Dubai: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the launch of the ‘Preparing 100 Emirati Healthcare Leaders’ programme, introduced by American Hospital Dubai in collaboration with Harvard Business Impact. The launch event was also attended by notable officials including Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and General Security in Dubai; Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority; and Aisha Abdullah Miran, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme was launched during a ceremony at the Museum of the Future in Dubai with the aim of developing a sustainable generation of Emirati leaders in the healthcare sector. It offers an advanced leadership development journey combining global academic knowledge with intensive field experience to prepare participants for key roles in directing and managing the future of the national healthcare sector.
The initiative represents a strategic step towards empowering promising national talent through specialised academic training, practical field work, and international experience. It seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s healthcare system, aligning with the ‘UAE Vision 2031’ to build a world-class healthcare system.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan emphasized the programme’s importance in preparing Emirati men and women to become leaders in healthcare. He acknowledged American Hospital Dubai’s commitment to prioritizing human health and expressed gratitude to the guests from Harvard University and American Hospital for launching a programme that aligns with modern developments.
He highlighted the significant role of the programme organizers in contributing to the UAE’s healthcare progress under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Nahyan stressed that excellence in medical and healthcare services is a core element of the country’s development journey, reflected in effective policies, work plans, and initiatives.
Sheikh Nahyan noted the unique nature of the healthcare sector, which is influenced by rapid global developments in science, knowledge, and technologies as well as economic, social, and ethical factors. He explained that the field is shaped by scientific discoveries, advancements in medical technology, and emerging approaches to healthcare services.
The partnership between American Hospital Dubai and Harvard University reflects the UAE’s commitment to tackling healthcare challenges and opportunities globally. Sheikh Nahyan underscored the value of international cooperation in anticipating future needs and shaping an advanced healthcare system.
Sherif Beshara, CEO of Mohammed and Obaid Al Mulla Group and American Hospital Dubai, stated that the programme represents a national commitment requiring collaboration across public and private healthcare entities in the UAE. He emphasized that Emiratis leading the sector from decision-making positions are crucial for the sustainability and progress of the healthcare sector.
The programme includes academic training in collaboration with Harvard Business Impact, field training in UAE hospitals, and a knowledge visit to Mayo Clinic in the United States. It aims to produce leaders capable of driving the UAE’s healthcare sector toward global excellence.
Andrew Spencer from Harvard Business Impact described the programme as a model of international cooperation in leadership development, combining academic knowledge with practical experience to enhance the UAE’s leadership capacity in the global healthcare sector. The programme supports the UAE’s vision to become a regional and global hub for talent development in healthcare.