Dubai, April 29, 2015: Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), the world’s largest healthcare free zone, and Mediclinic Middle East, today announced they will partner to build healthcare capacity through clinical and professional development, academic programs and research.

In a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on April 22, 2015, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center, the two parties agreed to work closely to complement Dubai Healthcare City’s efforts towards medical education and research.

The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, and David Hadley, Chief Executive Officer, Mediclinic Middle East, in the presence of Dr Amer Sharif, Managing Director - Education, DHCC, and Dr Pietie Loubser, Chief Clinical Officer, Mediclinic Middle East, along with other senior officials and members.

The collaboration will benefit existing postgraduate students at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBR-UMHS), DHCC’s first medical university, and future post- and under-graduate intakes. From an academic perspective, doctors from Mediclinic Middle East can take up adjunct faculty positions at the University.

“Sustainable economic development is a priority for Dubai Healthcare City,” said Dr Al Gurg. “And an integral tool in achieving this priority is capacity building.”

She said that the collaboration with Mediclinic Middle East will make it possible for medical students and healthcare professionals to deepen their knowledge and expertise. “By partnering with leading names we can together improve healthcare delivery for Emiratis and expatriates and further strengthen the nation’s healthcare system,” continued Dr Al Gurg.

According to the terms of the agreement, Mediclinic Middle East will share medical expertise in more than 40 specialties including oncology (cancer), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dentistry, general medicine and mental health.

The long-term educational initiative is of considerable benefit to the community, supporting the development of the skills and capabilities of medical students and healthcare professionals.

“Clinical training opportunities are closely linked to academic programs,” said Dr Sharif. “The partnership with Mediclinic will help us develop talent in clinical care in tandem with the programs offered by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and its colleges - the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, where 60 residents are enrolled, and the College of Medicine - for undergraduate medical students - that will receive its first batch in September 2016.”

Locally-trained medical students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the profession with the help of the high level of expertise available at Mediclinic Middle East.

Dr Loubser said: “Mediclinic Middle East is proud to be working with Dubai Healthcare City’s medical education entities on this new initiative, which will offer opportunities for medical students to broaden their knowledge and skills within the environs of an internationally accredited hospital group. In the fast-changing medical world, Mediclinic Middle East recognizes the need to develop the potential of doctors of tomorrow, and is pleased to offer its support to them in this manner.”