Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, witnessed the launch of the “Preparing 100 Emirati Leaders in the Health Sector” program, initiated by the American Hospital in Dubai in collaboration with Harvard Business Impact, in the presence of Dubai’s Deputy Head of Police and Public Security, Major General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Aisha Abdullah Miran.

The program, launched during a ceremony at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, aims to prepare a sustainable generation of Emirati leaders in healthcare through an advanced leadership development journey that integrates global academic knowledge with intensive field experience, qualifying participants to take pivotal roles in managing and directing the future of the health sector within the country.

This program represents a strategic step to empower promising national talents through a comprehensive blend of specialized academic training, field practices, and international experiences, enhancing the competitiveness of the health system in the UAE and aligning with the UAE Vision 2031 to build a global health system.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated in his speech that this pioneering program, designed to prepare Emirati sons and daughters to be leaders and pioneers in healthcare, is vibrant and reflects the strong conviction of the American Hospital regarding the important role of UAE nationals in the healthcare system. He extended greetings, congratulations, and thanks to the guests from Harvard University and their colleagues at the American Hospital for their initiative in establishing this program that keeps pace with the developments and priorities of the era, placing human health at the top of all priorities.

He affirmed that the organizers of this promising program contribute with zeal and activity to the health and medical renaissance in the UAE, under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him. They always emphasize that striving for excellence in medical and health services is a fundamental and essential pillar in the progress and development journey of the country, and this must be clearly reflected in strong and effective policies, work plans, and initiatives.

He said that His Highness the President gives top priority to successful human development in the healthcare sector and is keenly committed to the successful qualification of workers in this vital and important sector. This requires adopting principles and systems that achieve the necessary and sustainable balance between the capabilities and potentials of workers on one side and the requirements of successful healthcare on the other.

He explained that the healthcare field has a unique specificity in its nature, commitments, and challenges faced by its practitioners and those responsible for it, as it is linked to rapid global developments in sciences, knowledge, and technologies. It is directly affected by prevailing trends in medical education and health sciences training systems and programs, as well as economic considerations, societal trends, and its close relationship with ethics, codes of conduct, societal values, and principles.

Sharif Bishara, CEO of Mohammed & Obaid Al Mulla Group and the American Hospital in Dubai, said the launch of the “Preparing 100 Emirati Leaders in the Health Sector” program represents a national pledge and collective responsibility that goes beyond any single institution. He emphasized that the sustainability of the health sector and the continuity of thousands of jobs within it are achieved by Emiratis leading the sector from decision-making positions, as they are the cornerstone of maintaining community health, which is a vital element of national security and sustainable national renaissance.

The program combines academic qualification in cooperation with Harvard Business Impact, field training in UAE hospitals for three months, and culminates with a knowledge journey to the Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States to learn about the latest global practices in health leadership and management.

Andrew Spencer from Harvard Business Impact said this program is an exceptional model of international cooperation in building leadership capacities, enabling young Emirati leaders to combine academic knowledge with practical experience at the highest level, enhancing the UAE’s ability to lead the health sector globally.

The “Preparing 100 Emirati Leaders in the Health Sector” program is a national model that consolidates a culture of innovation and leadership in managing health systems and confirms the UAE’s position as a regional and global center for developing competencies and leading transformation in healthcare, in line with UAE Vision 2031 and Dubai’s future vision to build a world-class health sector.