Today's Edition
Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)
The UAE is making significant strides in international healthcare, marked by innovative projects and partnerships that advance medical technology and improve patient outcomes.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday visited the National Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC, and was briefed on its pioneering work in paediatric surgery and healthcare.
The hospital’s Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation is among a growing list of international health facilities supported and established by generous funding from the UAE.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42 and Chairman of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad that beyond becoming a hub for healthcare, the UAE is a promoter of healthcare innovation around the world.
“The UAE’s positive impact on global health is manifesting on multiple fronts. As well as convening global partners for positive change and encouraging organisations like M42 to expand globally, the UAE has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to supporting those in need and tackling global health disparities,” he said.
“The UAE’s healthcare sector has been on a transformative journey over decades in alignment with the vision of the UAE’s leadership. The UAE recognises the value of united action, so we’re likely to see more partnerships and collaborations within the healthcare industry, ranging from clinical research to preventative medicine, and with other sectors, such as technology and retail.”
Al Nowais highlighted the UAE’ Global Hospitals Program, part of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative, as a major example of the ways in which the country spearheads efforts to bridge critical healthcare gaps worldwide.
“This programme will see the construction of up to 10 hospitals in underserved regions worldwide over the next decade, driving meaningful change. This is just one example of UAE’s dedication to improving healthcare access and positive impact on global health,” he said.
“We are leading a fundamental shift in healthcare from a sickness model to preventative action, a change that holds huge promise for precision care, longevity and quality of life. With Al and technology, we are addressing pain points and advancing tech-enabled health solutions to tackle critical health challenges,” he added.
“With the UAE’s inclusive spirit, we are committed to serving all, leaving no-one behind.”
“As we collaborate with global institutions and invest in healthcare infrastructure, we are confident that the UAE will be a hub for medical innovation. Our initiatives are designed not only to meet local healthcare needs but to contribute solutions to global challenges such as chronic diseases, ageing populations and healthcare sustainability.”
Neil Warma, President and CEO of Mongoose Bio, an American healthcare firm working in disrupting healthcare technologies, said he believed the UAE’s ambitious leadership and commitment to innovation would lead it to become a global hub that would become increasingly influential to global health outcomes.
“Through its global initiatives, such as partnerships with the WHO and support for global vaccination efforts, the UAE is contributing significantly to global health outcomes. The country’s proactive response during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine distribution and health infrastructure development, showcased its capability to influence and contribute to international health challenges,” Warma told Aletihad.
“I believe there is strong potential for the UAE to continue expanding its role in global health through strategic investments in innovative therapies, including in areas like cancer and cell-based treatments. By working with local stakeholders, we hope to contribute to the development of healthcare solutions that can benefit both the UAE and the broader global community.”
