Emirati Dr Muna Tahlak becomes first Arab to head the International Hospital Federation

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Emirati Dr Muna Abdul Razzaq Tahlak, Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Vice Chancellor of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences for Medical Affairs and Executive Director of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, was elected President of the International Hospital Federation during the World Hospital Congress held in Lisbon, making her the first Arab woman to held this high international position in the International Hospital Federation since its founding.

Dr Muna Tahlak expressed her gratitude for the support of the wise leadership and her happiness in being chosen to head the International Hospital Federation, saying: “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to our wise leadership for its firm commitment to empowering Emirati women who have excelled in high-level roles in various fields. This is thanks to the great confidence and opportunities it has given them to enhance their progress.”

She added: "This victory not only highlights the progress achieved by Emirati women, but also reflects the distinguished status of the health sector in the Emirates. I and my Emirati colleagues are honoured to represent the Emirates in this major international forum, and to work to continue the process of developing the International Hospital Federation." With our global experience.”

During her work with the International Hospital Federation over the past seven years, Tahlak highlighted the excellence and success of the hospital sector in the UAE, and showcased the experience and contributions of Emirati women in this field on a global scale.

Dr Amer Sharif, Executive Director of Dubai Academic Health Foundation, congratulated Dr. Tahlak on her well-deserved selection as President of the International Hospital Federation, praising her exceptional leadership, experience and valuable contributions to the healthcare system in Dubai and beyond. He expressed his pride in her achievements in particular, and his appreciation for the exceptional talents of Emirati women on the global stage, in general.

He added that this selection is considered a great success for all workers within the health sector in the UAE, and new evidence of the distinguished position that Emirati women have reached, and their ability to excel in all fields, especially the medical field, and to bear responsibility side by side with men in building the renaissance of the Emirates.

With the IHF Board of Directors' election of Dr. Muna Tahlak as the new President of the Federation, she concludes her term as President-designate of the Federation and begins her two-year term as President-elect of the International Hospital Federation, succeeding Deborah J. Bowen, CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives.