ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
UAE President His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s directive on the adoption of a national healthcare system guaranteeing comprehensive medical care and health services for all citizens has been welcomed by leading hospital groups across the country.
Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO, Burjeel Holdings, described the move as “a defining milestone in the UAE’s healthcare journey”, saying a unified national health insurance system across all emirates reflects the leadership’s long-term vision to make healthcare “more connected, equitable, and sustainable for every citizen in the country”.
According to Vayalil, one of the most significant aspects of the initiative is the removal of geographical barriers between emirate-level healthcare systems, allowing citizens to access specialised hospitals, advanced treatments and centres of excellence regardless of where they live or where their insurance originates.
“Citizens will increasingly be able to access the right care, at the right place, at the right time,” he said.
He added that the initiative lays the foundation for a healthcare system that is more preventive, proactive and outcome-driven, with stronger coordination between providers, payers, regulators and digital health platforms.
“A more integrated insurance framework will enhance coordination between providers, payers, regulators, and digital health platforms, helping the UAE build a smarter and more efficient healthcare ecosystem,” Vayalil said.
He said Burjeel Holdings sees the initiative as both an opportunity and a responsibility to support the country’s next phase of healthcare transformation through expanded access, innovation and specialised care.
“This is a beautifully unified national approach that reinforces the UAE’s position as a global leader in future-ready healthcare and ensures world-class care for citizens across all emirates,” he added.
Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, also welcomed the move, describing a fully integrated national health insurance scheme covering the entire UAE as “a game-changer for the country’s healthcare system”.
Moopen said the initiative would further strengthen the UAE’s status as one of the world’s leading healthcare systems and reinforce equitable access to high-quality healthcare for citizens and residents.
“This progressive step will not only enhance accessibility and continuity of care, but also encourage more people to seek world-class treatment within the country,” he said.
Moopen added that the initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s continued focus on building “a more integrated, efficient and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem” centred on the health and wellbeing of communities.