SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's healthcare revolution, a legacy of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, continues to thrive with a strong emphasis on quality care, digital health, and the use of AI to transform the system.
The UAE provides a comprehensive, government-funded healthcare system, complemented by a rapidly growing private sector, ensuring high-quality care that is regulated at both federal and emirate levels.
The UAE has made significant progress in global health, ranking among the top 20 countries on the World Index of Healthcare Innovation in 2021.
In 2022, the country was ranked first globally in 14 health indicators and led six other indicators across the Arab world and Gulf countries.
In addition, the UAE topped the GCC in the SCOR health data technical package report, ranked second globally on the Lack of Health Issues Index, as well as secured seventh place at the Healthcare Infrastructure Conference.
The UAE's commitment to meeting the goals of its National Agenda are guided by a set of federal visions and strategies, including "We the UAE 2031", the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and the UAE Centennial 2071. The country is also embracing innovative projects like "MetaHealth" and "Metaverse" to enhance services.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are advancing world-class healthcare through quality enhancements, increased accessibility, and novel approaches.
Abu Dhabi is going through a substantial healthcare transformation, with the goal of improving service quality, increasing access, and shifting from public to private providers.
Principal objectives involve establishing service standards, increasing patient choice through competition, adopting a new mandatory health insurance model, and assuring affordable care for all residents.
A charitable fund supports underinsured expatriates and covers crucial medical care.
Dubai's healthcare sector is promptly modernising, with an emphasis on innovation, infrastructure, and attracting top medical personnel.
The Dubai Health Authority plays a key role in both regulating and delivering healthcare services.
Their initiatives focus on expanding postgraduate education and improving specialised care.
Dubai is home to two healthcare free zones.
Dubai Healthcare City features two hospitals, over 120 outpatient centres, and a team of 4,000 healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, established in 2010, serves as a global hub for life sciences and innovation.
The UAE is enhancing its healthcare system through strategic partnerships with global institutions, positioning itself as a leading regional hub for medical care.
Notable partnerships include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Johns Hopkins Medical School, which oversees healthcare systems like Tawam Hospital.
The UAE also collaborates with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness, and its partnership with Children's National Medical Center has contributed to improved infant mortality rates.
The UAE's healthcare system is undergoing a transformation, with life expectancy now at 79.2 years, matching global standards, according to the 2023/2024 Human Development Index report issued by the United Nations Development Programme, titled "Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World."
The government's emphasis on preventive health, nutrition, and tackling lifestyle-related diseases through initiatives like the National Nutrition Guidelines and comprehensive health strategies showcases a forward-thinking vision for a healthier future.