His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, officially inaugurated Dubai Health’s Center for Innovation and Technology.

The center combines clinical expertise, research, and innovative technologies to shape the future of healthcare, and advance health for humanity.

The inauguration was held as part of the Dubai Health Board of Directors meeting, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and attended by Board members including Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Professor Sir Ian Andrew Greer, His Excellency Walid Saeed Al Awadhi, His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Shehhi, and Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed conveyed his sincere appreciation to His Excellency Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, for his valuable contributions to Dubai Health and for his instrumental role in laying the foundation for Dubai’s first academic health system. His Highness wished him continued success in his new responsibilities.

During the meeting, Board members reviewed key achievements and were briefed on the progress of projects aimed at enhancing patient care and elevating the quality of healthcare.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed welcomed the Board members, commending their efforts to advance healthcare in alignment with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33.

His Highness stated: “We are progressing steadily toward a future where innovation and advanced technology are at the core of healthcare delivery. The Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health serves as a strategic platform that brings together expertise, talent, and forward-thinking ideas to develop solutions that make a real difference in people’s health. I extend my appreciation to Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg and Dr. Amina Al Rostamani for their generous contributions to the establishment of this pioneering center.”

Deserving recognition

His Highness honoured Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, and Dr. Amina Al Rostamani, Board member at the AW Rostamani Group, in recognition of their support in establishing Dubai Health’s Center for Innovation and Technology. His Highness expressed his sincere appreciation for their valuable community efforts in advancing care, medical education, and research.

The Dubai Health Board of Directors also expressed their gratitude to Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg and Her Excellency Dr. Amina Al Rostamani for their generous contributions to the Center for Innovation and Technology and commended their well-deserved recognition for their pivotal role in advancing community philanthropy.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg thanked His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed for the honour, noting that supporting such initiatives builds on the values instilled by her late father, whose contributions left a lasting mark on community service and the spirit of giving. She emphasised that the establishment of the center will foster innovation and continuous development in the healthcare system by enabling research teams to advance and adopt emerging technologies.

Her Excellency Dr. Amina Al Rostamani expressed her pride in being honoured by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed. She said: “I am privileged to have contributed to the establishment of the Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health, which aims to accelerate the adoption of smart solutions in healthcare and strengthen Dubai’s position in medical sciences through strategic partnerships. Social responsibility is deeply rooted in our community and remains an essential driver of the sustainable development led by our wise leadership.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed toured the Center for Innovation and Technology in the company of Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg and Her Excellency Dr. Amina Al Rostamani, the center’s primary benefactors, as well as members of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. They were joined by Peter Hall, President of IMEA at Informa Markets, and Hal Wolf, President and CEO of HIMSS. During the visit, His Highness was briefed on the latest innovative projects designed to enhance the quality of care.

Strategic partnerships

The Center for Innovation and Technology was established through the generous contributions of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation and the AW Rostamani Group, which made a joint donation of AED10 million through Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health.

The center’s launch coincides with the first edition of WHX Tech 2025, the Global Health Technology Exhibition, taking place from 8–10 September 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. During the event, Dubai Health will announce a series of new collaborations with leading academic, technology, and government partners to advance projects at the center. These partnerships include Dubai Future Foundation, Prototypes for Humanity, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Siemens Healthineers, Schneider Electric, and Huawei.

The Center for Innovation and Technology is committed to transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions that enhance patient care, drive medical advancements, and improve lives, in line with Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise. It also serves as an educational and research platform, enabling clinicians, scientists, learners, and innovators to pioneer breakthroughs that shape the future of healthcare.

Dr. Yacine Hadjiat, Director of The Center for Innovation and Technology at Dubai Health, said: “The Center for Innovation and Technology brings together talent from across disciplines, and provides the environment and resources needed to reimagine healthcare delivery. It is designed not only to advance technology but also to inspire bold thinking, foster collaboration, and accelerate discoveries that ultimately serve patients and improve lives.”

Designed in line with the world’s leading health innovation hubs, the center houses advanced laboratories and technologies for developing, testing and validating solutions. This includes the Extended Reality and Brain Interface Lab (XR BCI), the Robotics and Sensors Lab, Artificial Intelligence and Data Lab, Design Lab, a User Experience Room, and spaces for collaboration.

To support the transition from discovery to application, the center also offers comprehensive services through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), enabling innovators to protect intellectual property and build partnerships.

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, announced that it has contributed to saving the lives of 60 patients by supporting organ transplant surgeries as part of the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign.

The announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and fostering a culture of organ donation as a humanitarian value.

Since its launch in April 2021, the campaign has supported 60 transplant procedures, including 53 kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. Among these are 24 children with kidney failure and 5 children with liver failure. As part of this program, the Foundation continues to support more than 65 patients with life-saving transplants, who are unable to access or afford specialized care.

These efforts are aligned with the goals of HAYAT, the National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and are carried out in partnership with Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system.

From Campaign to Permanent Program

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign has now evolved into a permanent initiative under the Foundation’s A’awen program, which provides financial assistance to patients in need of critical medical treatment across the UAE, a step that aligns with Dubai Health’s commitment, “Patient First”.

“On World Organ Donation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, individuals and institutions alike, who contributed to both the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. Their support represents a powerful model of human solidarity, with the first edition alone helping to fund nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai,” said Dr. Al Zarooni.

He also extended his appreciation to living organ donors and to the families of deceased donors, saying: “Your compassion has given others a second chance at life. We thank you for your extraordinary generosity.”

Ensuring Safe, Successful Transplants

Dr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Health, explained that the medical team works collaboratively to thoroughly evaluate both the donor and the recipient before transplantation, ensuring the highest possible long-term success rates.

“We conduct comprehensive assessments of kidney function and immune compatibility between the donor and recipient, along with detailed medical and surgical evaluations that include lab tests and imaging studies to ensure the success of the transplant. We also follow up with patients regularly after the procedure to ensure adherence to the treatment plan and to closely monitor kidney function.”

Regarding living donors, Dr. Al Hinnawi noted that they undergo meticulous evaluations, including assessment of the kidneys, functional testing, and screening for any infectious or cancerous conditions, in addition to psychological and social assessments.

He added that all cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary medical committee to determine donor eligibility, ensuring the highest levels of safety for both donor and recipient.

A Lifeline for Patients in Need

Al Jalila Foundation continues to welcome donations through A’awen, offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to fund life-changing programs that enhance well-being and provide essential medical care.

The first edition of the campaign was launched in April 2021 in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. The second edition took place in September 2024 and concluded in December of the same year, as part of a collaboration between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper.

Transplant surgeries were conducted in partnership with Dubai Health’s Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, alongside Mediclinic City Hospital and King’s College Hospital London in Dubai.

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has announced a strategic partnership with the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the largest arbitral institution in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, to strengthen community outreach and advance health initiatives through joint charitable efforts.

The collaboration will bring together the healthcare and legal sectors in support of Al Jalila Foundation’s mission, through community engagement, donor outreach, and awareness initiatives.

As part of the agreement, ”DIAC’s name will be added to Al Jalila Foundation’s donor recognition wall, commemorating their generous contribution, and the Foundation will be recognized as a charitable partner across DIAC’s communication channels.

The agreement reflects the goals of the UAE Year of Community and highlights both organizations’ commitment to creating sustainable impact. By strengthening cross-sector collaboration, the initiative supports national efforts to promote a collective sense of social responsibility.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We are proud to partner with DIAC in a collaboration that reflects our shared vision of building a healthier and more compassionate society. Their support enables us to expand our reach and deepen our impact within the community.”

He added: “Strategic alliances like this are key to our mission. They allow us to work across sectors, leverage expertise and create sustainable, lasting change in people’s lives.”

Jehad Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai International Arbitration Centre said: “DIAC believes institutions have a responsibility to serve the communities of which they are a part. By partnering with Al Jalila Foundation, we will harness the collective strength of the legal and arbitration community to bring about tangible, positive change.

“This partnership reflects our values and our belief in the transformative power of giving.”

Earlier this year, DIAC hosted a Ramadan Charity Suhoor that raised over AED 100,000 to support The Child Fund by Al Jalila Foundation, highlighting the organization’s dedication to social impact.

The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai) has announced the donation of AED 1.8 million to Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, to provide treatment and kidney transplants for patients with kidney failure from humanitarian cases, and to cover treatment costs for eligible individuals.

Under the agreement, AED 1 million will be dedicated to kidney treatment and transplant procedures, while AED 800,000 will support Al Jalila Foundation’s “A’awen” program,  which provides medical assistance to UAE-based patients in need, and “The Child Fund,” which provides life-changing medical care for children in need while alleviating financial pressure on their families.

The funding, provided through Awqaf Dubai’s Zakat Fund, reflects a shared commitment to transforming lives by supporting patients in need who are unable to access or afford essential medical care..

H.E. Khaled Al Thani, Deputy Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai, affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the healthcare sector and advancing its humanitarian goals in medical care by assisting patients with limited income, particularly those registered as humanitarian cases with healthcare institutions. He emphasized the importance of participating in initiatives that aim to treat vulnerable patients, especially children and individuals suffering from life-threatening chronic conditions that negatively impact family stability.

Al Thani noted that the support was provided through the Zakat Fund, highlighting that patients fall within the eligible categories for zakat, and represent a humanitarian segment that the organization is dedicated to assisting. He added that this contribution helps provide essential medical needs and delivers a profound positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.

He also stressed that Awqaf Dubai spares no effort in forging partnerships that strengthen the role of endowments in meeting community needs, supporting individuals across vital sectors, and advancing its strategy to empower the endowment sector while fostering social solidarity and compassion throughout society.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, expressed his pride in the ongoing partnership with Awqaf Dubai, whose generous support continues to provide vital treatment and kidney transplants for patients with kidney failure from humanitarian cases, and covers the cost of care for eligible patients through the ‘A’awen’ program and ‘The Child Fund’. This collaboration highlights the collective efforts of national institutions working together to enhance the healthcare ecosystem in the UAE.

Dr. Al Zarooni emphasized that such efforts empower Al Jalila Foundation to fulfill its noble mission through its various programs and initiatives aimed at transforming lives and advancing health for all.

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has partnered with AmCham Dubai, The American Business Council in Dubai, to launch the Revive & Thrive returnship program, designed to help women re-enter the workforce after cancer treatment.

The innovative initiative has already achieved remarkable success, with nine members of Al Jalila Foundation’s Majlis Al Amal successfully placed in returnship roles with reputable organizations across various sectors.

Majlis Al Amal, meaning Hope Lounge in Arabic, is Al Jalila Foundation’s unique cancer drop-in center and the first of its kind community that is dedicated to the wellbeing of female cancer patients and survivors.

The center provides a safe space for cancer patients and their family members to enhance their emotional health in a relaxed, and supportive environment.

The Revive & Thrive program addresses a significant challenge facing cancer survivors in the UAE and globally. Research indicates that between 26 percent and 53 percent of cancer survivors either lose their jobs or quit working during or after treatment, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This employment disruption can lead to financial instability, hinder career progression and diminish confidence in re-entering the workforce. Women, in particular, may opt to leave their jobs to prioritize their health, further impacting their financial and professional trajectories.

The Revive & Thrive program offers structured support through three key pillars: training, mentorship and six-month paid returnships. These returnships provide women with a gradual re-entry into the workforce, allowing them to rebuild their self-confidence and gain practical experience under the guidance of mentors at participating companies. The program also supports them in their ongoing job search, should they wish to pursue permanent opportunities.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation said: “Majlis Al Amal was established as a comprehensive support center for women affected by cancer, recognizing that healing extends far beyond medical treatment to encompass emotional, social and professional wellbeing.

The Revive & Thrive program represents a natural evolution of our mission, addressing the critical challenge of professional reintegration that many cancer survivors face.”

He added: “Through our partnership with AmCham Dubai, we are demonstrating that with the right support and collaborative community effort, women can successfully rebuild their careers and regain their confidence in the workplace. Placing nine women into meaningful employment demonstrates the real impact of our engagement programs and our commitment to transforming lives.”

Cara Nazari, CEO of AmCham Dubai said: “AmCham Dubai’s Revive & Thrive program, launched in collaboration with the Majlis Al Amal by Al Jalila Foundation, continues to create meaningful impact by supporting women returning to the workforce after a career break.

“Built around the pillars of training, mentorship and paid returnships, this initiative connects determined jobseekers with private sector leaders committed to fostering inclusive growth and opportunity. Led by our HR Committee, Revive & Thrive is more than a program – it’s a movement.

“From mentoring sessions and workshops to successful job placements, we are proud to help talented women reignite their professional journeys. This initiative reflects the heart of our mission: empowering people through connection, opportunity and action.”

The Revive & Thrive program has attracted participation from leading organizations including GE Aerospace, Medtronic, Cigna Healthcare, FedEx, NAS Neuron and MENA Legal, demonstrating strong private sector commitment to supporting cancer survivors’ professional reintegration.

The success of the Revive & Thrive program demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when healthcare organizations, business communities and private sector partners collaborate to create meaningful change in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Dubai Charity Association announced a donation of AED 1.5 million to support Dubai Health programs and initiatives. The donation will benefit Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), its learning and discovery arm.

Of the total amount, AED 1 million has been allocated to Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen program, which provides financial assistance to patients in need of critical medical treatment across the UAE.

The remaining AED 500,000 will fund medical scholarships at MBRU, supporting the development of future healthcare professionals.

The contribution highlights Dubai Charity Association’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare and education, sectors that play a fundamental role in community wellbeing and long-term progress.

The generous support was presented by Dubai Charity Association Executive Director Ahmed Ibrahim Al Suwaidi to Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation at Dubai Health headquarters, in attendance of Dubai Charity Association Board Vice Chairman Mostafa Karam and Board Member and Treasurer of the Association Eng. Adel Obaid Al Suwaidi.

Ahmed Ibrahim Al Suwaidi said: “Our collaboration with Al Jalila Foundation and MBRU reflects a commitment to sustainable development and social wellbeing. We believe in supporting institutions that drive long-term change, and we’re confident this contribution will help advance healthcare.”

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni affirmed: “We are proud to partner with Dubai Charity Association, whose support continues to strengthen our mission. Their investment in medical care and education enables us to transform lives, and contribute to building a healthcare system that delivers lasting impact.

“This contribution also aligns with the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to build the most efficient healthcare ecosystem.”

This initiative forms part of Dubai Charity Association’s broader commitment to enhancing essential services across the city, including healthcare, education, housing and social care, and reinforces Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for human development.