For a long time, Khalid Zanaty put off visiting the doctor. The distance and effort required to reach a nearby healthcare center were constant obstacles, and over time he grew used to ignoring minor symptoms, unaware they were hiding a serious risk to his health.

That changed when Wellness on Wheels, by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, arrived in his community, bringing healthcare directly to the heart of the neighborhood. Khalid never imagined that a simple routine check-up would completely change the course of his life. The screening revealed early-stage diabetes, caught just in time before it could progress. What he had once dismissed as everyday tiredness turned out to be a warning his body had been giving him for months.

Thanks to early detection and immediate care, Khalid began a new journey toward better health. He adopted a healthier lifestyle, adjusted his diet, and gradually regained his wellbeing. Most importantly, he was able to avoid severe complications that could have affected his heart, kidneys, and overall quality of life. His morning walks are no longer a struggle, and he now greets each day with an energy he thought he had lost.

Reflecting on the experience, Khalid shared: “The Wellness on Wheels initiative was a true blessing when it reached my workplace. It offered me healthcare equal in quality to a hospital, but this time right at my doorstep. It was a turning point to feel that care was so close and accessible.”

Khalid’s story reflects Al Jalila Foundation’s mission to make healthcare accessible to all, ensuring that distance or limited resources never stand in the way of early detection and timely treatment. The Wellness on Wheels clinics are not just medical units; they are lifelines reaching communities and offering people a new chance at better health.

Today, Khalid walks forward with confidence, knowing that a single moment of care can save an entire lifetime.

The journey of Amal Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed Al Mansoor, a dedicated school leader, became far more than a traditional career path. Through the Ta’alouf Teacher Training Program launched by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, her story transformed into one of hope and impact. The program marked a pivotal turning point in her professional and personal life, equipping her with tools to transform the learning experience of her students. What began as a search for better teaching methods became a mission to build a more inclusive future.

Through Ta’alouf, Amal gained knowledge of inclusive education strategies and diverse learning methods. She learned how to design flexible learning plans that address each student’s unique needs and how to apply practical strategies that foster empathy and inclusivity in everyday school life. Over time, these skills translated into real impact: students flourished both academically and socially, and families observed meaningful positive changes. The ripple effects of the program extended far beyond the classroom walls.

Reflecting with gratitude, Amal shares: “My experience with Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Program not only transformed my approach in academia but also gave me renewed confidence that has uplifted my students and brought joy to their families.”

One of her greatest achievements through Ta’alouf has been building a school culture rooted in compassion and inclusion. Students have become more understanding and accepting of their peers, teachers collaborate more effectively, and parents, together with the wider school community, actively support the vision of inclusive education.

Today, inclusion is no longer a distant goal but a lived reality in the school Amal leads, where every child is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. Her journey embodies Al Jalila Foundation’s mission, reinforcing that advancing inclusive education creates a brighter future for all.

On her 60th birthday in April 2014, Catherine Vander Cammen received life-changing news: a breast cancer diagnosis. Within just 30 days, she underwent a double mastectomy and began chemotherapy, entering a period marked by fear and emotional turmoil. She recalls: “It felt as though time had suddenly stopped, leaving my life suspended between hope and uncertainty.”

In those difficult moments, Catherine found through Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, a space of compassion, connection, and reassurance that helped her regain strength and confidence, while also allowing her to share her journey with others who had walked a similar path.

She describes her experience with Majlis Al Amal as a turning point in her life: “It gave me hope and reassurance, restored my confidence, and most importantly, gave me back the ability to smile sincerely.”

Today, Catherine channels her experience into inspiring others, reflecting the lasting impact of a community that supports patients beyond treatment and helps them move forward with renewed hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that the support of Al Jalila Foundation goes far beyond treatment, building a nurturing community that transforms hardship into opportunities for renewal. Catherine’s experience affirms that compassion and community care can open the door to new beginnings for cancer survivors.

The research explores why certain aggressive forms of breast cancer do not respond to chemotherapy. By examining the genetic mechanisms behind treatment resistance, the study identifies how specific genes influence cancer behavior and progression. These findings open new possibilities for targeted therapies and more personalized treatment approaches, with the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Supported by a research grant from Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, this important work, titled “The Role of the FOXC1 Gene in Stimulating Aggressive Oncogenic Programs and Chemotherapy Resistance in Triple-negative Breast Cancer through Modulation of Chromatin Availability”, was led by Dr. Shakhzada Ibragimova as part of her PhD journey in the Biomedical Sciences doctoral program at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health.

Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Shakhzada shared: “Receiving support from Al Jalila Foundation was a turning point for this study, strengthening the research and enabling me to generate meaningful findings that can contribute to improving cancer care. The Foundation’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery gave me the confidence and resources to conduct high-quality research with the potential to make a real difference in patients’ lives.”

This achievement reflects Al Jalila Foundation’s commitment to advancing impactful research and empowering the next generation of scientists whose work can transform lives through discovery.

Professor Abiola Senok from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the Learning and Discovery arm of Dubai Health, together with researchers from United Arab Emirates University and Creighton University in the United States, is leading a pioneering research study titled Deciphering the Evolution and Dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance in the United Arab Emirates (DEED-AMR).

The study is supported through a research grant from Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, and forms part of the UAE–NIH Collaborative Research Award.

The research focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world’s most pressing health challenges, where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and other treatments, rendering common infections increasingly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. By analyzing wastewater samples, the research team can monitor how resistant bacteria spread across communities, identify early warning signs of potential outbreaks, and establish a comprehensive framework for AMR surveillance.

Underpinned by the One Health philosophy, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the study offers an integrated view of how resistant bacteria emerge and disseminate across diverse ecological niches. Using advanced genomic technologies, the team is able to track how resistance genes move and spread, helping to better understand how drug-resistant bacteria emerge in the community.

To date, the research has resulted in three publications in well-regarded peer-reviewed scientific journals, along with two published conference abstracts, reflecting strong scholarly output and meaningful contributions to the field.

This research project is helping lay the foundation for a national system to monitor antimicrobial resistance, contributing to a safer and healthier future.

Receiving a scholarship from Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, marked a defining moment in Reem Hatem Abdel Kareem’s academic journey. After being admitted to pursue her PhD in Medicine at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, the scholarship gave her the support she needed to continue pursuing her dream with confidence and focus.

With deep gratitude, Reem shares: “I am truly thankful to Al Jalila Foundation for this support which eased a significant financial burden, and more importantly, strengthened my determination to serve others through medicine.”

Her journey at the university has been one of remarkable growth and transformation. From a diligent student in pursuit of knowledge, she evolved into a clinical tutor, guiding her peers and supporting younger students with growing expertise.

Today, as Reem contributes to medical education and patient care, she stands as a testament to Al Jalila Foundation’s mission of empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals through learning.

At only ten years old, young Rukaiya Bathusha Mohideen from India found herself on an unexpected medical journey. Once a lively child full of dreams of school and play, her family’s everyday life was suddenly disrupted by a health scare that raised countless questions about the future.

In October 2024, during a routine medical check-up, doctors discovered a complex brain cyst that required urgent neurosurgery. The news struck her parents, a mix of fear and fragile hope, with their thoughts consumed by the search for treatment that could save their daughter’s life.

At this critical moment, Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health stepped in, enabling her admission to Dubai Health’s Al Jalila Children’s Hospital where a specialized pediatric neurosurgery team designed a meticulous treatment plan. With expert surgical intervention, the operation was successfully carried out, transforming a moment of fear into a beacon of hope.

Following the surgery, Rukaiya underwent a structured follow-up program, including regular check-ups and neurological assessments to ensure safe recovery. With each visit, her parents witnessed steady progress, her energy returning day by day, along with her eagerness to rejoin her class and friends. Throughout this journey, the family found compassion in the medical team, and in the donors, they saw the living embodiment of a culture of giving deeply rooted in our values.

Today, Rukaiya continues her steps towards healing with the bright smile of a child who triumphed over fear. With heartfelt gratitude, her mother shares: “This support gave our daughter a new life and hope for a brighter future. Your generosity will live forever in our hearts.”

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has supported the treatment journey of six-year-old Lithuanian national, Leo Karkauskas, by covering the cost of his cancer care through A’awen, the Foundation’s program dedicated to supporting treatment for UAE-based patients, ensuring he received the urgent medical support he needed at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.

Leo’s story began in February 2025, when he started showing several concerning symptoms, including pale skin and swollen lymph nodes. His family sought medical attention, and blood test results revealed a sharp rise in his white blood cell count, raising strong suspicion of leukemia. Doctors emphasized that timely medical intervention would be critical to saving his life.

During this time, Leo’s family was facing significant financial and personal hardship. With their health insurance expired and their living circumstances becoming increasingly difficult, they began considering leaving the country in search of treatment elsewhere.

As Leo’s condition worsened, he was transferred to Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in a move that marked a turning point in his treatment journey. Further tests confirmed that he required immediate medical attention, and he was admitted without delay. Leo spent his first two weeks in the intensive care unit, where he received intensive treatment and a series of critical medical interventions under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.

Throughout this critical period, Leo’s family turned to Al Jalila Foundation for support. Guided by its commitment to helping patients access essential treatment, the Foundation covered the cost of Leo’s care and provided psychosocial support to him and his family, enabling him to continue receiving specialized treatment, including his stay in intensive care.

Leo began treatment in March 2025, with a plan including chemotherapy, delivered under the care of a multidisciplinary team across hematology, oncology, and pediatrics. Across his journey, he has received comprehensive care that addresses both his medical and emotional needs, despite additional complications, including recurrent infections that affected his lungs.

Today, Leo is celebrating his recovery, while gradually regaining parts of his daily routine. He has returned to activities he loves, including swimming and playing the drums, surrounded by the continued support of his family.

Leo’s mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, noting that its support enabled her son to continue his treatment journey and receive the care he needed at the right time, relieving a significant burden on the family during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

She said: “My message to families going through similar circumstances is to hold on to hope, remain patient, and keep trusting. Every stage brings you closer to healing. The road may seem long, but there is always a glimmer of hope at the end.”

When Jumar Donayre Fabroa received the call that a kidney had become available, it was a moment he and his family had been hoping for after years of living with chronic kidney disease.
With support from Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, the 38-year-old resident from the Philippines was able to undergo a life-saving kidney transplant at Dubai Health’s Dubai Hospital through the Foundation’s A’awen program, which supports treatment for patients across the UAE.

A husband and father living in the UAE, Jumar was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2022. By 2025, the illness had reached stage five, requiring regular dialysis sessions that increasingly affected his health and daily life. Unable to secure support, Jumar turned to Dubai Health for help.

Maha Al Taher, Clinical Transplant Coordinator at Dubai Health, recalled meeting Jumar and his wife. Their anxiety was evident, but so was their determination. During the meeting, Jumar spoke of his wish to receive a kidney transplant that would help him return to daily life. From there, Maha assisted him in applying for support through Al Jalila Foundation and coordinated the medical and administrative requirements. In time, the approval came through, bringing Jumar one step closer to his transplant.

“When I called him to tell him the news, there was a brief silence, as though he could not quite believe it,” she said. “Then I heard his wife crying with joy. It was a deeply moving moment, and I felt hope had returned to this family.”

Following the approval, Jumar began preparing for the transplant. The transplant coordination team closely followed his appointments, facilitated procedures, and provided emotional support at every stage.

Maha Al Taher highlighted that the role of transplant coordinators extends beyond procedures. It involves providing compassionate, patient-centered support across every stage of the journey, easing the emotional burden and strengthening patients’ confidence.

Reflecting on the moment, Jumar said: “It felt like being born again. They gave me and my family hope in life once more.”
Today, Jumar is recovering well and looking forward to returning to a more normal life with his family. He expressed deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation and everyone whose generosity gave him a new chance at life.

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Gulf News

Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has supported the treatment journey of young patient Lily Abdelghani, covering the full cost of her cancer care through A’awen, the Foundation’s program dedicated to supporting treatment for UAE-based patients.

At the age of three, Lily was diagnosed with a left renal tumor known as Wilms tumor. She underwent surgery to remove part of her left kidney and received chemotherapy as part of her treatment. Three months after completing therapy, close monitoring revealed that the disease had recurred in her lungs and abdomen. This required further intervention and an intensive treatment protocol under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, where she received compassionate, comprehensive care.

Lily’s mother said: “At the beginning, we were living with constant worry and the financial burden of treatment costs. After applying for support from Al Jalila Foundation, Lily’s case was accepted, with the Foundation covering the full cost of care.”
She added: “The treatment journey was not easy, but the Foundation’s support gave us stability and allowed us to focus on standing by Lily through every stage of her recovery as a family.”
She continued: “The most emotional moment was when we were told her treatment was over and that she was cancer-free. It felt like life was beginning again. We are deeply grateful to Al Jalila Foundation, the medical team at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, and everyone who stood by us during Lily’s treatment. Today, our daughter has fully recovered and is back to living a normal, happy life.”

The multidisciplinary medical team at Al Jalila Children’s worked closely with Lily’s family throughout her journey. They provided clear guidance on the disease, explained the diagnosis, and involved the family in treatment decisions, helping them feel empowered and more in control of Lily’s care.

Read more in Press: Khaleej Times