His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, launched ‘The Cancer Fund’ of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.

His Highness also unveiled ‘The Giving Wall’ at Dubai Hospital, which bears the names of donors who have supported its treatment programmes, in recognition of their generosity.

The Cancer Fund aims to provide vital support for cancer treatment, helping ease the financial burden on patients and ensuring they can continue their care throughout recovery.

The launch of The Cancer Fund took place during a ceremony hosted by Al Jalila Foundation at Dubai Hospital, where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured partners, donors, and supporters of the hospital’s treatment programmes.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of H.H. the Dubai Ruler’s Court; Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors and Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors; His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and other senior officials.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed stated: “Giving is a deeply rooted value in the UAE instilled by our Founding Fathers and our leadership continues to build on this legacy through initiatives that place people’s health and wellbeing at the heart of national priorities.”

His Highness praised the individuals and institutions whose generosity strengthens community philanthropic efforts, noting that the strong engagement generated by such programmes reflects a shared national commitment to supporting people and enhancing quality of life.

Strategic step
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said: “The Cancer Fund marks a strategic step towards building a sustainable support system for patients.”

She added: “The Fund also reflects a forward-looking model of collaboration, with community and institutional giving play a central role in strengthening our healthcare system and expanding its impact on patients’ lives. We believe that sustainable philanthropy is essential to building a more cohesive society, where collective efforts come together to shape a better future for all.”

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni said: “Dedicating this year’s Ramadan campaign to Al Jalila Foundation’s The Cancer Fund will expand support pathways available to cancer patients. It reflects the role of community giving in helping patients access timely treatment, in line with Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise.”

He added: “The generosity of donors enabled us to provide care to 650 cancer patients over the past year, with contributions exceeding AED43 million through the ‘A’awen’ programme.

Al Jalila Foundation encourages individuals and organisations to support the Ramadan 2026 campaign through its donation channels, emphasising that every contribution makes a difference for patients and their families by helping them access treatment.

Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to community health and family wellbeing, Landmark Group successfully hosted the 16^th edition of its flagship Beat Diabetes Family Event at Za’abeel Park, bringing together more than 17,500 participants in one of the UAE’s largest family-focused wellness initiatives.

Held under the theme ‘Step into a Healthier Tomorrow’, the event formed part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Family’ agenda, aligning closely with national priorities around diabetes awareness, prevention, early detection, and the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles across generations.

The annual event continues to serve as a cornerstone of Landmark Group’s Beat Diabetes programme, offering an inclusive platform that combines education, physical activity, and community engagement. With the Middle East among the regions most affected by diabetes, this year’s edition placed particular emphasis on the pivotal role families play in shaping long-term health outcomes.

High-Level Participation Reflects Strong Public-Private Collaboration
The event was inaugurated by Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman, Landmark Group, alongside His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in the presence of members of Landmark Group leadership, alongside Lions Clubs International Middle East as CSR Volunteering Partner and GEMS Education as School Partner, and representatives from government entities, healthcare partners, schools, corporate organisations. Their participation underscored the collective community commitment to embedding healthier habits within everyday life.

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), said: “The Dubai Sports Council has proudly partnered with Landmark Group on the Beat Diabetes Family Event for several years, and we are pleased to see it grow into one of Dubai’s most impactful community wellness initiatives, bringing people together around a shared purpose. In the Year of Family, initiatives such as this play a vital role in promoting physical activity and healthy living as essential foundations for a stronger, healthier, and more resilient society.”

Engaging the Next Generation Through Education and Creativity
As part of Landmark Group’s continued focus on youth engagement, the Superkidz Programme – an integral component of the Beat Diabetes initiative – once again played a central role at the event, in collaboration with GEMS Education for the second-year running.

The Superkidz Writing Competition engaged students from 15 GEMS schools across Grades 4 and 5, encouraging them to explore themes of healthy living through storytelling and creative expression. Winners were announced during the event, celebrating young voices while reinforcing positive health messages and inspiring healthier lifestyles among future generations.

Rewarding Commitment
Commenting on the success of the event, Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director, Landmark Group, said: “The response to this year’s Beat Diabetes Family Event has been truly inspiring. Seeing families, children, and People of Determination come together in such numbers reflects how deeply this initiative resonates with the community.

As we mark our 16^th edition during the UAE’s Year of Family, our focus remains on empowering families, encouraging early awareness, and working closely with our partners to build healthier futures for generations to come.”

Comprehensive Health, Fitness, and Family Activities
The customary 2-kilometre community walk once again served as the centrepiece of the event, followed by a wide range of fitness, sports, and educational activities designed for all age groups.

Participants benefited from free blood glucose testing and health screenings, vaccinations and nutrition consultations, delivered in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health and Emirates Health Services, reinforcing the event’s holistic approach to diabetes prevention and wellbeing, in addition family-friendly fitness sessions and sports challenges, an expanded Family Zone, and live entertainment.

Sustained Impact Through Long-Term Partnerships
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Our long-standing partnership with the Landmark Group reflects a shared commitment to advancing health for humanity by building health awareness and encouraging meaningful community engagement. We believe that prevention and early detection are fundamental to improving long-term health outcomes, particularly when awareness is translated into practical actions that make a real difference for families across the UAE.”

Since its launch in 2009, Beat Diabetes has evolved into a national movement, engaging more than 165,000 participants across the region and championing a simple yet powerful message: Take the Test. Eat Healthy. Get Active.

All proceeds from the 2026 event, including registration fees and in-store donations collected across Landmark Group’s participating brands, will be directed to Al Jalila Foundation to support diabetes research, treatment, and patient care.

As the initiative continues to grow, Landmark Group remains firmly positioned as a leading advocate for prevention of diabetes, awareness, and community wellbeing—reinforcing its role as a catalyst for positive social impact in the Year of the Family and beyond.

A delegation from the Dubai Sports Council visited Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, to learn about its sports philanthropy initiatives and discuss areas of collaboration.

The delegation was led by His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and other officials. They were welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus; Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Health, and Shamma Alrafi, Acting CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.

During the visit, His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul learned about Al Jalila Foundation’s sports philanthropy initiatives and met with the Foundation’s “Champions of Hope” team, a group of athletes who leverage sports for humanitarian giving.

To date, the philanthropic sports initiatives have raised AED 15 million through more than 450 community and partner-led activities, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting Al Jalila Foundation’s programs.

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, said: “The Dubai Sports Council is committed to supporting all national efforts and charitable initiatives that aim to enhance the wellbeing, health, and active lifestyles of our community. We see this commitment embodied in the ‘Champions of Hope’ initiative, an inspiring model that harnesses the power of sport and the positive influence of athletes to spread values of generosity and compassion across the community.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif said: “We are honored to welcome His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul and the accompanying delegation, whose visit reflects our commitment to Advancing Health for Humanity.”

He added: “We deeply appreciate the Dubai Sports Council and the athletes, whose dedication and spirit inspire a culture of giving and create a meaningful impact on the community.”

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul met the “Champions of Hope” team, which included several inspiring athletes: Yahya Al Ghassani, UAE National Football Team player and founder of YA10 Academy; Ghani Souleymane, endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder for the T100x100 challenge; Mustafa Kaan Yildiz, swimmer and junior coach at Heroes of Hope; Coach Dan Cordero, endurance cyclist and founder of LifeSpark Cycling; Keisha Pais, open-water swimmer who completed the 15-kilometre Bonifacio Strait swim from Italy to France; Ahmed El-Shennawy, member of the inaugural Team Al Jalila Kilimanjaro charity climb and leader of the Himalayan Charity Challenge; Essam Adams, the founder of “Run 4 A Purpose” running club; and Aarti Shah, an Athlete of Determination and member of Heroes of Hope.

The visit also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YA10 Academy, a sports academy founded by professional Emirati footballer Yahya Al Ghassani that supports emerging football talent.

Yahya Al Ghassani said: “Through this partnership, YA10 Academy and Al Jalila Foundation will unite sports with philanthropy through athlete engagement and community challenges designed to raise awareness and funds for patient care. It embeds a culture of giving into the academy’s calendar, transforming every training session, match, and milestone into an opportunity for fans to support life-changing healthcare programs”.

Shamma Alrafi said: “For over a decade, we have seen how sports can go beyond the game to drive real change. By combining athletic spirit with charitable initiatives, we can support patients in need and inspire the community, showing how Dubai leads in using sports as a force for good.”

ENOC Group, a leading integrated global energy player, has signed a donation agreement with Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, to contribute AED 50 million toward the construction and development of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, Dubai’s first fully integrated and comprehensive cancer care facility.

This contribution reiterates the Group’s commitment to supporting the communities it operates in to enhance social, health and economic development programmes in line with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’, which encourages impactful contributions to society.

The agreement was signed by Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group, and Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors, and Chair of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Steering Committee.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Tarek Fathy, Chief Clinical Officer at Dubai Health; and Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus, and Shamma Al Rafi, Director of Fundraising at Al Jalila Foundation along with senior executives from both entities.

Commenting on this contribution, Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group, said: “At ENOC, we are deeply committed to forging long-standing partnerships that focus on achieving social, environmental and economic wellbeing that add value to the communities we operate in. Our timely investment, during the Year of Community, towards Dubai Health’s Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will contribute significantly to creating a healthy environment while reinforcing the power of collective giving to build a healthier, more compassionate society.”

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors, and Chair of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Steering Committee, said: “We are grateful to ENOC for this generous contribution in supporting the construction of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. This partnership reflects the vital role national companies play in fostering a culture of social responsibility, and stands as a leading example of institutional collaboration that supports our vision to advance health for humanity.”

This initiative reaffirms ENOC’s leadership in corporate social responsibility and its dedication to creating lasting, sustainable impact. By supporting programmes that directly enhance community wellbeing, the Group continues to play a vital role in building a more inclusive and healthier future for all.

In the lead-up to World Diabetes Day, Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in partnership with Landmark Group through its CSR flagship Beat Diabetes programme, and in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), has launched a long-term, comprehensive health and wellness initiative dedicated to blue-collar workers, which kicked off its activities at a labour camp in Dubai’s Al Quoz area.

This groundbreaking initiative began with a two-day screening campaign in Al Quoz, held on November 4 and 5, 2025, aimed to raise awareness about diabetes, and provide free medical screening for over 200 workers, covering blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI as part of a wider effort to promote early detection and preventive care within UAE’s labour communities.

The charitable community-driven mobile clinic, “Wellness on Wheels”, provided free on-site medical screening, preventive advice and consultations, while volunteers from Lions Clubs International – Middle East supported the initiative with on-ground logistics. Each participant also received a healthy snack box from VIVA, Landmark Group’s discount grocer, reinforcing messages around balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices on a budget.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation said: “At Al Jalila Foundation, we believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental right for everyone. Through initiatives like Wellness on Wheels, we are taking healthcare directly to those who need it most, providing them with knowledge, early diagnosis, and ongoing support. Our partnership with Landmark Group reflects the power of collective action in advancing health and wellbeing, and we are proud to extend compassionate care to diverse community groups.”

Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director – Landmark Group, said: “At Landmark, we’ve been deeply committed to community health through our Beat Diabetes initiative for over 15 years, reaching millions across the region. Through this partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, we are extending our reach to the workers who form the backbone of our nation’s progress extending to the long-term treatment for those identified as being diabetic.”

She added: “Early screening and education are critical to preventing, treating and managing diabetes, and this programme reflects our long-term commitment to fostering a healthier, more informed community to battle the prevalence of this disease.”

The programme’s on-site setup featured a waiting area with educational sessions on diabetes prevention, supported by awareness flyers and installations to ensure an engaging environment.

This partnership marks the launch of a long-term health & wellness outreach programme dedicated to blue collar workers. It reflects a shared vision to improve public health outcomes through preventive education, early detection, and accessible care.

Since its inception in 2009, Landmark Group’s Beat Diabetes programme has empowered communities across the GCC and India through awareness campaigns, free health screenings, and treatment in partnerships with leading healthcare institutions. Each year, the programme reaffirms its commitment to the UAE’s National Diabetes and Wellbeing strategies, reaching new communities with compassion, care, and action.

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, announced that the names of 18 donors will be added to 19 sections and facilities at the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital, in recognition of their generous contributions to the construction of Dubai’s first fully integrated comprehensive cancer care facility.

The announcement was made during an honoring ceremony, which was organized recently by Al Jalila Foundation at the construction site of the hospital, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors.

The event was also attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Chair of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Steering Committee; Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.

Donor Names
The list of donors whose names will be added to the hospital’s sections and facilities includes: Abdul Rahim Mohammed Belghozooz Al Zarooni, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Chambers, AWQAF Dubai, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Al Ansari Exchange, Sharaf Group, Al Sayyah Group, AW Rostamani Group, Chalhoub Group, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani’s family, Abdulsalam Al Rafi’s family, Innovo, Mohammed Ibrahim Obaidullah, Seddiqi Holding, Dr. Wael Al Mahmeed, and Eissa Abdullah Abdullaziz Al Othman Endowment.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni expressed his sincere appreciation to all donors for their generous support of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital project, emphasizing that their contributions embody the highest values of giving and social responsibility and serve as a cornerstone in building an advanced healthcare system.

Dr. Al Zarooni noted that Al Jalila Foundation has designated 30 sections and facilities within the hospital to additionally carry the names of donors as a mark of recognition. Each donor’s name will be added to the section or facility they helped fund, acknowledging their strategic role in supporting this humanitarian project, which represents a landmark addition to Dubai’s healthcare infrastructure and lay the foundation for a better future in cancer care.

The donors expressed their pride in having their names associated with facilities and sections at Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. They emphasized that giving is both a social responsibility and a noble humanitarian mission through which they aim to make a real difference in patients’ lives and help enhance Dubai’s healthcare system.

Abdul Rahim Belghozooz Al Zarooni said he was proud to contribute to the construction of Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. He shared that his contribution stems from his strong belief that philanthropy is a social responsibility. He added, “To every cancer patient, I want you to know you are not alone. This hospital was built with you in mind, to provide advanced care and renewed hope for recovery.”

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), affirmed that the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum left a profound humanitarian legacy marked by generosity and support for the health sector. His patronage of medical research, health innovation, and charitable work continues to inspire. DEWA’s contribution to the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital project reflects its commitment to preserving the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and aligns with its corporate social responsibility strategy. This initiative exemplifies the Authority’s national commitment to enhancing quality of life, upholding noble humanitarian values, supporting the healthcare sector, and fostering social solidarity, all in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s leadership vision for a cohesive and healthy society.

His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, noted that their support for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital project reflects their commitment to empowering the business community to actively advance vital sectors, particularly healthcare, and to strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness and leadership as a global medical and healthcare hub. The Chambers added that the initiative truly exemplifies the public-private partnership.

Mohammad Ali Al Ansari, Chairman of Al Ansari Exchange, emphasized that their contribution exemplifies their deep belief in the importance of community partnership in supporting purposeful initiatives. They noted that the project carries a message of hope for cancer patients and their families and embodies the values of human solidarity and social compassion.

Ibrahim Sharaf, Chairman of the Sharaf Group, and Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman, affirmed that their involvement in this medical landmark demonstrates a firm belief that human health is the foundation of a more prosperous and stable future. The group added that the initiative represents constructive partnership between the public and private sectors, contributes to the development of advanced infrastructure that promotes medical research and innovation, and reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global healthcare hub.

Located in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, the 59,000-square-meter Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital will feature 53 clinics, 21 clinical research areas, 60 infusion rooms, 10 urgent care rooms, 5 radiotherapy rooms, and 116 inpatient beds.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the hospital will also include 19 tranquil gardens and serve as a comprehensive healthcare center providing diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

Athlete Ghani Souleymane has reached the halfway mark of his Guinness World Record attempt, having completed over 50 triathlons in support of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health.

The challenge supports the efforts of Al Jalila Foundation’s sports philanthropy program, which is dedicated to transforming athletic achievement into meaningful humanitarian impact. To date, and with the support of community partners, the program has raised nearly AED 15 million through more than 450 events, with every donation going directly toward patient care.

The Dubai T100 Triathlon is one of the flagship events in the global T100 series, bringing together athletes and endurance enthusiasts of all ages. Souleymane’s “T100x100” challenge is an attempt to complete 100 triathlons in 100 consecutive days, with each day requiring a 2 km swim, 80 km cycle, and 18 km run.

The Child Fund
Proceeds from Souleymane’s challenge will go directly toward providing treatment for children with cancer through Al Jalila Foundation’s The Child Fund, offering hope to young patients and their families.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “We believe that sport plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between health and community, and in inspiring individuals to become active partners in the journey of giving. Souleymane’s experience is a powerful example of how personal dedication can be directed to serve noble humanitarian causes, reinforcing the values of solidarity and compassion, and contributing to improving the quality of life for children while restoring hope to their families.”

He added: “We are confident in Souleymane’s ability to complete the challenge and reach a milestone worthy of recognition in the Guinness World Records. His achievement will serve as a powerful source of inspiration, reflecting Dubai Health’s mission to advance health for humanity.”

Highlighting the significance of the challenge, Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organisation, said: “Ghani’s T100 challenge captures the true spirit of our sport – using triathlon as a platform to inspire, unite communities and drive meaningful change. The T100 World Tour is built on stories like these, where professional racing and grassroots passion combine to leave a lasting impact well beyond the finish line. We are proud to see Dubai and the UAE leading the way with such an extraordinary effort.”

Sharing his motivation, Ghani Souleymane said: “I’m proud to support Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to use sport as a force for positive change, improving lives, promoting better health, and strengthening the values of compassion and solidarity that define the UAE community. Through this challenge, I carry a humanitarian message to stand with children battling cancer. With every step I take, I hope to turn effort into hope, and give those in need a real chance at life.”

Having reached the halfway point, Souleymane’s physical strength and determination have become a powerful source of inspiration and a wide-reaching community rallying call to support Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to fund cancer treatment for children. The challenge is set to conclude at the Dubai T100 Triathlon on November 16, 2025.

This press release is issued in Arabic, to read please refer to the Arabic page.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, honoured the donors of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital in recognition of their generosity, which is driving the construction of Dubai’s first fully integrated comprehensive cancer care facility.

The ceremony, organised by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, took place at the construction site of the hospital in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2. It was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Chair of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Steering Committee; Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, and Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.

55 donors, representing individuals, charitable organisations and public and private entities were recognised at the ceremony.

Commitment to philanthropy
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum affirmed that giving is deeply rooted in the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian legacy and remains a driving force behind both development and charitable work.

He said: “Guided by the vision of our leadership, the UAE continues to uphold these core values. The establishment of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital reflects the principles laid down by our founding fathers, placing giving at the heart of our national responsibility.”

His Highness commended the donors’ contributions, highlighting their key role in supporting the development of this landmark facility. He emphasised the importance of sustaining this noble work, which embodies social responsibility and human solidarity, while strengthening community partnerships that advance healthcare and place people at the heart of its priorities.

Leadership perspectives
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg highlighted the significance of the hospital, saying: “This hospital embodies the vision of our leadership, which recognises human health as the nation’s true wealth. By establishing a fully integrated facility, we provide hope to patients and their families and create an advanced centre for specialised cancer care.”

She added: “We are deeply grateful to all our partners and supporters, both individuals and institutions, for their invaluable contributions, trust in our mission, and belief in advancing human health and improving quality of life.”

Dr. Amer Sharif reaffirmed that the hospital is a significant addition to Dubai’s healthcare system, providing a model that integrates medical treatment with supportive care to deliver a holistic patient experience.

He said: “The hospital will serve as both a centre for treatment and a beacon of hope for patients, offering advanced medical capabilities that meet the highest international standards. It will also act as a learning and research hub, strengthening our healthcare system by contributing to the discovery of new treatments and the development of forward-thinking approaches that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.”

Strategic partnerships
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni highlighted that Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, is responsible for raising funds to support the construction and development of the hospital through strategic partnerships with donors.

He noted that these efforts reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy, humanitarian work, and the advancement of healthcare in the UAE.

Fully integrated hospital
Located in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, the 59,000-square-metre Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital pays tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his lifetime legacy of philanthropy. It will feature 53 clinics, 21 clinical research areas, 60 infusion rooms, 10 urgent care rooms, 5 radiotherapy rooms and 116 inpatient beds.

Designed with well-being in mind, the hospital will also include 19 tranquil gardens and will serve as a centre of excellence for cancer treatment and research in the region.

Dubai Health has announced the successful completion of 15 heart surgeries for patients of different ages and nationalities under the second edition of “Nabadat” campaign 2025. Led by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, and carried out in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity Establishment, the initiative provides comprehensive care for patients with congenital and chronic heart conditions at Dubai Health hospitals.

The announcement coincides with World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29, underscoring Dubai Health’s dedication to global efforts to raise awareness of heart disease and deliver impactful healthcare programs that transform lives.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Our partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity Establishment through the Nabadat initiative reflects a shared vision to advance health for humanity. Thanks to the dedication of our teams, we are able to impact lives and offer hope for the future.”

He added: “Nabadat also exemplifies Dubai Health’s commitment to fostering the values of social solidarity and enhancing quality of life through impactful humanitarian programmes. The successful completion of this number of complex surgeries demonstrates the initiative’s expanding scope and its growing impact in enabling patients to access advanced treatment in line with the highest medical standards.”

Saleh Zaher Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity Establishment, said: “We are proud to have launched and lead the Nabadat campaign, which embodies the deeply rooted values of solidarity within our society, in collaboration with Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. This support stems from our commitment to harnessing our resources to provide healthcare for patients in need, driven by our belief that caring for people reflects the very essence of our humanitarian mission.”

He added: “Nabadat is one of the Establishment’s leading humanitarian initiatives, that helps save the lives of children and adults with congenital heart defects, offering them a healthier and more hopeful future. It also underscores the power of community partnerships in uniting efforts to create a lasting impact in healthcare.”

Dr. Obaid Mohammed Al Jassim, Consultant and Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dubai Hospital and Medical Director of the Nabadat initiative, said: “All 15 surgeries were successfully completed despite their complexity, with the medical team managing challenging cases that included open-heart surgeries and catheter interventions, demonstrating the readiness and high competence of the healthcare professionals.

He further explained that Nabadat has proven successful in achieving its goals, helping to restore hope to many adults and children suffering from heart conditions. He emphasised that the continuation of these efforts reflects the initiative’s commitment to its humanitarian mission of providing patients with healthier futures.