‘Healthy population valuable wealth of nation’

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the sixth edition of the Golden Initiative “Star of Excellence in Patient Experience” Awards, organised by the Arab Hospitals Federation in Abu Dhabi on 17th September.

The ceremony honoured healthcare institutions that place the human experience as a strategic priority, offering innovative and sustainable models that enhance patient satisfaction and improve health outcomes.

The event was attended by Khalaf Hilal Al Mazrouei, Director-General of Institutional Empowerment and Social Services at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi; MP Fady Alame, President of the Arab Hospitals Federation; along with a distinguished gathering of decision-makers, policymakers, representatives of regional health organisations, and senior executives from healthcare institutions across 12 Arab countries.

In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak greeted the winning hospitals and healthcare leaders, stating,”I am truly delighted to be with you this evening at the sixth edition of the Golden Star Awards for Excellence in Patient Experience. I welcome you to Abu Dhabi and to the United Arab Emirates on this important occasion.”

He added, “I extend my thanks to the Arab Hospitals Federation for its deep commitment to advancing excellence in healthcare across our region. Your dedication highlights our shared aspirations in the Arab world to improve health and quality of life. Through promoting quality and vitality in hospital services, you bring us closer to realising these ambitions.”

Qualities of excellence: He added, “Here in the UAE, our leadership and our people value the qualities of excellence celebrated tonight. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan recognises that when our people enjoy good health, they strengthen our society. Under his wise and enlightened leadership, we are committed to excellence in our healthcare system as a vital foundation of our national development efforts. We also recognise that such excellence requires skill, commitment, and compassion from all healthcare professionals, as well as advanced hospitals and clinics of the highest standards.”

He added, “Each winning hospital has demonstrated initiative in pursuing excellence and the common good. Each has an impressive record of achievements – a testimony to its leaders, doctors, nurses, and entire teams. Their hard work, commitment, and determination inspire us all.”

Concluding, Sheikh Nahyan said, “If I were to leave you with one thought this evening, it would be this: Excellence in healthcare is a noble pursuit. The performance of our hospitals, and indeed all healthcare professionals, has a profound impact on our lives. There is no national wealth more valuable than a healthy population. I urge you to remain steadfast in your commitment to improving the quality of life for all your patients. Be the innovators and achievers our region and the world need. We need you as drivers of improved quality of life for all, beginning with delivering outstanding patient experiences.

“Today, I believe we all agree that human excellence and achievement are causes for celebration. I thank you again for your commitment to supporting us, your patients, in maintaining our health, and I wish you every success in your noble mission.”

During the ceremony, certificates of the sixth edition of the Golden Initiative were presented. The initiative was launched in partnership with the US-based Beryl Institute, specialised in promoting the culture of patient experience, and supported by PureHealth, the UAE’s largest integrated healthcare network. The initiative places patient experience at the heart of healthcare transformation.

The sixth edition witnessed the participation of 267 healthcare institutions from 12 Arab countries, presenting innovative initiatives to redefine healthcare delivery and patient experience. After a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished judging panel following clear criteria, 39 institutions from 8 Arab countries were recognised with the “Star of Excellence in Patient Experience,” with the UAE earning a significant share of these awards.

Outstanding healthcare institutions and personalities were honoured for their contributions to advancing patient experience and quality of care, including:

United Arab Emirates: PureHealth, Abu Dhabi Health Data Services Company, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra Hospitals, Kuwait Hospital, Al Qasimi Hospital, Amanat Healthcare, Fujairah Hospital, Fakeeh Health, Kalba Hospital, Masafi Hospital, Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, Saudi German Health, Saqr Hospital, SEHA Clinics, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City, Rehabilitation Hospital at Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City, and Tawam Hospital.

WAM