The UAE has launched an ambitious plan to construct 10 hospitals over the next decade, addressing critical healthcare shortages worldwide.
This initiative is part of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative, announced in March by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
With an investment of approximately Dh550 million, the UAE Global Hospitals Programme will focus on building hospitals tailored to the specific healthcare needs of underserved communities.
The first hospital, the UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases, is currently under construction in Surakarta, Central Java, and is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2024. This facility will provide essential services to thousands of heart disease patients.
This programme underscores the UAE’s commitment to global health equity and international cooperation, representing a significant investment in global health.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, stated that the initiative will drive meaningful change and enhance the well-being of communities worldwide over the next decade.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Chair of the International Health Advisory Committee, highlighted that the hospitals established through this programme will strengthen healthcare systems and address critical health access gaps. The UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases will serve as a model for future projects.
Heart diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease and stroke, are leading causes of death and disability in Indonesia.
Despite the expansion of healthcare coverage through national insurance programmes, the healthcare system struggles to manage the rising incidence of heart diseases, especially in rural and remote areas. The new facility aims to improve access to specialised healthcare and reduce the overall disease burden.
This initiative continues the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflecting the UAE’s history of generosity. Since its founding, the UAE has contributed over Dh320 billion in foreign assistance, demonstrating its dedication to international cooperation and solidarity.
