UAE to build 10 hospitals to offer critical care, aligns with global initiative

Image: International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council

The UAE has announced a major global initiative to build 10 hospitals, addressing critical healthcare needs worldwide as part of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative.

The ambitious project will see a financial investment of nearly $150m (Dhs550m) over the next decade.

Each hospital will be specifically designed to meet the healthcare needs of underserved communities, significantly enhancing access to medical care.

The first facility under this initiative, the 135-bed UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases, is being constructed in Surakarta, Central Java.

Scheduled for completion by the end of the year, this hospital will provide essential services to thousands of heart disease patients, marking a significant milestone for the UAE Global Hospitals Program.

UAE Global Hospitals Program

This programme is overseen by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. Established in January 2024, the council oversees the advancement of the philanthropic and development ecosystem in the UAE

The initiative reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to global health equity and international collaboration. It aligns with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative, supporting projects that deliver aid, address inequality, and promote sustainable development.

Announced in March 2024 by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this initiative aims to advance global development in education, health, environment, food security, and humanitarian aid. It commemorates the 20th anniversary of the passing of the UAE’s Founding Father, accelerating progress towards global development goals and supporting low- and middle-income communities worldwide.

“This initiative will bring meaningful change over the next decade, embodying our commitment to assist underserved communities worldwide,” said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Chair of the International Health Advisory Committee at the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, added: “These hospitals will strengthen healthcare systems and bridge critical health access gaps.

‘The UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases will provide specialised services and serve as a model for future projects.”

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Indonesia, exacerbated by lifestyle changes, urbanisation, and an ageing population. Despite expanded healthcare coverage, the system struggles to manage the rising incidence of heart disease, particularly in rural areas. The new facility aims to improve access to specialized care and reduce the disease burden.

The UAE’s commitment to global philanthropy is well-established, with over $87bn (Dhs320bn) contributed in foreign assistance since its founding.