The UAE is embarking on an ambitious project to construct 10 hospitals, with a financial investment of nearly $150 million (Dhs550 million) over the next decade. These hospitals will be strategically located to serve underserved communities, significantly improving access to essential healthcare services.
The first of these facilities, the UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases, is already under construction in Surakarta, Central Java. This 135-bed hospital, expected to be completed by the end of the year, will provide critical cardiac care to thousands of patients, marking a significant achievement for the UAE Global Hospitals Program.
UAE Global Hospitals Program This initiative is managed by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, which was established in January 2024 to oversee the UAE’s philanthropic and development efforts. The program is part of the UAE’s enduring commitment to global health equity and international collaboration, aligning with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative.
Announced in March 2024 by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative is dedicated to advancing global development in areas such as education, health, the environment, food security, and humanitarian aid. It was launched to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of the UAE’s Founding Father, accelerating progress towards achieving 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 Council, added: “These hospitals will strengthen healthcare systems and bridge critical health access gaps. The UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases will provide specialized services and serve as a model for future projects.”
Indonesia, where heart disease remains a leading cause of death, faces challenges in managing the growing burden of the disease, particularly in rural areas. The new hospital aims to address this issue by offering specialized cardiac care to underserved populations.
The UAE’s commitment to global philanthropy is well-established, with more than $87 billion (Dhs320 billion) contributed in foreign assistance since its founding, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to global humanitarian efforts.