Reflecting community solidarity Al Jalila Foundation receives AED 10 million donation from Dubai Islamic Bank

Dubai Health has inaugurated the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. Established through Al Jalila Foundation’s The Hope Fund, the unit was developed with the generous support of Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, whose name is inscribed on the hospital’s Giving Wall. 

The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO Emeritus of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital; Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer, and Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Women and Children’s Campus. 

The Pediatric Cardiology service at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital performs around 200 pediatric cardiac surgeries annually, in addition to more than 300 cardiac catheterizations procedures, reinforcing Dubai Health’s ability to deliver comprehensive, specialized care for various cardiac conditions. 

The new unit reflects Dubai Health’s “Children First” commitment by advancing pediatric cardiac care. Aligned with a patient- and family-centered model, the unit also enables parents to remain close to their children, with comfortable beds provided beside each patient bed and a dedicated family area offering a welcoming space for relatives. 

Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleh said: “Supporting children’s health is an investment in the wellbeing of future generations. We are honored to contribute to this unit, as community partnerships play an important role in expanding specialized services and ensuring patients receive the care they need. We hope this initiative will support Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their families.” 

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, said: “At Al Jalila Foundation, we continue to work closely with our partners to launch and implement programs and initiatives that make a meaningful difference.  
These efforts contribute to supporting the healthcare ecosystem and expanding access to advanced care, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for our patients and the wider community.” 

Delivering advanced, multidisciplinary care
Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, said: “The addition of the ten-bed Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit further strengthens the continuum of cardiac care available to children at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. By bringing together specialized expertise and advanced clinical capabilities, we are able to provide comprehensive care for children while supporting families throughout their journey." 

The Hope Fund 
Launched by Al Jalila Foundation, The Hope Fund is a flagship initiative that supports the development of Dubai Health facilities and expands access to advanced services that meet the evolving needs of the community. Through the contributions of partners, the Fund enables sustainable impact that strengthens Dubai’s healthcare system and improves patient outcomes.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, launched ‘The Cancer Fund’ of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.

His Highness also unveiled ‘The Giving Wall’ at Dubai Hospital, which bears the names of donors who have supported its treatment programmes, in recognition of their generosity.

The Cancer Fund aims to provide vital support for cancer treatment, helping ease the financial burden on patients and ensuring they can continue their care throughout recovery.

The launch of The Cancer Fund took place during a ceremony hosted by Al Jalila Foundation at Dubai Hospital, where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured partners, donors, and supporters of the hospital’s treatment programmes.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH the Dubai Ruler's Court; Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors, and Chairperson of 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 (MBRU); and other senior officials.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed stated: “Giving is a deeply rooted value in the UAE instilled by our Founding Fathers and our leadership continues to build on this legacy through initiatives that place people’s health and wellbeing at the heart of national priorities.”

His Highness praised the individuals and institutions whose generosity strengthens community philanthropic efforts, noting that the strong engagement generated by such programmes reflects a shared national commitment to supporting people and enhancing quality of life.

Strategic step
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “The Cancer Fund marks a strategic step towards building a sustainable support system for patients.”

She added: “The Fund also reflects a forward-looking model of collaboration, with community and institutional giving playing a central role in strengthening our healthcare system and expanding its impact on patients’ lives. We believe that sustainable philanthropy is essential to building a more cohesive society, where collective efforts come together to shape a better future for all.”

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Dedicating this year’s Ramadan campaign at Al Jalila Foundation to The Cancer Fund will expand support pathways available to cancer patients. It reflects the role of community giving in helping patients access timely treatment, in line with Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise.”

He added: “The generosity of donors enabled us to provide care to 650 cancer patients over the past year, with contributions exceeding AED43 million through the ‘A’awen’ programme.

Al Jalila Foundation encourages individuals and organisations to support the Ramadan 2026 campaign through its donation channels, emphasising that every contribution makes a difference for patients and their families by helping them access treatment.
 

Dubai Health organized the second edition of 'Clinic of Hope' initiative at Al Jalila Children's Hospital, providing essential free medical care to 300 children in need across more than 20 specialised fields.

Led by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, 'Clinic of Hope' was held in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day and in support of the ‘Year of the Community’, reflecting the leadership’s vision for a cohesive and prosperous society.

The organisation of the clinic reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to advancing health for humanity by providing free medical check-ups and supporting patients facing financial hardship. It also aligns with its ‘Patient First’ promise, reinforcing its mission to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.

The ‘Clinic of Hope’ initiative was supported by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, which distributed gifts to children. The Emirates Literature Foundation hosted storytelling and educational sessions for young patients, while beloved mascots Salem and Salama added to the excitement.

Expanding Charitable Healthcare

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: “Organising the 'Clinic of Hope' for the second consecutive year reflects our commitment to providing sustainable and comprehensive healthcare for children who lack access to vital medical services. Giving and humanitarian work are at the core of our healthcare system, and holding this initiative on Zayed Humanitarian Day is a tribute to the vision of our nation's Founding Fathers and wise leadership, who have embedded philanthropy as a way of life.”

He added: “We sincerely appreciate the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the Emirates Literature Foundation, and all the volunteers, including the medical, nursing, administrative professionals, and students from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. We remain committed to expanding our humanitarian programmes, increasing the number of beneficiaries, and strengthening social responsibility through endeavours that promote solidarity and compassion within the community.”

Enhanced Medical Reach and Specialised Care

Highlighting the success of the initiative Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Deputy CEO of Al Jalila Children's Hospital and Latifa Hospital, said: “We are proud of the remarkable impact of the second edition of the 'Clinic of Hope.' This year, we provided free medical care to 300 children across more than 20 specialised fields, marking a 20% increase from last year. Additionally, we ensured continued medical follow-ups for 45 children from the first edition who required long-term treatment plans.”

“We appreciate the dedication of the entire volunteer team, which included 100 medical, nursing and administrative professionals alongside students. Their collective efforts reaffirm Dubai Health's mission of supporting charitable healthcare and promoting community responsibility.”

Comprehensive Pediatric Specialties

Throughout the full-day event, children received specialised healthcare services across more than 20 medical disciplines, including general pediatrics, endocrinology, genetic and metabolic disorders, allergy and immunology, nephrology, neurology, psychiatry, orthopedics, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, dentistry, ENT, pediatric surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery.