O’Brien, Program Director of the Systems Leadership Program and Associate Fellow at Oxford Saïd Business School.

His Excellency, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, said: "The Systems Leadership Program stands as a powerful catalyst for transformation across our health system. It develops leaders who can navigate complexity, think holistically across the continuum of care, and champion the values at the heart of Dubai’s health sector. By strengthening the foundations of a resilient, people centered health system, we ensure excellence for our community today, while shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for our city and beyond."

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, said: “This program was founded on the powerful idea that leadership in health must reflect the complexity and compassion of the system we serve. The Dubai Health Leadership Academy was designed with an ambitious purpose, to prepare leaders for a health system as dynamic as Dubai. Today our graduates are ready to carry that purpose forward.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their support of the program, noting that the knowledge and experience gained by the graduates will be applied across the Dubai Health system.

He also thanked the program partners; Emirates, Dubai Airports, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, in recognition of their valuable contributions which elevated the program’s impact and continue to inspire Dubai Health’s transformation journey.

Commenting on the program, Dr. Eleanor Murray, said: “Witnessing this cohort reach graduation has been especially meaningful. The Systems Leadership Program brought together distinguished faculty and global experts who fostered thoughtful dialogue, encouraged reflection, and enriched participants’ understanding of leadership within complex health systems. Their Certificate of Completion, jointly endorsed by Dubai Health and Saïd Business School, formally recognises the comprehensive learning journey they have undertaken and the commitment they have shown throughout the program.”

Dr. Mark O’Brien said: “This graduation represents an important milestone for Dubai Health and Oxford Saïd Business School, reflecting a shared commitment to developing leaders who can drive transformation. Their progress throughout the program has been remarkable, and the capabilities they have developed will support Dubai’s continued pursuit of excellence and innovation for many years ahead.”

The Dubai Health Leadership Academy was launched in September 2024, alongside its inaugural Systems Leadership Program, delivered through a partnership with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, with the aim of cultivating leadership talent capable of contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector. It was designed based on the expertise of academics and specialists from around the world, alongside best practices, and was developed in alignment with the priorities and initiatives of Dubai Health, which served as a cornerstone for learning throughout the duration of the program.

Over 14 months, delivered through four modules, participants applied their learning in practice, supported by personalised executive coaching and insights from experts at Oxford Saïd Business School.