“UAE is the place where talents flourish, innovation starts and accomplishments speak for themselves” states H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim. The healthcare industry thrives on a foundation of collaboration and support, where hope and critical life-and-death decisions are central. Within this multifaceted sector, healthcare tech emerges as a crucial sub-sector, driving the integration of technology to achieve optimal health outcomes and empower individuals. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is experiencing a HealthTech renaissance, with startups leveraging AI, telemedicine, and electronic health records to spearhead innovation. UAE, with its advanced infrastructure and supportive legislation, stands as a beacon for these pioneers, accelerating advancements in diagnostics, accessibility, and data management.

The synchronized efforts of diverse stakeholders are essential to crafting a sustainable, tech-enabled healthcare ecosystem. H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim, a luminary in this field, is at the helm of this transformation. Her contributions, both as an individual and a government representative, are pivotal in integrating technology into healthcare, inching us closer to the dream of universal access to care. “The idea that technology can continuously innovate and improve healthcare outcomes is what drives me, and I am committed to leveraging its power to make a difference in the lives of people,” states H.E.  Mubaraka Ibrahim, Acting CIO of Emirates Health Services (EHS).

This cover story delves into H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim’s extraordinary journey and accomplishments, highlighting her vision and the profound impact she has on the healthcare sector.

The Ever-Evolving World of HealthTech

H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim’s journey into the world of healthcare technology was shaped by her early aspirations to become a doctor, a dream instilled by her parents. However, as technology gained prominence, her fascination with its potential to revolutionize human lives grew into a fervent passion. This passion redirected her academic and professional pursuits toward the dynamic intersection of healthcare and technology.

Her Excellency Mubaraka Ibrahim’s story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, driven by a vision to integrate technology into healthcare for the betterment of society. Her contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare in the UAE and beyond, embodying a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

For nearly three decades, H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim has dedicated herself to mastering and evolving with technological advancements. The ever-changing nature of technology continuously fuels her curiosity and motivation. Her vision encompasses human solidarity and environmental wellbeing synergistically.

Pioneering Contributions to Healthcare

Reflecting on her tenure at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), H.E. states, “A significant focus during my tenure at DHA was on Implementing Health Information Systems. I was instrumental in building regulatory frameworks and establishing solutions aligned with quality control procedures.” Her career began as a developer of healthcare applications, immersing herself in the intricacies of healthcare technology. Her contributions have been vast and varied, with her achievements marked by numerous success stories that have elevated care delivery standards in the UAE.

During her tenure with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Her Excellency played a pivotal role in the Riayati ‘National Electronic Unified Medical Record’ committee and project. She was the head of the steering committee working with a national team that established data standards, interoperability standards, aligned clinical and financial data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, and set up a secure central repository forming patient longitudinal records. Her leadership in upgrading and expanding the scope of Health Information Systems within the ministry was crucial.

‘‘We must embed ethical considerations at every stage of AI development and deployment, creating a synergy between machine intelligence and human oversight.’’

Healthcare encountered an awakening induced by technology during the disarray caused by COVID-19.  H.E Mubaraka Ibrahim was responsible for enabling critical technologies to manage the pandemic’s challenges effectively. Currently, at Emirates Health Services (EHS), her primary focus is harnessing emerging technologies including AI to drive significant digital transformations. With sustainability now at the forefront of the global agenda, she is passionately committed to achieving exceptional results in sustainable healthcare through the power of technology.

Technology as a Catalyst for Sustainability

H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim, a distinguished champion of innovation at Emirates Health Services (EHS), is steering the establishment towards a sustainable and eco-conscious future. Recognizing the immense potential of technology as a powerful enabler, she has spearheaded the implementation of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to achieve remarkable advancements in sustainability. These visionary initiatives align seamlessly with the UAE’s ambitious environmental targets, including the upcoming COP28 climate conference, the National Climate Change Plan, and the UAE’s overarching Net Zero 2050 goal.

Under EHS’s transformative leadership, the organization has introduced a system that precisely measures and actively supports the reduction of its carbon footprint. By expanding virtual healthcare services, EHS has seen a significant increase in patients choosing this eco-friendly alternative to in-person visits. This strategic shift enhances healthcare accessibility and contributes to a more sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions from patient travel.

Brimming with unwavering determination and a visionary mindset, H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim asserts, “This is just the beginning of a spectacular journey. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, driving forward with innovative solutions that not only elevate healthcare standards but also contribute to a sustainable and healthier planet. Together, we can create a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring the well-being of both humanity and our environment.” Her inspiring leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship are paving the way for a transformative era in the healthcare sector, where technological advancements and sustainable practices converge to create a brighter, more resilient future for all.

Responsible AI Implementation

H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim is unwavering in her commitment to advancing healthcare through modern AI technologies. Under her guidance, EHS has established an innovative enterprise data, analytics, and AI platform, enhancing strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making across its extensive network of 130 healthcare facilities.

She emphasizes the profound impact of AI on healthcare, highlighting its role in streamlining workflows, improving patient outcomes, and supporting industry sustainability. EHS has successfully implemented AI solutions to enhance internal services and procedures, reflecting its dedication to innovation and operational excellence.

“The idea that technology can continuously innovate and improve healthcare outcomes is what drives me, and I am committed to leveraging its power to make a difference in the lives of people,”

Despite these achievements, she accentuates the importance of responsible AI implementation. She prioritizes ethical considerations, such as protecting patient data and identity, and continuously develops technologies to address evolving challenges. She says, “Data and patient identity are not mere afterthoughts but are paramount ethical considerations that take precedence over all others”.  Her goal is to keep EHS at the forefront of healthcare innovation while adhering to ethical AI governance standards that benefit all stakeholders. “Instilling morality and human intellect into our AI systems is crucial. We must embed ethical considerations at every stage of AI development and deployment, creating a synergy between machine intelligence and human oversight,” she stresses.

Life Beyond Career

As a passionate technology leader, she continues to advance transformative solutions that balance technological innovation and environmental stewardship, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to creating a better future for generations to come.

Beyond her contributions to sustainability and technological advancement, H.E. Mubaraka is also passionate about educational excellence. She regularly collaborates with educational and humanitarian institutions to inspire and empower future generations. Through a series of interactive workshops held at schools and colleges, she provides unique insights into the intersection of technology, healthcare, and sustainability, sparking students’ passion and curiosity. She says “This is my way of Navigating the Human Compass in a Tech world”

‘Sunday Series’: Leadership Beyond Technology

“I am deeply grateful to the legendary leadership of the UAE for their steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment. Their visionary policies and support have provided countless opportunities for women to excel and lead in various sectors, including healthcare technology. It is their dedication to fostering an inclusive and progressive society that has enabled us to achieve significant milestones and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.” She states.

Throughout her career, she has received invaluable guidance and support from the prominent leaders of the entities she worked for. She is dedicated to giving back to her country in various ways. One such initiative is the ‘Sunday Series,’ on LinkedIn born out of numerous discussions about leadership with peers, friends, and family. Encouraged by a friend’s suggestion to share her thoughts more publicly, she created this series to explore the nuances and importance of leadership beyond titles, focusing on influence, impact, and inspiring individuals to reach their full potential.

While technology remains her primary passion, Mubaraka is equally committed to instilling mindful moderation of technology to safeguard mental health. She strongly advocates for balanced information consumption to maintain a healthy mind. “I love reading and spend a lot of time binge-reading books on my Kindle, studying the journeys of various leaders and the trajectories that shaped them into great leaders. This holistic approach enables me to create a positive impact in both fields, fostering a healthier, more sustainable future,” she notes.

Like the Cover Story? Also Read: TRANSFORMING CANCER CARE IN THE UAE (Prof Humaid Al Shamsi)

2nd Read: DOING USEFUL THINGS (Dr. Ali Tinazli – LifeSpin GmBH)