Dubai is set to welcome a new healthcare initiative aimed at providing affordable medical services to the blue-collar workforce, a vital segment of its population that has significantly contributed to the emirate's economic growth. The UAE-India Friendship Hospital, a collaborative effort between the governments of Dubai and India, was announced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five founding trustees.
This landmark initiative was unveiled during an official visit to India by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. The hospital is designed to deliver quality healthcare services primarily targeting blue-collar workers, who often face barriers to accessing affordable medical care.
According to a statement from the Dubai Health Authority, the MoU lays the groundwork for a healthcare model that is responsive and inclusive, aiming to address the pressing healthcare needs of the workforce that has been instrumental in shaping Dubai's vibrant economy. The project underscores a shared commitment between the UAE and India to enhance equitable healthcare access in the emirate.
The founding trustees of the UAE-India Friendship Hospital are a distinguished group of Indian businessmen known for their philanthropic endeavors within the UAE. They include Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of KEF Holdings and Chairman of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC); Nilesh Ved, Chairman of Apparel Group and a founding member of UIBC-UC; Siddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman of Buimerc Corporation and also a founding member of UIBC-UC; Tariq Chauhan, Vice-Chairman of EFS Facilities and founding member of UIBC-UC; and Ramesh S Ramakrishnan, Chairman of Transworld Group. Their collaboration with Dubai Health aims to expand access to quality care for the blue-collar workforce, addressing a critical need with compassion and purpose.
In a joint statement, the founding trustees expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support of Sheikh Hamdan, acknowledging the essential roles played by various entities in bringing this project to fruition. “This event marks not just the launch of a healthcare project, but the beginning of a transformative initiative that will deliver vital services to those who have been the backbone of Dubai’s remarkable growth,” they stated.
The MoU signing represents a key milestone in the journey towards establishing a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of workers who have contributed to Dubai's rapid development. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are honoured to join hands in a collaboration that reflects shared values and our leadership’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services.”
The UAE-India Friendship Hospital is expected to serve as a beacon of care and compassion, aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. This initiative not only aims to improve healthcare access but also seeks to strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
The establishment of the hospital is part of a broader strategy to enhance the healthcare landscape in Dubai, particularly in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which promotes well-being and supports the development of a more efficient healthcare system. This initiative is pivotal in ensuring that the healthcare needs of the blue-collar workforce are met, reflecting the shared vision of both governments.
The UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter, established in 2023 under the patronage of the foreign ministries of both countries, plays a crucial role in fostering bilateral ties and supporting the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The council's goals include boosting non-oil trade to $100 billion and attracting $75 billion in UAE investments to India, representing a significant step towards enhancing economic cooperation.
With 18 top Indian and Emirati organizations involved, the council collectively represents over $1 trillion in assets, showcasing the strength of the partnership between the two nations. The establishment of the UAE-India Friendship Hospital is a testament to the commitment of both countries to uplift communities that have played a vital role in the UAE’s development.
As the UAE-India Friendship Hospital prepares to open its doors, it stands as a symbol of hope and progress for Dubai's blue-collar workforce, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare services. The collaborative efforts of the founding trustees, Dubai Health, and various governmental bodies highlight the importance of community-focused healthcare initiatives in fostering a healthier and more inclusive society.
This initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also sets a precedent for future projects aimed at improving the lives of workers who are essential to the fabric of Dubai’s economy.
