Dubai Health Expands Access to Essential Healthcare for Children Through "Clinic of Hope"
Dubai Health organized a new edition of its Clinic of Hope initiative at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, providing essential healthcare services to 600 children from various nationalities.
The initiative forms part of Dubai Health’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of volunteerism and humanitarian giving by providing diagnostic and preventive healthcare services for children, improving access to care and supporting families. It also aligns with the UAE’s Year of Family.
Since its launch in March 2024, the Clinic of Hope initiative has recorded a 130% increase in the number of beneficiaries compared to its first edition, bringing the total number of children supported to more than 2,100. This demonstrates the initiative’s positive impact and its role in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of children.
The latest edition of the clinic delivered medical care across more than 15 specialties, including general pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), hematology and oncology, physiotherapy, nutrition, dentistry, orthopedic surgery, pediatric surgery, audiology, ophthalmology, and other specialties.
Al Jalila Foundation plays a vital role in enabling Dubai Health’s vision to advance health for humanity through the integration of Care, Learning, Discovery, and Giving. Through its A’awen program, which provides medical assistance to UAE-based patients through Dubai Health facilities, the Foundation covered the treatment costs of children requiring advanced medical interventions, ensuring they are able to continue their care journey.
The event was held in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA), Emirates Red Crescent, and Emirates Literature Foundation. It also saw the participation of several private sector partners and more than 140 volunteers, including medical, nursing, and administrative teams, as well as students from the University of Sharjah, and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the heart of Dubai Health, which enables learning and discovery to advance health for humanity.
Enriching experiences
The initiative featured a range of interactive activities combining learning and entertainment, organized in collaboration with KHDA and Emirates Literature Foundation. Young authors led creative sessions, while UAE-based authors Ebtisam Al Beiti and Nadine Bakhous hosted storytelling sessions. The event also featured the theatrical performance “Fly Dragon Fly”, inspired by a story that carries uplifting messages of hope and positivity. The authors concluded the activities by gifting copies of their books to the children, bringing them comfort and joy throughout their stay at the hospital.
The Emirates Red Crescent distributed gifts to the children, while the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai’s beloved cartoon characters, Salem and Salama, brought smiles to their faces in an atmosphere filled with fun and joy.
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “This initiative reflects the values of giving and solidarity that define our community. At Al Jalila Foundation, we continue to channel community contributions towards meaningful and sustainable initiatives, guided by the UAE’s commitment to placing people at the heart of development and fostering a culture of philanthropy”.
He added: “We deeply value the pivotal role of our partners in making this initiative possible. Their ongoing support demonstrates how collective efforts can expand the reach of humanitarian work and enable more children to receive the care they need”.
Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus, said: “Clinic of Hope demonstrates how volunteerism and community partnerships can create a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. We believe that ensuring every child receives the care they need is a shared responsibility, and that community solidarity is key to building a healthier future for children”.
He added: “The continued success of the initiative highlights the importance of sustaining this humanitarian model to reach even more beneficiaries, reflecting Dubai Health’s Patient First commitment”.
Brigadier Abdulsamad Hussein Al Blooshi, Assistant Director General of the Pioneering and Future Sector at the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, also affirmed that building a more cohesive society begins with institutional partnerships that place people at the heart of their work.
He noted that the “Clinic of Hope” initiative embodies this approach by bringing together government entities and national institutions to create a meaningful humanitarian impact that touches the lives of children and their families, while reflecting GDRFA Dubai’s mission to promote happiness, enhance quality of life, and reinforce the values of giving and social responsibility.
He added: “At GDRFA Dubai, we believe that our values extend beyond the delivery of services to embody the true meaning of happiness and positivity. Guided by this belief, our participation in the ‘Clinic of Hope’ initiative aimed to create a joyful experience for children through the distribution of Salem and Salama character plush toys, gifts, and ice cream. We believe that a smile is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a message of hope, and that reassurance and emotional support are an integral part of the healing journey. We also believe that partnerships that create genuine impact are those that leave a positive mark on people’s lives, contribute to building a more cohesive and compassionate society, and reflect Dubai’s vision of placing people at the heart of development.”
Dr. Saeed Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said: “The Clinic of Hope initiative, organized by Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, is an inspiring example of community partnership that places children and their wellbeing at the heart of its efforts, while creating a supportive environment that brings hope to children and their families throughout their treatment journey.”
He added: “KHDA’s participation in this initiative reflects our commitment to advancing Dubai’s Early Childhood Care and Education Strategy by working closely with partners across the government and community sectors, listening to parents’ perspectives, and engaging them in shaping policies and initiatives that respond to the needs of children and their families.
We believe that building an integrated early childhood care and education system requires genuine collaboration among all stakeholders. Such partnerships help ensure every child has the best possible start in life, while enhancing their wellbeing, learning, and development during these formative years.”
Dania Droubi, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “Our mission has always been to bring the joy and comfort of stories to those who need them most. As someone who has spent my career in education, I have seen how books can spark imagination, build resilience, foster empathy, and bring people together in hope. We are deeply grateful to Dubai Health for giving us this opportunity.”
