AGP Executive Report

Back-to-school eye health: UAE doctors warn that headaches and trouble concentrating can be vision problems, urging regular eye checks for school-age children as the new term starts. Child immunisation in Dubai: A guide outlines the UAE National Immunisation Programme schedule from birth to adolescence, what’s free, and how parents can book appointments locally. UAE humanitarian response: The Emirates Red Crescent says the UAE is sending $10m in urgent aid to Haiti, including food, shelter, healthcare, water and sanitation, plus medicines and medical supplies. BRICS and health security: India’s BRICS chairship highlights practical outcomes tied to food and health security, including a Healthy Lifestyle mission and mental wellness and disaster risk reduction cooperation. UAE–Russia talks: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled met Vladimir Putin on BRICS sidelines, discussing ways to strengthen UAE-Russia ties and coordinate summit outcomes. Middle East health ripple effects: Reports on regional conflict and displacement underscore growing pressure on civilian services, including access to water, food and medicine.

Humanitarian Aid: The UAE will provide US$10 million in urgent support for people affected by Haiti’s humanitarian crisis via the Emirates Red Crescent, covering food security, shelter, health services, water, sanitation and hygiene, plus medicines and medical supplies for internally displaced and vulnerable groups. Healthcare & Research Partnerships: Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Bayer signed a strategic MoU to explore collaboration in healthcare innovation, life sciences, food security and innovation ecosystems, including potential field trials for crops in arid conditions and access to advanced therapies. Global Health Recognition: UK-based nurse Agimol Pradeep (from Abu Dhabi) won the $250,000 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, recognised for work improving transplant access and addressing healthcare inequalities. Travel Health Advisory: International SOS urged travellers to review plans as US-Iran tensions and regional risks continue, with advisories covering the UAE and wider Middle East amid concerns for airspace and maritime disruption. Regional Diplomacy & Stability: At the BRICS Summit, leaders including the UAE’s delegation backed calls for conflict de-escalation and protection of civilians, while emphasising the need to keep global trade and supply chains moving.

UAE–Germany Health & Life Sciences Push: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed urged deeper private-sector ties with Germany after a Munich forum secured 30 deals worth about €9.66bn across sectors including healthcare and life sciences, with plans for further €40bn investment in Germany. Silent Killer—Kidney Disease: UAE doctors warned chronic kidney disease often shows no symptoms for years, with diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity driving risk; they urged earlier checks to avoid late diagnosis. Medicine Supply Chain Spotlight: Sheikh Hamdan visited Aster Pharmacy’s Dubai distribution centre, highlighting faster, more efficient medicine delivery across the UAE and GCC via a large pharmacy/clinic/hospital network. Road Safety in Sharjah: Sharjah Police urged drivers and riders to avoid tailgating, warning that leaving safe following distance can prevent rear-end crashes. Rare Diseases Recognition: A rare-diseases expert in Abu Dhabi received a regional award for decades of work in medical genetics and inherited disorders, including genomics and AI approaches. Weather Watch: UAE forecasters said El Nino should not bring the worst conditions, though more rain is possible, with officials urging residents to rely on verified updates. BRICS & Global Health: WHO chief Tedros arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit as leaders discussed cooperation on global challenges, including health.

UAE Public Health Campaign: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention will launch a 2026–2027 awareness drive on influenza and seasonal respiratory diseases Tuesday, with partners across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, focusing on prevention for high-risk groups. AI for Smarter Care: Three UAE-based teams won at the AI Builders Summit 2026, including an AI triage and referral tool to route patients to the right specialist and reduce unnecessary emergency visits. Clinical Innovation in the UAE: Dubai Healthcare City began work on the $816m Dubai Creek Gardens development, while separate UAE healthcare updates include new lab and cancer-care expansions and services across the country. Global Pharma Trial Milestone: MEDIPAL and JCR Pharmaceuticals dosed the first patient in a global Phase I/II trial of JR-446 for MPS IIIB (Sanfilippo type B), a rare condition with no approved treatment. Healthcare & Life Sciences Partnerships: The UAE and Germany agreed practical steps to deepen cooperation, explicitly including healthcare and life sciences, as part of the 12th UAE-Germany Joint Economic Committee in Munich. Health Tech in the Spotlight: A UAE student project also won recognition for organising patient records and streamlining case preparation for clinicians.

UAE–Germany patient support: An Emirati woman, Nouf Al Naqbi, says she’s “tired” after 20 years of complex treatment for scoliosis in Germany, but remains grateful for UAE-funded care for 117 Emirati patients. UAE healthcare real estate: Dubai Healthcare City broke ground on the AED3bn ($816.88m) Dubai Creek Gardens residential project, aiming to expand green, wellness-focused living around the healthcare hub. UAE hospital expansion: Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai is set to expand with a Dh420m investment to boost specialised services. First aid and emergency care: The IFRC First Aid World Cup highlighted Dubai’s role in training and resuscitation skills, with teams competing in resuscitation and public awareness categories. Public health policy in schools: UAE schools are reported to be tightening rules for under-15s’ social media use as part of broader child wellbeing measures. Regional health risk backdrop: Yemen’s Houthis seized Mokha, raising concerns for Red Sea shipping disruptions that can affect medicines and supplies.

Private Sector Healthcare Supply: Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan visited Aster Pharmacy’s Dubai distribution centre, praising faster, more accurate medicine delivery and public-private cooperation; the 145,000 sq ft hub supports 350 pharmacies, 120 clinics and 15 hospitals across the UAE and GCC. Specialist Workforce Boost: SEHA graduated about 120 doctors from 2026 postgraduate programmes, including the first genetics and geriatrics cohorts, expanding specialist training across Abu Dhabi’s hospitals and clinics. Hospital Expansion in Dubai: Mediclinic announced an AED420m expansion of Parkview Hospital to grow oncology, paediatrics, neurosciences, musculoskeletal and sports medicine services, add day-surgery capacity, and strengthen digital operations. Wellness-Linked Real Estate in DHCC: Dubai Healthcare City broke ground on Dubai Creek Gardens, an AED3bn residential project with 1,400+ units and 70% green space, linking lifestyle and wellness to the healthcare district. Access to Care Financing: Wio Bank and Toothpick launched a Patient Card programme letting patients split treatment costs into 0% instalments over 6 or 12 months at participating clinics. Emergency Medical Evacuation: ICATT RESPONSE PLUS hit nearly 1,000 flying hours in five months, running bed-to-bed critical care transfers from Abu Dhabi across 20 countries using a Challenger 605 ICU air ambulance. Public Health & Food Safety: Al Ain’s authorities started an AED30.2m project to build and upgrade abattoirs to meet modern operational standards and strengthen food safety and public health.

UAE Health & Wellness Tech: UAE experts warn “shadow AI” at work is a growing legal and security risk as employees bring their own AI tools, raising concerns about data leaks and liability under local rules. School Health & Focus: PISA 2025 results show the UAE is making progress with phone-free schools, with fewer students reporting digital distractions and better science outcomes linked to stricter classroom rules. Rare Disease Recognition: A UAE-based medical genetics doctor in Abu Dhabi received an award for rare diseases, highlighting advances in genomics and AI-driven diagnosis and care. Clinical Care in the UAE: A UAE hospital case report describes a rare spontaneous rupture of a hypopharyngeal cyst in an 80-year-old that led to immediate symptom relief after a choking episode. Air Travel Wellbeing: Etihad launches a spa-like onboard wellbeing experience with skincare and aromatherapy, aiming to reduce the physical toll of long-haul flights. Healthcare Under Strain Abroad: Aid cuts are forcing Sudan clinics to close, worsening an already damaged primary care system and leaving patients without medicines and nutrition support.

UAE Health & Wellness Watch: Flu season guidance: UAE doctors say the 2026–27 flu vaccine is already in use, with advice to keep sick children home and seek urgent care for breathing trouble, dehydration, seizures or sudden worsening. Care access & tech: Dubai Health Authority leadership: Hamdan bin Mohammed has appointed new CEOs at Dubai Health Authority, as the system pushes for stronger service delivery. Cancer & innovation: New cancer research funding: NeOnc raised $15m via an at-the-market registered direct, aiming to advance its NEO100 Phase 2a work. Patient safety & surgery: Outpatient surgery AI: A global report highlights how AI is reshaping outpatient procedures through smarter planning and safer care. Local health ecosystem: Robotic surgery growth: Abu Dhabi’s SSMC reports strong growth in robotic-assisted surgeries since 2020. Community wellbeing: Etihad Wellbeing: Etihad launched a wellbeing programme adding quiet areas, sleep-focused inflight upgrades and more tailored meal options. Aquaculture health: Fish disease mapping: Researchers published the first organ-by-organ cellular atlas of Arabian Gulf rabbitfish, enabling better aquaculture disease detection.

UAE Health & Care Updates: Dubai Health Authority appoints new CEOs (Hamdan bin Mohammed names leadership changes), while Abu Dhabi’s SSMC reports strong growth in robotic-assisted surgeries since 2020 and expands advanced robotic surgery capacity. Cancer Care Access: Burjeel Specialty Hospital launches Sharjah’s first PET/CT service, bringing advanced cancer diagnostics closer to home. Dermatology Milestone: UAE approves its first licensed oral treatment for non-segmental vitiligo, with dermatologists calling it a turning point. Reproductive Health Research: ADU launches FertiClinic reproductive research lab in Abu Dhabi, aiming to boost fertility-focused studies. Public Health & Prevention: MBZUAI begins a long-term 25-year Abu Dhabi health study and also initiates data-driven disease prevention research. Health in Emergencies: UAE’s fourth relief aircraft to Nepal brings ~38 tonnes of aid; total air-delivered support reaches about 186 tonnes, including medical supplies. Workforce & Training: St. George’s University and Taaleem establish new medical pathways for UAE students as healthcare talent demand grows.

UAE Health Policy: The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced Cabinet Decision No. (149) of 2026 amending VAT Executive Regulation, including updates to how medical products are treated and clearer rules for input tax recovery tied to employee accommodation. Dubai Health Leadership: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed appointed new CEOs at the Dubai Health Authority, including Asma Abdullah Saad Al Sherif as CEO of the Health Regulatory Sector and Majid Sultan Al Muhairi as CEO of the Digital Health Sector. Dermatology Milestone: Abu Dhabi dermatologists say the UAE’s approval of the first licensed oral systemic treatment for non-segmental vitiligo (RINVOQ/upadacitinib for eligible patients aged 12+) is a major turning point for widespread, fast-progressing cases. Advanced Care Expansion: Abu Dhabi’s SSMC reported rising robotic surgery volumes and highlighted new complex robotic procedures, signaling continued growth in minimally invasive care. Community Fitness in Abu Dhabi: A social media spark led to “Positive Fit,” a free morning exercise community at Family Park B that has grown to 2,000+ active participants. Public Health & Safety: Dubai RTA announced 50% discounts on driver licensing services for people of determination, with applications routed to the Dubai Health Authority within three working days. Humanitarian Health Support: UAE relief flights to Nepal reached about 186 tonnes total, including food, shelter and medical supplies, as search-and-rescue teams continue operations.

Femtech & Women’s Health: UAE homegrown Adaye teamed up with Clue and noon minutes to launch a free 90-day PCOS/PMOS Reset Challenge, pairing expert-led education with cycle and symptom tracking in English and Arabic across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Digital Safety for Teens: UAE schools are restructuring communication for 2026–27 after banning under-15s from social media, shifting to secure school platforms, portals, email, and parent alert channels plus digital awareness. Healthcare Fintech in the Region: QubeHealth-Pay expanded into MENA via a DIFC-licensed Qube MENA entity, aiming to support insurers, employers, hospital networks and pharma with digital expense processing, claims facilitation and consent-driven health data. Rare Cancer Case Spotlight (UAE): A University of Sharjah and Kuwait Hospital report describes pseudomyxoma peritonei (“jelly belly”) discovered during surgery after a hernia-like presentation, highlighting how scans can mislead. Public Health Research (UAE): A UAE study on COVID-19-era natural remedy use found remedies were common for general prevention/treatment, but played a more modest role specifically for COVID-19. Local Health & Safety Context: Dubai Metro station renaming continues under RTA naming-rights deals, including Garmin taking over ONPASSIVE Metro Station.

UAE Health Education: Gulf Medical University (GMU) kicked off its 2026–2027 academic year in Ajman, welcoming a new intake as it pushes health professions education, research and innovation, with recent international quality and sustainability rankings cited. UAE Family Wellbeing: Abu Dhabi approved a Post-Separation Charter (Year of Family) to guide separated parents on shared care, communication and dispute handling, aiming to protect children’s psychological and social stability. Clinical Research: A new study suggests patients’ answers to oncologists’ questions could help predict survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, highlighting the value of patient-reported outcomes in risk assessment. Cancer Care Market Watch: A report projects the global radiotherapy market could nearly double by 2035, driven by rising cancer cases and advances in treatment delivery and planning. Public Health & Safety: Abu Dhabi Police shared viral crash footage to warn against stopping in the road and distraction, after a multi-vehicle incident injured several people.

Emergency Care in Abu Dhabi: SEHA’s Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City says a rapid trauma response saved a patient after a motorcycle crash, with cardiac arrest linked to tension pneumothorax, followed by later deterioration to obstructive shock from cardiac tamponade. Diabetes Tech Training: A new survey of diabetes educators across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula highlights gaps in structured onboarding for MiniMed 780G, pointing to training needs and challenges in setting patient expectations. Community Nutrition in the UAE: Choithrams and the UN World Food Programme launch “Join the Journey of Goodness,” aiming to support school meals for children in vulnerable communities, with 6.5 million meals already delivered over the past decade. Workplace Heat Safety: Dubai’s “Al Fareej Fridge” campaign distributed 2 million bottles of cold water, juices and ice creams to outdoor workers to reduce heat-related health risks. Travel Disruption: Emirates and Etihad cancelled or delayed Dubai/Abu Dhabi–Jakarta flights after volcanic ash closures, urging passengers to check flight status before travel. Health Fraud Watch: US authorities seek four Pakistani nationals accused of a Medicare data theft scheme tied to $703m in fraudulent claims, with possible links to the UAE.

Emergency Care in Focus: SEHA’s Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City says a rapid, multidisciplinary response saved a trauma patient after a motorcycle crash led to cardiac arrest from tension pneumothorax, then later obstructive shock from cardiac tamponade. Public Health in Daily Life: UAE doctors warn that overusing air conditioning and poor maintenance can worsen throat irritation, nasal dryness, asthma symptoms and “thermal shock,” urging moderate cooling, clean filters and ventilation. Community Heat Relief: Dubai’s Furjan Dubai foundation wrapped up its “Al Fareej Fridge” campaign, distributing 2 million bottles of cold water, juices and ice creams to outdoor workers to reduce heat-related health risks. Health & Wellness Events: ADNEC Group says 297 events are planned across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in H2 2026, spanning sectors including healthcare and health and wellness. Humanitarian Aid with Medical Angle: The UAE sent five Gaza aid convoys carrying 533 tonnes of supplies, including support linked to ongoing medical assistance such as a floating hospital in Egypt and medical centres in Gaza.

Dubai Medical Education: DACE 2026 opened in Dubai, bringing 350+ delegates from 14 countries to focus on anesthesia, pain management, critical care and perioperative patient safety, with workshops and sessions on areas like enhanced recovery and maternal emergencies. Public Health Security: India’s drug regulator flagged a batch of “misbranded” Abhayrab rabies vaccine (batch KE25012) as substandard/potentially spurious, prompting arrests and renewed scrutiny of vaccine authenticity and quality controls. Wildlife & Health: Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency (EAD) and Ekthar Wildlife Development expanded cooperation on wildlife conservation, biodiversity and wildlife health/biosecurity, including genetics and genomics work and falconry-linked research. UAE Health Tech & Environment: Coverage also highlights Abu Dhabi’s push to use AI for early health risk detection via wastewater monitoring, tying environmental surveillance to public health. Disaster Response (Regional): Nepali groups intensified efforts to deliver food and medicine to flood- and mudslide-hit communities cut off from medical aid, underscoring ongoing humanitarian needs.

Anaesthesia & patient safety: Dubai Anesthesia Conference and Exhibition (DACE 2026) opened in Dubai (Sept 5–6) with 350+ participants from 14 countries, focusing on anaesthesia, pain management, critical care and perioperative care, plus workshops and sessions on enhanced recovery and patient safety. Sports medicine: UAE Team Emirates-XRG confirmed Tadej Pogačar will miss the rest of the 2026 season after Vuelta crash injuries (concussion, collarbone and C7 cervical fracture) and surgery, while extending his contract through 2032. Cancer recovery update: Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira was discharged from hospital after a three-month stay for a serious lung infection during Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment, with home/outpatient monitoring. Workplace health & safety: UAE MoHRE guidance reiterates alcohol is strictly banned on all work premises, including preventing intoxicated people from entering sites. Early childhood development: NYU’s Prof. Florencia Lopez Boo said her Khalifa International Award for Early Learning research helped drive early childhood policy reforms via home-visiting programmes and quality monitoring tools. Public health risk alerts: India’s drug regulator flagged an Abhayrab rabies vaccine batch as substandard/misbranded after failing potency tests, urging strict vigilance over distribution.