At the Future of Healthcare Summit 2024 held in Dubai this week, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Ramadan AlBlooshi, Senior Advisor to the Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Dr. AlBlooshi, who served as Chief Regulatory Officer at Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory (DHCR) from 2014 to 2021, was vital in managing healthcare regulations in Dubai’s free zone. Our conversation covered pressing public health challenges in Dubai, from managing a diverse, multi-national population to tackling emerging health crises. Dr AlBlooshi also shared insights into the Emirate’s strategic preparedness plan for future health emergencies, emphasizing Dubai's proactive approach to developing robust frameworks for crisis management and healthcare resilience. Read more! 

What are the leading public health challenges in Dubai, and what are the current initiatives aimed at protecting the health and well-being of the population?

The public health challenges in Dubai are similar to those faced by communities worldwide. However, there is a special emphasis here on public health as an integrated concept that aims to include all segments of society, including health services. One of the main challenges we face is how to educate and raise awareness within the community about health crises, especially since we are dealing with more than 200 nationalities living in Dubai. Therefore, we work to provide health education and safety in multiple languages, taking into account cultural, social, and political diversity. The policies adopted in the UAE generally, and in Dubai precisely, follow this diverse approach and continuously adapt to changing needs to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

Given global trends recommending pandemic prevention and preparedness, is there a preparedness plan for future health crises in Dubai?

Yes, the Emirate of Dubai closely monitors the health situation and coordinates with international organizations like the World Health Organization. We have internal plans that include various initiatives, such as training the healthcare sector on handling emergencies related to infectious diseases and awareness and education programs for dealing with health crises. For example, 1,000 health workers have been trained, and specialized diplomas in "Public Health" and "Disasters and Crises" have been launched in cooperation with recognized universities.

How are public health policies developed for the Emirate of Dubai?

Public health policies are carefully developed based on scientific research, surveys, and studies. The Emirate of Dubai seeks to take well-considered steps to address health challenges in cooperation with local government entities and local and international partners. The goal is to invest in disease prevention to build a healthy and safe community and reduce the risks of outbreaks over the long term.

How can events such as the Future of Healthcare Summit help address epidemics?

We fully believe education and awareness are the first steps before implementing action plans. We are dealing with a large community eager to understand better the concepts of "public health" and "health crises." Therefore, we focus on establishing educational and training programs tailored to different segments of society. For example, schools require awareness strategies that differ from those for adults, and the private sector differs from the public. We have diverse programs to ensure that all groups receive the essential information.

How do you assess the importance of vaccination in addressing health issues or epidemics the community faces?

Vaccination is a crucial method for preventing diseases and avoiding their spread in the future. It is a vital tool for combating epidemics and ensuring community health.

What are Dubai’s upcoming steps in the health sector over the next five years?

We are prepared to face any potential health challenge, whether medical, urban, or financial. Under wise leadership, Dubai has proven its readiness for any crisis. We have adopted a strategy based on artificial intelligence and are researching best practices in the medical field.