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His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health attended the graduation ceremony of MBRU Class of 2024 on Tuesday, June 25 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 honored 153 graduates from 24 programs offered by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education.

The 2024 graduating class consisted of nearly 40% young Emiratis and graduates from 27 different nationalities, highlighting MBRU's dedication to Dubai Health's broader vision of advancing health for humanity. This demonstrates MBRU's role as an emerging hub for aspiring healthcare professionals from both the UAE and around the globe.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said: As part of Dubai Health, the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences continues to play a key role in fostering the next generation of innovative medical professionals in Dubai, who are equipped to enhance the quality of healthcare services in the city and adapt to future challenges. This mission aligns perfectly with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a global hub for healthcare and education.”

His Highness conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their achievements and extended his best wishes for their success as they embark on a journey to advance health for humanity

In her welcome address, Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of MBRU Council and Dubai Health Board Member, said: “We dedicate this honorable achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose visionary leadership in enhancing healthcare for the people of the UAE serves as a profound inspiration and has laid the groundwork for our academic journey toward achieving the highest standards in advancing health for humanity.”

She added: “MBRU was founded under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed eight years ago, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the healthcare sector. His wisdom and generosity have led to the establishment of a globally connected university, founded on a vision to create an innovative, integrated healthcare education and research system that benefits the UAE and beyond.”

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized the importance of courage as the graduates embark on their careers as doctors, nurses, and dentists. He highlighted that every interaction, diagnosis, and decision has the potential to significantly impact lives.

Belhoul also noted the critical role the graduates now play in a field that can transform lives, emphasizing that it is during times of uncertainty that their courage will be most essential.

Drawing from his experience at the Dubai Future Foundation, he acknowledged that uncertainty and the unknown are inherent to the concept of the future. While the future remains unpredictable, he stressed that together, and with the right tools, they can navigate and make the most of the unknown.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, President of MBRU and CEO of Dubai Health said, “It is with great pride that we celebrate the achievements of MBRU's graduating Class of 2024. These exceptional graduates are poised to assume leading roles and responsibilities, not only within the UAE but also on an international scale. As students studying within Dubai Health's integrated academic health system, we are proud that our core values have been instilled throughout their studies that will see them endeavor to always put the patient first in their forthcoming professional careers."

Dr. Meznah Ali Rasheed, the graduation commencement speaker and a future physician, said: “My colleagues and I have chosen to prioritize the well-being of others. Within the walls of hospitals, we have witnessed the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Above all, we have learned what it truly means to be a doctor. My fellow graduates, the world awaits us. We are ready. We are prepared. We are the future.”

MBRU, which leads the learning and discovery missions of Dubai Health, applies a scholarly-driven ethos aimed at advancing the healthcare field and improving patient care.

Building on Dubai Health's vision to advance health for humanity, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust has been selected to support the clinical and operational development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital (HBRCH), Dubai's first integrated, comprehensive cancer hospital.

The partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the standard of cancer treatment in Dubai, where specialized and compassionate care will be accessible in one place.

As one of the world's leading hospitals dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, and education, The Royal Marsden will work with Dubai Health to establish a model of excellence in comprehensive cancer care at HBRCH. Their renowned expertise will be leveraged across several key areas, including developing specialist, evidence-based models of care, early diagnosis, and treatment pathways that guide patients through every step of their journey.

The HBRCH program of care will span from early detection to treatment, recovery, and post-treatment support. A key focus of this partnership will be building a world-class, specialized team of cancer care professionals. This will involve creating a robust workforce plan, developing advanced training programmers, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Additionally, the partnership will seek to establish a cancer research program, fostering a culture of discovering transformative advancements in cancer care.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors, said, “We are honored to join forces with The Royal Marsden, a global leader in cancer research and treatment. Their renowned expertise and approach to care perfectly complement the care, learning, discovery, and giving missions of our integrated academic health system. Through this partnership, we are honoring the collective generosity of our esteemed donors whose unwavering support to Al Jalila Foundation is fulfilling our vision for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital to become a beacon of hope for patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis. It propels us closer to achieving the Dubai Social Agenda 33 goal of delivering a world-class healthcare system of the highest efficiency and quality."

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden, said: “I am delighted that The Royal Marsden has been chosen to work in partnership with Dubai Health to advance the clinical development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. This is an excellent opportunity for international collaboration, and to adapt the best practices in state-of-the-art healthcare provision and establish the structure upon which this advanced, innovative and future-looking hospital can be based.”

“At The Royal Marsden our integrated NHS and Private Care model, underpinned by a research and academic infrastructure, delivers outstanding personalized care for our patients. Through a staged program of work, The Royal Marsden and Dubai Health aim to establish a long-term strategic partnership that will not only develop a new hospital but support specialized cancer care across the wider healthcare system in Dubai,” she added.

Set to open in 2026, the HBRCH will offer a groundbreaking model of care under Dubai Health. As part of Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, the comprehensive cancer hospital will create multidisciplinary teams to spearhead a transformative shift in care delivery. Research and clinical trials will be at the heart of the hospital, fostering a culture of discovery and accelerating progress in cancer care. With 50 clinics, 30 research areas, 60 infusion rooms, and 116 inpatient beds spread across a sprawling 56,000-square-metre campus, the hospital is positioned to become a beacon of hope for cancer patients in the UAE and the region.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between both organizations, focusing on an integrated information system, as well as medical, academic and research initiatives. The partnership specifically aims to develop an advanced model of care for patients with substance abuse disorders.

The agreement creates the framework for cooperation in a wide range of areas including patient transfer for additional medical requirements, logistical support, information exchange, training, and development. In addition, Erada will collaborate with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences to develop educational programs related to substance abuse treatment, residency, and research.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, stated: “The strategic partnership with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai is part of Dubai Health’s constant efforts to further develop the healthcare system in Dubai. It reflects our commitment to enhancing medical care and rehabilitation services, guided by our four missions: Care, Learning, Discovery and Giving. Through these missions, we aim to deliver world-class healthcare services and implement international best practices, positioning Dubai as a leading global model for advancing health for humanity.”

“Apart from offering effective treatment and rehabilitation services, the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai actively contributes to framing policies, strategies, and plans. It also plays a vital role in raising awareness about preventive measures, significantly contributing to the overall development of Dubai’s healthcare system. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to leverage the centre’s expertise and high-quality services to enhance the capabilities of our healthcare system, in line with our Patient First promise.”

His Excellency Abdulrazaq Amiri, CEO of the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai, emphasized the Centre’s commitment to reinforcing cooperation with Dubai’s government departments to promote exchange of experiences and enhance the quality of services for both citizens and residents, particularly in the field of addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Amiri praised Dubai Health for its role as a leading health institution in the emirate, noting that its goals and vision are in line with those of the Erada Centre.

Amiri commended Dubai Health for its support in meeting the Centre’s needs for medical services that complement its addiction treatments. These include dental care, emergency case management referred by the Centre, as well as medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory services.

Furthermore, Dubai Health supports the Erada Centre’s initiatives to establish a comprehensive framework to enhance the effectiveness of treating patients with substance abuse disorder in Dubai and the rest of the country.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening the collaboration between Dubai Health and the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing healthcare services and rehabilitation in Dubai.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, has partnered with the Angelman Syndrome Foundation to establish the GCC’s first dedicated clinic at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. This is the first-of-its-kind clinic in the region and aims to improve care for patients with Angelman Syndrome and raise awareness of this rare neurological disorder. The clinic will provide a supportive community hub where patients, families and caregivers can connect with experts and receive the best evidence-based care, bridging a gap in healthcare for those living with this condition.  

In line with Dubai Health’s Patient First promise, the partnership with the Angelman Syndrome Foundation represents new hope for individuals and families living with this rare neuro-genetic disorder. Affecting approximately one in 500,000 people worldwide, the early symptoms of Angelman Syndrome include a significant delay in obtaining developmental milestones such as walking within the first 12 months. Other clinical findings include speech delay, movement or balance disorder and often present with an apparent happy demeanor with frequent laughter and excitability.

The clinic will provide families in the UAE access to specialist healthcare professionals and evidence-based care while also enhancing future treatment through the power of Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system. Through harnessing the education and research that takes place within Dubai Health, this partnership aims to significantly improve the lives of patients and their families.

Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, said: “We are delighted to partner with The Angelman Syndrome Foundation to bring this specialized clinic to Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, part of Dubai Health care network. This crucial partnership is a beacon of hope for patients and families affected by this rare condition. By ensuring that we deliver the highest standard of care and driven by our Patient First promise, we hope to empower Angelman Syndrome patients and their families to lead fulfilling lives.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Amanda Moore, CEO of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, said: "We are deeply honored to join forces with Dubai Health and Al Jalila Children's Hospital in this transformative initiative. This clinic will offer families in the UAE access to professionals with deep knowledge of Angelman Syndrome, expertise that has traditionally been challenging to locate. Raising awareness of rare conditions like Angelman Syndrome is crucial for early diagnosis and better patient outcomes. This initiative is part of our LADDER Learning Network, designed to bridge critical gaps in the healthcare landscape for families dealing with this rare disorder. We look forward to working closely with the team at Dubai Health to making a significant difference to the lives of patients and their families.”

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, joined forces with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to host the joint conference: Research and Public Health Priorities in the MENA Region: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Preparedness.

Held at MBRU, the event brought together regional experts and stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), alongside counterparts from the U.S. and other regions to exchange insights and foster collaboration in addressing pressing public health challenges.

The U.S. CDC established the MENA Regional Office in Muscat, Oman in 2020 to strengthen public health collaborations in the region and enhance global health security. In addition to the CDC personnel in Muscat, CDC will soon place a Regional Technical Advisor for Emerging Infections and Zoonotic Diseases in Abu Dhabi to support additional efforts in UAE and the region. This presence, along with the NIAID in the region, fosters scientific and public health collaborations with the U.S., and the MENA region, including sharing best practices and innovations, such as this conference.

The conference welcomed approximately 200 delegates, including academics, healthcare practitioners, and public health professionals from 16 countries, including an impressive lineup of nearly 40 speakers and chairs and 40 abstract presenters. Featuring sessions, panel discussions, and abstract presentations, conference topics ranged from reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and predictions for future outbreaks, to strategies for preparedness and response. The conference also afforded opportunities for networking and collaboration among the participants.

The conference also featured keynotes by notable figures, including Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Gaudiosi, of the U.S. Mission to the UAE; H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, and President of MBRU; H.E. Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO of MBRU; from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Henry Walke, Director of the Office of Readiness and Response, Dr. Kayla Laserson, Director for the Global Health Center, Heather Burke, Regional Director, U.S. CDC Middle East/North Africa Regional Office in Muscat, Oman, ; and from NIAID, Dr. Daniel Douek, Senior Investigator and Chief of the Human Immunology Section at the Vaccine Research Center, and Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, Senior Scientific Advisor to the Director.

In his opening keynote address, H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, highlighted Dubai's proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing upon his role as Chair of the Dubai COVID-19 Command and Control Center. He emphasized the significance of collaboration and working together in a coordinated approach toward advancing healthcare solutions.

He said, “We are proud to host healthcare leaders from all around the region and the U.S. for the Research and Public Health Priorities in the MENA Region conference here in Dubai. A new frontier of opportunities has been created since the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, more than ever, we stand at the cusp of a transformative era, where not only do we reflect upon lessons learned but also to chart new territories in a conducive environment that nurtures collaboration across the entire region and beyond. As Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, we believe that through uniting efforts, we advance health and shape a brighter future for all.”

In his opening remarks, DCM Gaudiosi stated, “Supported by the U.S. COVID-19 response supplemental funding and facilitated by the support of the U.A.E government and the U.S. diplomatic missions in the region, our gathering today focuses on health security, preparedness, and response—a testament to our shared priorities and our collective will to invest in healthier futures.”

Indeed, many of the participants were on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic – from clinicians, incident managers, and leaders in local, national, and global response. It was evident the importance of partnership, sharing of accurate information, forecasting and analytics to inform decision making, and health communications in protecting health not just in emergencies, but also in mass migration events and outbreak response. The conference concluded with energized participants with new and strengthened relationships and ideas for collaboration to predict, prepare, and be ready to respond to the next health threat.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in the emirate, has announced the addition of a new cohort of Emirati nurses to its team. This expansion strengthens healthcare delivery across the system and reflects Dubai Health’s commitment to nurturing and promoting local talent within the healthcare sector.

The new cohort, all graduates holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah, has been strategically placed across four locations within Dubai Health: Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Rashid Hospital, Hatta Hospital, and Latifa Hospital.

Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, stated: “We are proud to continue to place local talent at the heart of the frontline workforce at Dubai Health. The latest cohort of Emirati nurses brings a wealth of knowledge and a local perspective to help our integrated academic health system elevate the standard of care and advance health for humanity. We look forward to their contribution to serving Dubai and its communities.”

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health said: “The arrival of these talented Emirati nurses marks another significant milestone for Dubai Health. Their dedication and passion for healthcare delivery will undoubtedly enhance our services and patient care. We are proud to offer a supportive environment for Emirati talent and are fully committed to supporting these nurses as they contribute to our vision to advance health for humanity.”

Nursing at Dubai Health thrives with 4,300 dedicated nurses committed to advancing health. Through mentorship and development programs, Dubai Health nurtures nursing leadership, empowering nurses to drive change in healthcare. The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions, offers specialized master’s programs tailored to local healthcare demands. The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Nursing and the Master of Science in Pediatric Nursing equip nurses with skills for optimal patient care, shaping the future of nursing and elevating healthcare quality.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, is embracing virtual reality (VR) technology to improve patient care across its hospitals and healthcare centers. This initiative kicks off with a study and implementation program at the Thalassemia Center, exploring the use of VR technology to reduce anxiety and pain during cannulation (needle insertion) procedures for thalassemia patients. This study, the first of its kind for this specific patient group in Dubai, holds promise for a more comfortable and positive healthcare experience.

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions of Dubai Health, will conduct and document the study. Unlike prior studies that primarily relied on subjective experiences, this novel approach will incorporate objective measurements such as eye movement tracking and heart rate to assess the effectiveness of VR technology, marking a significant advancement in medical discovery.

Dr. Fatheya Abbas Al Khaja, Director of the Thalassemia Center, expressed her profound optimism for the initiative, stating, “The application of VR technology at the Thalassemia Center has the potential to transform the experience for patients undergoing cannulation procedures. Throughout my years at the Thalassemia Center, we have explored numerous modalities to alleviate the pain of our patients. This program epitomizes our Patient First promise to provide a more comfortable and anxiety-free experience, not just for the patients, but also for their families who witness this process. We are eagerly anticipating the results of this study.”

Separate from the MBRU study, the selected VR technology had been tested extensively. It demonstrated clinically effective results in 14 published and 30 ongoing studies, providing a solid foundation for its use in improving patient experiences.

This program marks the first phase of integrating VR technology across Dubai Health hospitals and healthcare centers, with plans to extend its application into medical procedures at Al Jalila Children's Hospital and Latifa Hospital. Beyond immediate application at the Thalassemia Center, the program also focuses on developing novel VR environments and experiences tailored to the local needs of patients in Dubai. The long-term vision is to develop future iterations of AI-powered VR technology to further personalize the patient experience, a collaborative effort engaging both MBRU students and our clinical staff.

“This program is the first of many to showcase how digital solutions can improve patient care within Dubai Health,” remarked Dr. Yacine Hadijat, Associate Professor of Innovation in Health Science and Digital Health at MBRU’s College of Medicine. “One of the inherent advantages of our integrated academic health system is the ability to cultivate a continuous cycle of improvement within our care, learning and discovery missions. By exploring digital innovations, such as VR technology, we are simultaneously training future healthcare professionals to champion patient-centered care and contribute toward the medical discovery of tech-enabled healthcare solutions. This multifaceted approach holds immense promise to transform the patient journey for countless individuals.”

By spearheading such initiatives, Dubai Health remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, reaffirming its commitment to delivering patient-centered care and advancing the standard of medical excellence in the region.

Surgeons at Dubai Health have announced a groundbreaking achievement: the successful removal of the world's largest adrenal tumor at Dubai Hospital. Dubai Hospital's multidisciplinary approach to the surgery, which forms part of the emirate's first integrated academic health system, ensured the best possible outcome. The successful surgery also reflects Dubai Health's promise to put the Patient First. 

The 69-year-old patient, previously in good health, was referred to the hospital's emergency unit due to a massive abdominal mass discovered during a scan. Struggling with walking and breathing for months prior to surgery, the patient's condition necessitated immediate specialized care.

Specialists from various disciplines across Dubai Health gathered at Dubai Hospital to deduce the best course of action for the patient. The four-hour procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team of experts from urology, oncology, radiology, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, general surgery, and anesthesia. Measuring 27 x 26 cm and weighing 9.4 kilograms, the tumor’s size and weight surpassed all previous records.

Dr. Fariborz Bagheri, Consultant Urologist at Dubai Hospital, who led the operation, highlighted the complexity and risks associated with the procedure. "Due to the tumor's size and its compression on vital structures, surgical intervention posed considerable challenges," stated Dr. Fariborz. "However, without intervention, the patient's survival was at high risk." 

Reflecting on the outcome, Dr. Fariborz expressed gratitude for the successful procedure, attributing it to the combined efforts of the medical and surgical teams. He further commented, "We are very thankful that the patient responded well to the surgery and has fully recovered."

Dr. Mariam Al Raeesi, CEO of Dubai Hospital, highlighted the collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary team in deciding to proceed with the surgery. "After careful consideration and collaboration among our medical and surgical experts, it was agreed to undertake this complex procedure," Dr. Al Raeesi said. "The enormous success of the procedure is a huge testament to our medical staff here at Dubai Hospital, putting in practice our Patient First promise focused on delivering high-quality care for patients."

Dubai Hospital is one of the largest specialized tertiary hospitals in the UAE. As part of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, the hospital provides comprehensive services in all healthcare disciplines, relevant to the needs of the community.