SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Emirati doctors across the country said that the support extended by the UAE leadership has not only opened doors to world-class medical institutions but has also enabled them to return home with the confidence and experience needed to strengthen patient care, improve standards, and help guide the next stage of healthcare development.
As the UAE marks Emirati Doctor's Day on March 11, they added that the occasion offers a timely opportunity to recognise national medical talent and the impact of this sustained support, which has helped drive stronger clinical practice, wider specialisation and a growing Emirati presence in research, quality standards, prevention and long-term health planning.
"Emirati Doctor's Day represents an important occasion to celebrate national medical talents who have contributed significantly to the development of the healthcare sector in the United Arab Emirates," Prof Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute and President of the Emirates Oncology Society, told Aletihad.
He linked that progress directly to the sustained national support, saying that his own career demonstrates how national programmes have helped Emirati doctors gain international exposure while remaining focused on serving their country.
Prof Al Shamsi was the first graduate of the Sheikh Khalifa Distinguished Physicians Program, studied medicine at University College Cork in Ireland, and then completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Medical Oncology at McMaster University in Canada. He also undertook advanced subspecialty training in gastrointestinal oncology and palliative care before serving as an Assistant Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Centre in the US.
"These experiences were made possible through the UAE's ongoing commitment to supporting Emirati physicians and sponsoring their training at the world's leading medical centres," he said.
"Empowering Emirati professionals within private healthcare institutions reflects the UAE's vision of building an advanced medical system that places the patient at the centre of care and strengthens the country's position as a regional hub for advanced healthcare."
For Dr Abdulla Hamed Kazim, Quality Consultant at Response Plus Medical, the contribution of Emirati doctors goes beyond direct patient care. He explained that they have also taken on a growing role in improving healthcare systems, with their work reaching into service design, public health preparedness and continuity of care.
"Emirati doctors have been a driving force in strengthening the UAE's healthcare sector, not only by delivering excellent clinical care, but by building the systems that make care safer, faster, and more consistent," he told Aletihad.
In his view, that contribution now extends across specialities and into leadership, where Emirati physicians are helping connect policy to outcomes at the bedside, while strengthening and innovating existing service models to better meet the needs and values of the community.
Dr Al Kazim sees Emirati Doctor's Day as a reminder of the responsibilities national medical professionals carry as the UAE continues to modernise its healthcare infrastructure.
"Emirati Doctor's Day means recognition, but more importantly, responsibility. It reflects a country that invests in its people and expects them to lead, teach, and innovate," he said.
"Looking ahead, I see Emirati doctors accelerating the shift from reactive treatment to prevention and value-based care, supported by digital health and AI, and I envision they will help redesign the healthcare system to be safer, stronger, and more sustainable for the country."
Dr Ayesha Mohamed, Senior Genetics Consultant at Tadawi Hospital in Dubai, highlighted how Emirati doctors are playing an important role in advancing specialised fields such as genetics and precision medicine within the UAE's healthcare sector.
"Our work goes beyond treating symptoms; we strive to decode the language of life to better understand, prevent, and treat disease. Through science, innovation, and compassion, we are helping build a healthier future for generations to come in the UAE," she told Aletihad.
"It is our shared dedication to discovery, our commitment to patients, and our mission to transform healthcare. From decoding DNA to delivering truly personalised care, turning discovery into better health for every life we touch."
Dr Khuloud Al Zubaidi, Family Medicine Specialist and Medical Director at Burjeel Medical Centre in Al Falah, turned the focus to the community role Emirati doctors continue to carry, saying that their work remains rooted in service, reassurance and direct patient care.
"On Emirati Doctor's Day, I celebrate the dedication and humanitarian spirit that Emirati doctors bring to their work with sincerity and pride," she told Aletihad.
"We are the first line of defence in protecting the health of our community. Through our continuous efforts, we help create stories of healing and bring comfort and reassurance to our patients."