The Dubai Health–Al Jalila Children’s Hospital project provides advanced medical interventions.
Dubai: Dubai Health has announced that its Clinic of Hope initiative has delivered free, essential healthcare services to more than 2,100 children from diverse nationalities since its launch in March 2024. The latest edition of the charitable programme was held at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.
During the most recent edition, 600 children representing various nationalities received diagnostic and preventive healthcare services, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 2,100.
Dubai Health stated that this year’s participation reflects a 130 per cent increase in beneficiaries compared with the initiative’s first edition, highlighting the rapid growth in demand and the expanding impact of the programme.
The programme forms part of Dubai Health’s broader efforts to promote volunteerism and humanitarian support while helping families access essential healthcare services for their children. It also aligns with the UAE’s Year of Family initiative.
Care across specialties
The latest edition provided medical services across more than 15 specialties, including general paediatrics, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology and endocrinology.
Additional services provided during the initiative included ear, nose and throat (ENT) care, haematology and oncology, physiotherapy, nutrition, and dentistry. The programme also offered orthopaedic surgery, paediatric surgery, audiology, ophthalmology, and several other specialised medical services.
Children requiring advanced medical care received support through Al Jalila Foundation’s A’awen programme, which covered their treatment costs. The initiative supports Dubai Health’s broader mission of advancing health for humanity through healthcare, education, research and philanthropy.
Partners and volunteers
The event was supported by several organisations, including the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Emirates Red Crescent and Emirates Literature Foundation, along with a number of private sector partners.
More than 140 volunteers participated in the initiative, including medical, nursing and administrative teams, as well as students from the University of Sharjah and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the academic hub of Dubai Health.
Stories and smiles
In addition to healthcare services, the event featured a range of activities aimed at creating a positive and comforting experience for young patients. In collaboration with KHDA and Emirates Literature Foundation, young authors conducted creative workshops, while UAE-based authors Ebtisam Al Beiti and Nadine Bakhous led storytelling sessions for the children.
A theatrical performance of “Fly Dragon Fly”, a story centred on themes of hope and positivity, added to the day’s activities. The authors also gifted copies of their books to the children as part of the celebrations.
Emirates Red Crescent distributed gifts, while Salem and Salama, the popular cartoon characters from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, entertained the children and brought smiles throughout the event.
Values of giving
Dr Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said the initiative reflects the values of generosity and solidarity that are central to the community. He added that Al Jalila Foundation remains committed to directing community contributions towards impactful and sustainable initiatives, in line with the UAE’s vision of placing people at the centre of development and promoting a culture of philanthropy.
He added: “We greatly appreciate the vital role of our partners in bringing this initiative to life. Their continued support highlights the power of collaboration in extending the reach of humanitarian efforts and helping more children access the healthcare they require.”
Dr Mohammed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children’s Campus, said: “Clinic of Hope highlights how volunteerism and community partnerships can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families. We believe that ensuring every child receives the care they need is a collective responsibility, and that community support plays an important role in creating a healthier future for children.”
He added: “The continued success of the initiative underscores the importance of sustaining this humanitarian model to reach a greater number of beneficiaries, reflecting Dubai Health’s Patient First commitment.”
Building cohesion
Brigadier Abdulsamad Hussein Al Blooshi, Assistant Director General of the Pioneering and Future Sector at the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, said that creating a more connected society begins with institutional partnerships that prioritise people.
He highlighted that the Clinic of Hope initiative represents this vision by uniting government entities and national organisations to deliver meaningful humanitarian support for children and their families. He added that the initiative reflects GDRFA Dubai’s mission of promoting happiness, improving quality of life, and strengthening values of generosity and social responsibility.
He said: “At GDRFA Dubai, we believe our role extends beyond providing services to embracing the true spirit of happiness and positivity. Through our participation in the Clinic of Hope initiative, we aimed to create a memorable and joyful experience for children by distributing Salem and Salama character plush toys, gifts and ice cream. A smile is more than a simple gesture; it is a message of hope, and emotional reassurance and support are important parts of the healing journey. We believe impactful partnerships are those that leave a lasting positive impression on people’s lives, help build a more compassionate and connected society, and support Dubai’s vision of placing people at the centre of development.”
Early childhood focus
Dr Saeed Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at KHDA, said the Clinic of Hope initiative, organised by Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, is an inspiring example of community collaboration that places children’s health and wellbeing at the centre of its mission. He added that the initiative creates a supportive environment that offers hope to children and their families throughout their healthcare journey.
He said KHDA’s involvement reflects its commitment to advancing Dubai’s Early Childhood Care and Education Strategy by collaborating with government and community partners, engaging with parents, and developing initiatives that address the needs of children and their families.
He added that building a comprehensive early childhood care and education system requires meaningful cooperation among all stakeholders. Such partnerships help ensure children receive the strongest possible foundation for life while supporting their wellbeing, learning and development during their early years.
Power of stories
Dania Droubi, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “Our mission has always been to share the joy and comfort of stories with those who need them most.”
She added: “Having spent my career in education, I have witnessed how books can inspire imagination, strengthen resilience, encourage empathy and bring people together through hope. We are deeply thankful to Dubai Health for providing us with this opportunity.”
The Clinic of Hope is more than a conventional healthcare programme. The charitable initiative is held periodically at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, providing free medical support alongside experiences designed to uplift and support young patients and their families.
