A significant partnership has been established between Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) and Al Jalila Foundation aimed at advancing medical education, research and healthcare service development in the region. The collaboration, announced on 10 January 2025, creates a framework for joint initiatives designed to strengthen Dubai’s position in the global healthcare landscape.
Research collaboration framework established
The strategic agreement outlines several key cooperation areas, including collaborative research programmes, knowledge exchange mechanisms, and coordinated initiatives to enhance regional healthcare services. As part of this partnership, DHCA will designate Al Jalila Foundation as its official ‘Charity of Choice’ and participate in fundraising activities supporting Dubai Health initiatives, notably including the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital development.
Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting Al Jalila’s vital role in advancing medical education, research and innovation in Dubai. By collaborating on impactful initiatives and programmes, we are contributing to the foundation’s mission of enhancing healthcare initiative and services.”
Healthcare education advancement emphasised
A central element of the partnership focuses on supporting emerging healthcare professionals and enhancing medical education standards. The agreement aims to contribute directly to the development of a highly skilled healthcare workforce through structured charitable, volunteerism and humanitarian initiatives specifically designed for the healthcare sector.
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, highlighted the collaborative approach: “At Al Jalila Foundation, we believe that collaboration is key to advancing healthcare and shaping a healthier future. Through this partnership with Dubai Healthcare City Authority, we are strengthening our commitment to medical education and research in the healthcare sector. Together, we will drive impactful initiatives that develop our healthcare professionals, which contribute towards building a future-ready healthcare ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of our community.”
Community healthcare initiatives included
The partnership includes practical elements targeted at community health improvement. Al Jalila Foundation will implement its ‘Wellness on Wheels’ mobile clinic services within the Dubai Healthcare City community and create structured volunteering opportunities for healthcare professionals.
This strategic alignment between DHCA and Al Jalila Foundation represents a coordinated approach to addressing Dubai’s healthcare development priorities, aligning with the emirate’s strategic vision for healthcare advancement.
The partnership builds upon both organisations’ established roles in Dubai’s healthcare sector. DHCA, as the governing body of Dubai Healthcare City free zone, was established in 2011 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a leading global healthcare destination. Al Jalila Foundation, founded in 2013, functions as a global healthcare philanthropic organisation that leads Dubai Health’s giving mission through integrated care, learning, and discovery initiatives.
The collaboration represents a systematic approach to healthcare development, addressing infrastructure, education, research and community health needs simultaneously through coordinated institutional cooperation.
