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Dubai Health's Latifa Hospital has received accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), highlighting the Dubai Health's commitment to enhancing maternal and newborn health. The accreditation underscores Latifa Hospital's adherence to international standards in safe and high-quality childbirth services, fostering a breastfeeding-friendly environment, and supporting maternal and child health through awareness programs and specialized healthcare services.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer at Dubai Health, commented: "Latifa Hospital's accreditation under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a testament to the level of care upheld at Dubai Health, especially for mothers and newborns. By implementing best practices, we ensure a comfortable and secure experience for mothers and a supportive family environment that enhances well-being and strengthens community health."

She added: "We are grateful to the doctors, nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, and administrative teams at Latifa Hospital for their dedication and support of our Patient First promise. We remain focused on advancing maternal and newborn care even further."

Maternal and Newborn Care Meeting WHO and UNICEF Standards

Latifa Hospital accreditation by WHO and UNICEF reflects its commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services for mothers and newborns that meet the rigorous standards of the BFHI. The hospital offers comprehensive antenatal care, including regular check-ups, psychological support, and nutritional guidance to ensure maternal well-being throughout pregnancy. Its well-equipped labor and delivery units provide a safe, comfortable birthing experience, while specialized neonatal intensive care units (NICU) ensure newborns receive the highest level of medical attention. Beyond medical care, Latifa Hospital also hosts educational workshops to promote postnatal care and infant health.

A commitment to excellence in maternal and childcare

Latifa Hospital's commitment to maternal and newborn care expands beyond the accreditation criteria. It actively supports mothers through guidance and counseling programs on the benefits of breastfeeding and its lasting impact on maternal and child health, particularly in the crucial early months. The hospital also fosters a childbirth-friendly environment by minimizing unnecessary medical interventions, ensuring a safe and comfortable birth experience while strengthening the mother-child bond.

Through this achievement, Dubai Health reaffirms its commitment to advancing health through enhancing maternal and newborn care, aligning with Dubai's vision for a healthier, more resilient community.

Dubai Health organised 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 Paediatric Specialties

Throughout the full-day event, children received specialised healthcare services across more than 20 medical disciplines, including general paediatrics, endocrinology, genetic and metabolic disorders, allergy and immunology, nephrology, neurology, psychiatry,

orthopaedics, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, dentistry, ENT, paediatric surgery, and paediatric plastic surgery.

Meeting emphasises the importance of global partnerships in advancing medical education and enhancing the healthcare sector 

Ahmed bin Saeed: Dubai Health’s achievements reflect our commitment to positioning Dubai as a global healthcare hub
Mansoor bin Mohammed: Academic and scientific collaborations are fundamental to the development of Dubai’s healthcare system

Government of Dubai Media Office – 04 February 2025: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Dubai Health and Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), chaired the meeting of Dubai Health's Board of Directors. The meeting, held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, emphasised the importance of global partnerships in supporting medical education and strengthening the healthcare sector.
The meeting, held at MBRU, was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Professor Sir Ian Andrew Greer, His Excellency Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, and Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali representing MBRU.
During the meeting, the board reviewed significant projects and achievements from the previous term, reaffirming Dubai Health's commitment to elevating healthcare standards and innovation in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
A Decade of Partnership with Queen's University Belfast
The board also celebrated a decade of partnership between MBRU and Queen's University Belfast (QUB). Established in 2015, the collaboration was built on a shared vision for advancing healthcare education and research.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum praised this partnership, highlighting it as a model for international academic cooperation, demonstrating Dubai Health’s commitment to positioning Dubai as a global healthcare hub. In recognition of this successful partnership, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured Professor Sir Ian Andrew Greer, Dubai Health Board Member and Chancellor of QUB, for his contributions to strengthening the collaboration between the two universities. He wished the university continued success in its future endeavours.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board, commended the success of Dubai Health's global partnerships, describing them as fundamental to the development of Dubai’s healthcare system. His Highness also expressed his appreciation to Dubai Health teams for continuously improving the quality of services, and emphasised the importance of academic and scientific collaborations to further develop Dubai’s healthcare system.  
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of MBRU Council and Dubai Health Board Member, said: "Celebrating ten years of academic collaboration with QUB underscores our commitment to achieving the highest standards in medical education and research. This partnership has enhanced the capabilities of our healthcare professionals across various specialties, elevating the standard of patient care. We thank QUB for its ongoing collaboration and look forward to continuing our partnership."
Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer at Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, highlighted the tangible impact of the collaboration, stating: "Over the past decade, this partnership has led to the accreditation of several undergraduate medical programmes, sending numerous students on scholarships for advanced studies and training, and the establishment of the Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery. It has also contributed to joint research initiatives and the development of MBRU's Biomedical Research Center."
He concluded: "We are immensely proud of the accomplishments resulting from this collaboration and its significant impact on developing medical expertise and promoting academic excellence."
 

A high-level delegation from Dubai Courts visited Dubai Health to gain insights into Dubai’s first integrated academic health system and discuss opportunities for cooperation.

Led by H.E. Professor Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts, the delegation included senior officials from Dubai Courts. They were warmly received by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), along with other senior representatives in Dubai Health.

The visit, held at MBRU, featured a briefing about the evolution of Dubai’s healthcare sector from 1970 to the establishment of Dubai Health. The delegation also toured several research centers and attended part of MBRU’s Cancer Research Conference.

Commenting on the visit, H.E. Professor Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi said: “Our visit to Dubai Health offered valuable insights into how Dubai Health is advancing healthcare, enriching medical education, and developing specialized medical professionals. At Dubai Courts, we firmly believe in collaborating with institutions to promote sustainable development across all sectors, ultimately improving the quality of community services and enhancing well-being.”

“The strategic partnership between government and academic entities is critical to achieving Dubai’s developmental goals. This visit reinforces our commitment to working with organizations that benefit our communities. We are confident that such efforts will enhance Dubai’s status as a global hub for innovation, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Dubai Health and other key stakeholders.”

Dr. Amer Sharif said, “We were honored to welcome H.E. Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi and the delegation from Dubai Courts. We thank them for their visit, which underscores the importance of collaboration between Dubai Health and various government entities. This visit provided an opportunity to showcase Dubai Health’s journey as an integrated academic health system. By working collaboratively across sectors, we aim to achieve shared goals that benefit the community and enhance the quality of life in Dubai, ultimately upholding our ‘Patient First’ promise.

Dubai Health welcomed Professor Yasmine Belkaid, the winner of the Great Arab Minds 2024 in Medicine, to deliver a lecture and engaging discussion at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU). Renowned for her groundbreaking research in immunology, Professor Belkaid shared transformative insights with a diverse audience of healthcare professionals and students.

During her lecture, ‘Microbiota Control of Immunity,’ Professor Belkaid shared her groundbreaking research on how the immune system differentiates between beneficial and harmful microbes. She also shared insights from her scientific journey, offering students valuable perspectives on tackling immune and infectious diseases through innovative approaches. With over 220 published studies in infection and immunity, Professor Belkaid has made significant contributions to sustainable solutions in healthcare and nutrition. The session generated enthusiasm among students and healthcare professionals, offering a valuable opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading immunologists.

The session was attended by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU; Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer at Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, alongside students and healthcare professionals.

Professor Belkaid also toured research facilities at MBRU, including the Biomedical Research Center, the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), and the Biobank, where she expressed appreciation for the university's infrastructure and academic programs. She also met with MBRU students from various disciplines to discuss recent advancements in immunology and health sciences.

H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of MBRU’s Board of Trustees and Dubai Health Board Member, said: “Professor Yasmine Belkaid exemplifies the extraordinary potential of Arab women to drive transformative advancements in science and healthcare. Her achievements inspire future generations, demonstrating the Arab world’s ability to lead meaningful innovations for the benefit of humanity. MBRU is proud to be a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration with scientific talents, furthering our mission of fostering continuous learning and discovery within our integrated academic health system.”

Her Excellency added: “We were honored to host Professor Yasmine Belkaid, and I extend my congratulations on her well-deserved recognition. I also thank her for sharing her invaluable insights with our community.”

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, said: “We were privileged to welcome Professor Yasmine Belkaid, an inspiring example of Arab scientific excellence whose work has greatly benefited humanity. This visit reflects our commitment to fostering a learning environment that nurtures the next generation of healthcare professionals and serves as a role model for aspiring researchers throughout the Arab world.”

He added, “We are deeply grateful for her visit and impactful lecture, which enriched the knowledge of our students and academic community. I also want to thank the organizers of the Great Arab Minds Award for highlighting such exceptional talents.”

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer at Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, stated: “Hosting Professor Yasmine Belkaid provided an exceptional opportunity for our students and medical community to deepen their understanding of immunology and its role in combating immune and infectious diseases. Her visit underscores our commitment to advancing science and learning by preparing the next generation of specialized scientists and researchers.”

He added: “We are grateful to Professor Belkaid for sharing her invaluable insights and engaging with our academic community. Her contributions not only inspire our students and professionals but also elevate the pursuit of excellence in research and discovery.”

As the first Arab woman to lead the Institute Pasteur in France, Professor Belkaid’s research has transformed our understanding of the immune system, paving the way for breakthroughs in treating immune-related conditions. Her achievements reflect her dedication to advancing science and humanity, aligning seamlessly with MBRU’s vision of integrated learning, discovery, and innovation.

Ahmed bin Saeed: The Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery will continue its pivotal role in cultivating highly skilled, homegrown national talent, aligning with Dubai's vision to become a global center for world-class healthcare.

Mansoor bin Mohammed: We are committed to achieving the highest standards of excellence and innovation in nursing.
Dr. Raja Al Gurg: Her Highness Sheikha Hind has left a lasting legacy in supporting women’s causes and humanitarian work, both locally and internationally.
Dr. Amer Sharif: Her Highness's name is associated with values of giving and compassion, which are noble values that embody the essence of the nursing profession.
Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali: Honoring the college with Her Highness's name serves as motivation for citizens to pursue their studies and build careers in this vital sector. 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – January 7, 2025: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, expressed deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, for naming of the College of Nursing and Midwifery at MBRU after Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. The decision underscores a commitment to elevate healthcare education, prepare a new generation of Emirati healthcare professionals, and support plans to transform Dubai into a global healthcare hub.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed emphasized that the name of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum has long been synonymous with humanitarian work.
He continued: "Her Highness Sheikha Hind is an honorable and inspiring leader in the realm of philanthropy, embodying a deep commitment to giving. Naming the college in her honor not only reflects her remarkable contributions but also serves as a powerful catalyst for excellence and leadership in the sector. The Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery will continue its pivotal role in cultivating highly skilled, homegrown national talent, aligning with Dubai's vision to become a global center for world-class healthcare.” 
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Health, said: “The decision to name the College of Nursing and Midwifery after Her Highness Sheikha Hind demonstrates our commitment to achieving the highest standards of excellence and innovation in nursing. Ensuring a strong healthcare system requires the inclusion of highly skilled national professionals, especially in critical fields like nursing, which forms the foundation of a strong healthcare system. We value the essential contribution of nursing professionals, whose efforts significantly improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services.”
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of MBRU Council and Dubai Health Board Member, said: “Her Highness Sheikha Hind has left a lasting legacy in supporting women’s causes and humanitarian work, both locally and internationally. Her exceptional initiatives have profoundly impacted the lives of those most in need, while also promoting family values and social cohesion. Her Highness is a role model in health and education, with a clear vision for building a sustainable, healthy society and a commitment to empowering women and advancing Emirati talent.”
Dr. Amer Sharif, President of MBRU and CEO of Dubai Health, said: “It is an honor to have the College of Nursing and Midwifery named after Her Highness Sheikha Hind in recognition of her remarkable contributions in charitable and community work, as well as in education and health. Her Highness's name is associated with values of giving and compassion, which are noble values that embody the essence of the nursing profession.. This decision places an increased responsibility on the university to enhance its programs and elevate the college to a leading position both regionally and globally."
Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and MBRU, said: “This landmark decision reflects our leadership’s vision to advance the healthcare sector and develop qualified national talent in all fields, including nursing and midwifery. Honoring the college with Her Highness's name serves as motivation for citizens to pursue their studies and build careers in this vital sector. With the number of Emirati nurses in Dubai Health growing from 40 in 2022 to 100 in 2024, Emiratis are playing a more prominent role in strengthening the healthcare system. The college, having already graduated three cohorts, remains committed to developing national talent and creating specialized programs and partnerships to prepare citizens to lead the future of healthcare in the UAE."
Ends
 

As Dubai prepares to welcome the new year with grand celebrations, Dubai Health has prepared its comprehensive readiness plan to ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors. The plan reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to providing high-quality patient care, leveraging the hospitals, clinics, and emergency resources across the health system.

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, said, “At Dubai Health, we have developed a plan to ensure the provision of high-quality and comprehensive care during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, whether on-site or in our hospitals and clinics. This initiative reflects the dedication and exceptional efforts of our teams, whose commitment ensures the health and safety of all. We are also grateful for the close collaboration with the Dubai Events Security Committee and our partners, which has been instrumental in ensuring readiness.”

Comprehensive Readiness Plan

As part of the plan, Dubai Health will deploy 1,800 medical and administrative personnel across six hospitals and four clinics, ensuring uninterrupted access to high-quality healthcare services throughout the festivities. Facilities, including Rashid Hospital, Dubai Hospital, Al Jalila Children’s, Latifa Hospital, Jebel Ali Hospital, and Hatta Hospital, along with clinics in Nad Al Hamar, Al Barsha, Dubai International Airport, and Al Maktoum International Airport, will operate at full capacity. A fully equipped field hospital will be established near the Burj Khalifa, featuring eight treatment rooms and specialized teams in emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. In addition, seven strategically located medical points, staffed by emergency specialists, will offer immediate care.

Dr. Sara Kazim, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Dubai Health, explained, “All emergency departments in Dubai Health hospitals are prepared to manage urgent cases, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. Our plan includes equipping emergency departments with the necessary medical equipment and supplies, increasing on-call doctors by 20%, enhancing rapid response coordination with Dubai Ambulance, and allocating additional treatment rooms. We thank our teams for their unwavering dedication and readiness to support the community during this large-scale event.”

Ensuring inclusivity for Dubai’s diverse population, multilingual teams will provide services in 13 languages, including Arabic, English, French, Chinese, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Italian, Korean, German, Swahili, and sign language. Additionally, 20 patient transport vehicles will be on standby to facilitate smooth transfers for recovered patients, whether to their homes or back to event venues. For added convenience, Dubai Health is extending its homecare and telemedicine services, accessible via the call center on 80060. These services aim to ensure that residents and visitors can receive expert medical attention from their homes.

Dubai Health remains committed to ensuring all community members enjoy safe and memorable New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Key Figures:

• 1,800 medical and administrative staff deployed during the celebrations
• 6 hospitals and 4 clinics are operational 24/7
• 7 medical points staffed with emergency specialists
• 1 field hospital with 8 treatment rooms and specialized teams
• 20 vehicles available for patient transfers
• Homecare and telemedicine services can be accessed via 80060.

Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic has achieved the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), becoming the first healthcare facility in Dubai to do so. The CAC designation recognizes facilities and organizations committed to providing inclusive and accessible services to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals by equipping their patient-facing workforce with specialized autism and sensory awareness training and certification. As part of this achievement, 80% of the clinic's patient-facing staff have completed the training, adding the facility to the growing number of CACs in Dubai. This milestone supports Dubai's mission to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere—a city-wide initiative led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This designation recognizes communities that have gone above and beyond to ensure autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals feel welcome and supported through certified lodging, recreation, and healthcare facilities. Dr. Anas AlSalami, Program Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Dubai Health Dental Hospital, said, “We are honored that the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Dubai Health Dental Hospital is the first healthcare facility in Dubai to achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation by IBCCES. This milestone upholds our ‘Patient First’ promise and reinforces our dedication to serving every member of our community with empathy and excellence. By equipping our team with specialized knowledge and skills, we aim to ensure every child receives the best possible oral care tailored to their needs. I am truly grateful to the Dubai Health leadership and our dedicated teams for their unwavering support and teamwork, which made this achievement possible.” With autistic individuals being more prone to hospitalization due to co-occurring medical conditions, sensory sensitivities, and challenges in communication, families often struggle to find healthcare facilities equipped to meet their unique needs. Visits to hospitals can be especially stressful due to untrained staff, overstimulating environments, and a lack of accommodations for sensory sensitivities. To address this growing concern, IBCCES provides specialized training and certification programs for healthcare facilities, ensuring medical professionals are prepared to deliver compassionate, inclusive, and effective care tailored to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic offers specialized services designed to meet the unique needs of autistic patients, ensuring a comfortable and supportive experience. These clinics feature sensory-friendly environments with calming lighting, soothing music, and designated quiet areas to help minimize sensory overload. Their dental professionals are extensively trained in working with children on the autism spectrum, using gentle techniques and clear, straightforward communication to ease anxiety. Individualized treatment plans are tailored to each child’s needs, incorporating gradual desensitization to dental procedures and extended appointment durations with regular breaks. To enhance comfort and engagement, we employ visual aids, social stories, and effective behavior management strategies. These comprehensive services reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care while addressing the distinctive needs of autistic patients. “We are proud to recognize Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic as the first healthcare facility to achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation in the city of Dubai,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. “Their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility aligns perfectly with the city-wide initiative to make Dubai a more welcoming place to visit, work, and live. We couldn’t be more honored to support this mission. We hope this accomplishment inspires more healthcare facilities to follow their lead.” IBCCES has been an industry leader for over 20 years in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, health care, and corporate professionals around the globe. The organization provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support, and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and a lasting impact. IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, as a free online resource for families that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.