Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) has taken a major step forward in healthcare transformation by signing four strategic agreements during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. The partnerships, spanning both public and private sectors, reflect a bold leadership approach that emphasizes integrated collaboration to elevate patient care.
The new alliances include agreements with key national and international organizations: the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Cedars-Sinai, Northwestern Memorial Healthcare (NMH), and AstraZeneca. Each partnership brings something unique to the table, collectively contributing to a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening the healthcare ecosystem.
By bringing together expertise across different sectors, these agreements lay the groundwork for a growing network that fosters excellence in all aspects of care—from clinical services to sustainability.
Partnerships with MoFA, Cedars-Sinai, and NMH are set to enhance healthcare delivery on several fronts. These include joint initiatives in medical education and training, improving employee health and wellness, and advancing clinical programs. Through these collaborations, SSMC aims to empower healthcare professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, while also cultivating a culture of preventive care and well-being among its staff. Importantly, the agreements will also support the introduction of new clinical programs and visiting consultants, providing patients access to a broader range of specialized services and treatments.
In a distinct yet equally impactful initiative, AstraZeneca’s partnership with SSMC focuses on sustainability. Together, they are launching the UAE’s first recycling program for asthma inhalers—underscoring SSMC’s commitment to integrating environmentally conscious practices into its healthcare mission. This initiative not only enhances healthcare delivery but also promotes long-term community wellness through environmental stewardship.
Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer at SSMC, remarked:
“Signing these four MoUs is more than an international strategy milestone—it’s a deliberate move toward building a truly holistic ecosystem of healthcare partnerships. Collaborating with highly respected entities like MoFA, AstraZeneca, Cedars-Sinai, and NMH is central to our goal of delivering world-class care. These partnerships also enable us to adapt swiftly to evolving patient needs and continuously improve the care journey.”
These agreements complement SSMC’s expanding network of collaborations, such as its recent partnership with Abu Dhabi University to help shape the future of medical education. Together, these efforts signal SSMC’s dedication to fostering innovation, sharing expertise, and setting new benchmarks in healthcare excellence.