Dubai has long established itself as a beacon of ambition and progress. From world-class infrastructure to smart city innovations, the city’s transformation over the past two decades has been remarkable. Today, we stand at the threshold of another bold vision: transforming Dubai into the world’s leading healthcare ecosystem by 2040.
This ambition isn’t born out of competition, but necessity. The world is searching for healthcare systems that are smart, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. And Dubai—given its strategic agility, global connectivity, and governance model—has the unique opportunity to build what many others are still trying to fix.
Learning from the best, avoiding their mistakes
To lead, we must learn. That’s why our strategy begins by studying the top global healthcare systems—the USA, UK, Singapore, and Australia—not to replicate them, but to extract insights.
- The USA excels in innovation, AI, and clinical research but struggles with equity and affordability. We can retain their technological edge while ensuring universal access through innovative insurance models.
- The UK delivers free healthcare at scale, but faces chronic underfunding and workforce bottlenecks. Dubai can implement similar inclusive frameworks, supported by agile public-private partnerships and AI-powered preventive care.
- Singapore leads in digital infrastructure and proactive public health but suffers from cyber risks and rigid health mandates. Dubai’s investment in secure, smart infrastructure can overcome these challenges.
- Australia’s balanced public-private model and emphasis on primary care offer a strong blueprint for Dubai’s expansion into AI-driven early detection and accessible remote care.
Each of these systems offers lessons. But none are complete. The world needs a hybrid—a next-generation healthcare model that is ethical, data-driven, and accessible. That is the gap Dubai is positioning itself to fill.
Where we stand and what must change
Dubai has made real progress. Our hospital bed and physician-to-population ratios rival those of OECD countries. Life expectancy is high, and investment in healthcare infrastructure has been consistent. But two critical gaps remain:
- Medical education and research are not yet globally competitive. No UAE university ranks among the top global medical schools. R&D investment, at 1.3% of GDP, still lags behind global leaders like the US (3.5%). We must reverse this.
- The healthcare economy is still consumption-driven. We import expertise, technology, and pharmaceuticals. To lead, we must produce, export, and shape the future of medicine.
Dubai Healthcare Systems (DHS): From provider to global producer
Our transformation roadmap—Dubai Healthcare Systems (DHS)—reimagines every layer of the healthcare value chain. It is anchored on four pillars:
- Dubai Healthcare Accreditation (DHCA): A homegrown global standard that aligns with WHO, ISO, and JCI. We envision AI integration, smart hospital certifications, and quality benchmarks that make Dubai not just compliant, but aspirational.
- Dubai Health Valley: A strategic cluster for AI research, biotechnology, medtech startups, and manufacturing. Inspired by Silicon Valley and Ireland’s biopharma hub, this will be the epicenter of Dubai’s health innovation economy.
- Medical Education & Research City: By attracting leading global institutions and building an AI-powered training and research hub, we aim to create a pipeline of future-ready healthcare professionals and researchers.
- Policy, Partnerships & Infrastructure: A unified digital ecosystem, progressive regulation, and long-term funding mechanisms will ensure alignment across public and private sectors.
A phased journey to global leadership
Our vision unfolds across three phases:
- Phase 1: 2025–2030 – Laying the Foundation
Launch DHCA, invest in AI and predictive medicine, and attract global healthcare startups.
- Phase 2: 2030–2035 – Scaling and Exporting
Establish Dubai’s global reputation, export healthcare solutions, and expand our standards to over 50 countries.
- Phase 3: 2035–2040 – Global Healthcare Leadership
Become the world’s benchmark for quality, innovation, and access. From setting standards to exporting services, Dubai will lead as both a healthcare hub and a thought leader.
The strategic advantage
This is more than healthcare—it’s economic diversification, talent development, and global diplomacy. Health is the new frontier of soft power. By building a system that is inclusive, ethical, technologically advanced, and economically sustainable, Dubai can set a new global norm.
As with every transformation, leadership will be the difference. Vision without execution is just aspiration. But Dubai has never lacked execution. With aligned stakeholders, bold investment, and a commitment to excellence, the world’s most future-ready healthcare system can—and should—be built here.
About the author
Sherif Beshara, group CEO, Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla – American Hospital Dubai
Group CEO Sherif Beshara is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in the legal and corporate sectors. Holding a Master’s Degree in International Law, his career spans over a decade, with roles including legal counsel, chairman, and most recently, group CEO of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group of Companies. His expertise encompasses finance, aviation, and corporate law, advising top executives on airline matters, major joint ventures, and complex litigation.
Appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Beshara serves on the Board of Trustees of the Noor Foundation, an organization committed to eliminating the causes of visual impairment worldwide.
As group CEO, Beshara leads the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla group’s diverse portfolio, driving transformation and overseeing the group’s internal audit, corporate compliance programs, and policy formulation as part of the executive management team.