Dubai Sports Council and DAHC sign MoU

Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, announced that it has earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® by the Joint Commission International (JCI) across all its hospitals and primary care centers.

By maintaining its international accreditation, DAHC demonstrates a steadfast dedication to upholding healthcare excellence for patients and their families. The accreditation also reflects its commitment to becoming a global leader in providing exceptional patient care by maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.

The Joint Commission International, a leading accreditation body for hospitals and healthcare organizations worldwide, conducted a thorough evaluation process to award DAHC hospitals with the Gold Seal of Approval®. This evaluation concentrated on critical operational systems related to safety and encompassed various facets of patient care. JCI's comprehensive assessment examined the hospitals' adherence to rigorous global standards, with a particular emphasis on patient safety, clinical quality, and risk management protocols.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of DAHC and CEO of Latifa Hospital, said: “Receiving JCI accreditation across Dubai Academic Health Corporation hospitals and healthcare facilities is a tremendous accomplishment that speaks volumes about our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of our teams and demonstrates our ongoing pursuit of excellence in healthcare in line with our ‘Patient First’ promise.”

Joel Roos, Vice President, International Accreditation, Quality Improvement and Safety, Joint Commission International, said: “The accreditation offered by JCI equips hospitals with processes that foster improvements across multiple areas, such as staff education advancements and the implementation of leading practices within the hospital environment. We commend Dubai Academic Health Corporation for its dedication to becoming a quality improvement organization and reaching this prestigious milestone, which showcases a strong commitment to patient safety and quality.

By successfully securing JCI's accreditation, patients and their families can have even greater confidence in the care they receive at DAHC hospitals, affirming the organization's pledge to place its patients first.

The International Hospital Federation (IHF), a global organisation dedicated to advancing and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery and management worldwide, announced that it has elected Emirati Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), Vice Provost Clinical Practice of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and CEO of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, as President of the Federation during the World Hospital Congress in Lisbon.

Dr. Tahlak's election as President of IHF is a major milestone for the UAE on the global healthcare front. As the first Arab woman and Emirati to hold this esteemed position, it underscores the UAE's commitment to both advancing the role of women across diverse fields and promoting excellence in the healthcare sector. This achievement also marks a remarkable moment in the history of the IHF, with Dr. Tahlak assuming the highest international position ever held within the organisation.

The IHF Governing Council voted to elect Dr. Tahlak as the new IHF President. In doing so, Dr. Tahlak ends her term as President Designate and now begins her two-year term as President of the IHF, succeeding Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Tahlak expressed her gratitude and honour on being appointed, stating: “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our visionary leadership for their unwavering commitment to empowering women. Emirati women have consistently excelled in diverse high-ranking roles across various domains. Our nation has also consistently offered abundant opportunities to foster the progress and specialisation of Emirati women, particularly within the medical field.

“This victory highlights not only the progress that Emirati women have made but also reflects the leading position of UAE’s health sector. I am honoured to represent the UAE and fellow Emirati women on such an important global platform,” she added.

Dr. Tahlak also noted that her work with the IHF over the past seven years has provided her with a platform to showcase the exemplary work of hospitals in the UAE and the invaluable contributions of Emirati women on a global scale.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation, congratulated Dr. Tahlak on her well-deserved appointment as the President of the International Hospital Federation, emphasising her exceptional leadership, expertise, and remarkable contributions to the healthcare system in Dubai and beyond. He also expressed his pride in Dr. Tahlak’s accomplishments and the recognition she brings to the exceptional talent of Emirati women on the global stage.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire healthcare sector in the UAE. Emirati women have consistently excelled across various domains, particularly in the medical field, making substantial contributions to the nation's growth and development. Dr. Tahlak's leadership and dedication play a crucial role in fulfilling DAHC's mission to impact lives and shape the future of health through the integration of care, learning, discovery, and giving,” he said.

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.

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Health, represented by Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Emiratization of healthcare professions by supporting Emirati students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across various medical specializations at MBRU.
The MoU marks a significant step forward in a shared commitment to developing national healthcare talent. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, and Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of MBRU.
Under the agreement, Dubai Health Authority will cover the tuition fees of a number of Emirati students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across various medical specializations at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, including programs offered by the Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Asma Al Sharif, Acting CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at DHA, and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, during World Health Expo Dubai 2026. 
Dr. Asma Al Sharif said: “The MoU provides significant momentum to our shared efforts to advance the Emiratization of healthcare professions and equip the health sector with highly qualified national talent capable of achieving the strategic goals of Dubai’s health system.”

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi said: “This MoU reflects our commitment, together with Dubai Health Authority, to cultivating highly qualified national medical talent to lead the future of Dubai’s healthcare sector. By empowering Emirati students academically and professionally in vital specializations, including nursing, we strengthen the integration of our academic health system.”
She added: “The program will support students enrolled in the Medicine and Surgery programs, as well as those of the Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery at MBRU, reinforcing essential healthcare career pathways.”
 

A delegation from the Dubai Sports Council visited Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, to learn about its sports philanthropy initiatives and discuss areas of collaboration. 

The delegation was led by His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and other officials. They were welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; 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; Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus; Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, and Shamma Alrafi, Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement Programs at Al Jalila Foundation.

During the visit, His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul learned about Al Jalila Foundation’s sports philanthropy initiatives and met with the Foundation’s “Champions of Hope” team, a group of athletes who leverage sports for humanitarian giving.
To date, the philanthropic sports initiatives have raised AED 15 million through more than 450 community and partner-led activities, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting Al Jalila Foundation’s programs. 
His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, said: “The Dubai Sports Council is committed to supporting all national efforts and charitable initiatives that aim to enhance the wellbeing, health, and active lifestyles of our community. We see this commitment embodied in the ‘Champions of Hope’ initiative, an inspiring model that harnesses the power of sport and the positive influence of athletes to spread values of generosity and compassion across the community.
His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We are honored to welcome His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul and the accompanying delegation, whose visit reflects our commitment to Advancing Health for Humanity.”
He added: “We deeply appreciate the Dubai Sports Council and the athletes, whose dedication and spirit inspire a culture of giving and create a meaningful impact on the community.”

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul met the “Champions of Hope” team, which included several inspiring athletes: Yahya Al Ghassani, UAE National Football Team player and founder of YA10 Academy; Ghani Souleymane, endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder for the T100x100 challenge; Mustafa Kaan Yildiz, swimmer and junior coach at Heroes of Hope; Coach Dan Cordero, endurance cyclist and founder of LifeSpark Cycling; Keisha Pais, open-water swimmer who completed the 15-kilometer Bonifacio Strait swim from Italy to France; Ahmed El-Shennawy, member of the inaugural Team Al Jalila Kilimanjaro charity climb and leader of the Himalayan Charity Challenge; Essam Adams, the founder of “Run 4 A Purpose” running club; and Aarti Shah, an Athlete of Determination and member of Heroes of Hope.
 
The visit also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YA10 Academy, a sports academy founded by professional Emirati footballer Yahya Al Ghassani that supports emerging football talent. 

Yahya Al Ghassani said: “Through this partnership, YA10 Academy and Al Jalila Foundation will unite sports with philanthropy through athlete engagement and community challenges designed to raise awareness and funds for patient care. It embeds a culture of giving into the academy’s calendar, transforming every training session, match, and milestone into an opportunity for fans to support life-changing healthcare programs”.

Shamma Alrafi said: “For over a decade, we have seen how sports can go beyond the game to drive real change. By combining athletic spirit with charitable initiatives, we can support 
patients in need and inspire the community, showing how Dubai leads in using sports as a force for good.”

Dubai Health and Johnson & Johnson MedTech have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a collaborative framework to advance professional education, drive sustainability initiatives, and support digital innovation in healthcare. 

The MoU was signed by 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 (MBRU), and Prosun Niyogi, Vice President and General Manager, Surgery Emerging Markets representing Johnson & Johnson MedTech. The signing was attended by Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer at Dubai Health. 

The collaboration is structured around three core pillars. The first focuses on professional education and capacity building through tailored training programs and train-the-trainer initiatives. The second advances sustainable development by expanding recycling programs across selected hospitals. The third supports the implementation of digital ecosystems that enable surgical video capture, secure content sharing, collaborative case planning, and telepresence-enabled remote collaboration and education. 

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi said: “This strategic partnership with Johnson & Johnson MedTech reflects our commitment to healthcare excellence through purpose-driven partnerships. Guided by our vision to advance health for humanity, we are building a framework that will enhance professional education, promote sustainability, and support digital innovation across our integrated academic health system.” 

Dr. Tarek Fathey said: “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing clinical practice across Dubai Health through the integration of advanced digital technologies into surgical environments and clinical education. It enhances precision in medical decision-making, strengthens multidisciplinary team capabilities, and ultimately contributes to improved patient outcomes.” 

Prosun Niyogi said, “Dubai Health's 'Patient First' promise reflects the same principle that guides everything we do at Johnson & Johnson MedTech: putting the needs of patients above all else. This partnership allows us to pioneer new models of professional education, advance sustainable healthcare practices, and connect clinicians through digital innovation- all in service of one goal: removing limitations to a full life and changing the trajectory of health for communities across the UAE and beyond.” 

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to driving meaningful progress in healthcare through knowledge exchange, innovation, and strategic partnership, ultimately supporting better outcomes for patients and communities.