Dubai puts people at heart of healthcare: Sharif

Dubai is shaping a healthcare ecosystem that places people at its heart – one that is innovative, inclusive, and deeply human-centred, said Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

He attributed the remarkable progress of Dubai’s health sector to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of 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.

These insights were shared during a media briefing hosted by the Government of Dubai Media Office as part of its “Meet the CEO” series.

The event was attended by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, along with a group of senior media leaders and editors-in-chief from leading UAE newspapers.

Dr Amer Sharif highlighted healthcare progress in Dubai from its early beginnings in the 1940s, culminating in the creation of its first integrated academic health system under Law No. 13 (2021). He also noted the adoption of the Integrated Physician Practice model across all facilities to enhance patient safety, reduce wait times, and improve clinical care management, aligning with Dubai’s vision and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 for a sustainable, human-centred system.

Dr Sharif detailed Dubai Health’s vision, mission, and strategic programmes to establish global benchmarks in evidence-based care. He introduced the “Dubai Health” brand identity, drawing on Dubai’s heritage and symbolised by arches welcoming all. The central arch signifies Care, flanked by Learning and Discovery, all underpinned by Giving.

Dr Sharif reiterated Dubai Health’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships by involving patients and the public in shaping healthcare services. Key initiatives include “Dubai Health Majalis: Voice of the Community” and the Press Ganey programme, which captures insights across every stage of the patient journey to enhance care quality and patient experience. These efforts align with the national “Year of Community 2025” campaign.

Dr Sharif emphasised Dubai Health’s role in advancing healthcare through globally aligned initiatives.

WAM