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, 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.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai attended a ceremony unveiling the design of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, part of Dubai Health. Set to be Dubai's first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital, the event also announced the hospital's groundbreaking model of care.

Marking a significant step in terms of providing advanced and accessible cancer care, Dubai Health announced that the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital is to open in 2026. The hospital honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, paying tribute to his lifetime of service to the nation and extraordinary global philanthropic activities that continue to touch the lives of many around the world.

The ceremony was held at the site allocated for the hospital in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors; and Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Establishment for Medical and Educational Sciences.

His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member, and His Excellency Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health also attended the ceremony among other officials and donors.

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital is being developed with the aid of generous donations received through Al Jalila Foundation, which leads Dubai Health's giving mission. The collective contributions of individuals and organizations will support the establishment of the 56,000²m hospital.

Reflection of Dubai Social Agenda 33
HH Sheikh Hamdan said, "The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital honors the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This new addition to the health system in Dubai will play a crucial role in achieving the Dubai Social Agenda 33 goal to deliver the most efficient world-class healthcare system of the highest quality."
HH Sheikh Hamdan thanked all donors who had contributed to the hospital project, highlighting their support as invaluable contributions to building the future of Dubai and its healthcare sector.

Beacon of hope
HH Sheikh Ahmed said, "The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital is a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, resonating with his belief that helping others was not just a duty but a blessing. The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will stand as a beacon of hope, a hub of innovation, and a promise to provide excellent care to our patients in Dubai and beyond. With some of the world's leading experts, cutting-edge technology, and a compassionate approach, we will create an environment that fosters healing and resilience in the region."

HH Sheikh Mansour said, "The Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will break new ground in elevating cancer care standards, reaffirming Dubai Health's commitment to advancing health for humanity. Together, we will honor the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and realize Dubai's ambition to be a global leader in healthcare innovation, ensuring access to world-class medical services for all."

The hospital, located in the Al Jaddaf area, is envisaged to host 50 clinics, 30 clinical research areas, 60 infusion rooms, 10 urgent care rooms, 5 radiotherapy rooms, and 116 inpatient beds. Enhancing the healing environment for patients and their families will be 19 gardens distributed across the hospital campus. Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been appointed as the architect for the project.

As part of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, the comprehensive cancer hospital will benefit from a multidisciplinary team, including specialized nursing, offering patients a full spectrum of care services in one location, from early diagnosis to treatment and supportive care. Aligning with Dubai Health's 'Patient First' promise, select treatments and services will be made available to patients in the comfort of their homes, ensuring an easy and accessible continuum of care.  

HE Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said, "We extend our deepest gratitude to all our generous donors for upholding the spirit of giving, echoing the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The hospital is a collective endeavor, a testament to our shared humanity, uniting us against a global challenge."

New model of care
The hospital will spearhead a transformative shift in care delivery, moving from a traditional inpatient model to an ambulatory model of care. This shift includes integrating primary care with diagnosis and treatment to offer detection and intervention at earlier stages of the patient's journey.

Research and clinical trials will be at the heart of the hospital's array of services, fostering opportunities for discovering the best patient outcomes through personalized, patient-centric, evidence-based care.