Abu Dhabi:The UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC) has signed eight strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with various academic, research, and healthcare institutions. These agreements aim to enhance education, research, and the integration of evidence-based integrative medicine into the healthcare system in the UAE.
According to Wam, the MoUs were signed during the Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine 2026, held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The agreements are designed to translate the priorities of the UAE Integrative Medicine Strategy into joint initiatives across education and workforce development, research and innovation, and clinical integration.
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, highlighted the shared commitment of the Council and its partners to advancing the future of integrative medicine. She emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts across education, training, scientific research, and evidence-based clinical practice to build a sustainable integrative medicine ecosystem in the UAE.
A notable MoU involves a collaboration between UAEIMC, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, Khalifa University Enterprises Company, Mubadala Foundation, and the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an. This partnership focuses on advancing herbal and Emirati Traditional Medicine through research, clinical studies, and professional education supported by AI and digital solutions.
Additionally, the agreement with The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) aims to scientifically validate priority integrative medicine practices, including Emirati Traditional Medicine approaches. IHLAD will work with UAEIMC to evaluate their safety and effectiveness and integrate evidence-based approaches into healthcare.
Further partnerships with organisations such as PureHealth and M42 will support UAEIMC's vision of developing comprehensive and integrated models of care. These collaborations aim to incorporate selected integrative medicine practices into healthcare pathways and measure health outcomes to support evidence-based clinical decision-making.
The MoUs also encompass educational initiatives, including agreements with United Arab Emirates University, Beyond Education, Dubai Medical University, and Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. These agreements focus on integrative medicine education, training, research, and certification to develop a qualified workforce capable of leading the sector's future.
The Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine, organised by UAEIMC, is part of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026 and takes place from October 20 to 22, 2026, under the theme "Tradition, Science and the Future of Integrative Medicine."