H E A LT H C A R E
DEVELOPMENT IN
THE UAE
1968-1980
T H IS P RESENTATION E X PLORES
T H E R E MAR KA BL E D E V E LO PME NT
A N D TR ANSFORMATION TH E U AE
H E A LT H C A RE S E C T O R U N D ER WE N T
Done by: Khalifa Fahmi
ID: 231110034
INTRODUCTION
• Between 1968 and 1980, the UAE experienced substantial
economic growth, particularly after the discovery of oil in
1968 and the subsequent establishment of the nation in
1971. During this period, significant advancements were
made in healthcare to cater to the expanding population.
Prioritizing accessibility, quality improvement, workforce
expansion, disease prevention, and societal well-being, these
initiatives included infrastructure upgrades, capacity building
in the healthcare workforce, reallocation of expenditure, and
strategies to address prevalent health issues.The
overarching aim was to enhance societal health and
resilience.
HISTORICAL
CONTEXT
• During the transformative period of the late 1960s, the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) passed through significant
changes driven by the revenues made by the discovery of oil.
This era witnessed a significant increase in investments in
healthcare. Recognizing the importance of public health, the
government allocated resources to develop healthcare
infrastructure, expand the workforce, and implement health
programs in line with the nation's goals of advancement and
prosperity. Since its establishment in 1971, the UAE has
prioritized healthcare as a fundamental aspect of societal
development.Thus, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai established the Department
of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) in 1972 resulting in
the rapid advancements in healthcare across the country
through its intensified efforts in providing comprehensive
healthcare and holistic services for all its citizens and
residents. Initially, healthcare infrastructure was limited, with
only 7 hospitals, 12 health centers and 700 beds available in
1971. However, the number of hospital beds increased to
3000 and 20 hospitals were available in 1980s.
HEALTHCARE PRIOR
THE OIL DISCOVERY
• Before the discovery of oil, traditional medicine
prevailed among the population in the Trucial
Coast region. Traditional medicine practices
included herbal remedies, ironing, cupping,
cauterization, circumcision and traditional
recipes . However, as oil discoveries
commenced, foreign doctors started arriving to
supplant traditional practitioners, marking the
shift towards modern medicine. Among these
doctors was Philip Horniblow, who served as
the Director of Health in Abu Dhabi from 1966
to 1977, and documented his experiences along
with other foreign doctors who served in Abu
Dhabi and the other Emirates during the 1960s.
Dr Philip Horniblow
KUWAIT’S VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO
HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENT IN THE UAE
• Kuwait played a crucial role in developing the healthcare sector and medical services in the
Emirates, which cannot be overlooked. In 1962, Kuwait sent a medical mission and financed
several projects to build hospitals, including the Kuwaiti Hospital (now Al Baraha) in 1966, the
Kuwaiti Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, and two clinics in Khorfakkan and Fujairah. Kuwait also
supervised these projects until the federation was established in 1971.
REVIEW OF HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES &
SERVICES STATISTICS (1970-1990)
L IF E EX P E CTAN CY R ATE
S TATIS TICS
• Between 1968 and 1980, there was a
noticeable rise in life expectancy in
the UAE, showing significant progress
in healthcare infrastructure and
services. This improvement was
supported by the government's
investments in expanding hospitals
and clinics, especially after the
discovery of oil resources.
Additionally, efforts to strengthen the
healthcare workforce through
training programs for doctors and
nurses boosted the quality of care.
As living standards improved during
this time, access to healthcare
became more widespread. Looking
ahead, these foundational
improvements position the UAE well
to continue advancing healthcare and
increasing life expectancy.
HEALTHCARE
INFRASTRUCTURE
• Improving healthcare infrastructure was crucial for
the the country’s progress towards a modern and
comprehensive healthcare system. This included
opening Al Maktoum Hospital which was Dubai’s
first hospital built in 1951 and the Abu Dhabi
Central Hospital in 1968 which was the primary
healthcare center for 4 decades and other several
medical centers, making medical services more
accessible to the population. Mobile medical units
were introduced to reach remote areas, and
specialized centers for cardiac care, maternity, and
cancer treatment were established. Additionally,
investments were made in diagnostic services, labs,
and pharmacies to ensure medicine and medical
supplies were readily available.
CONCLUSION
• In conclusion, the period from 1968 to 1980 marked a
significant advancement in healthcare development in the UAE.
During this time, key initiatives and investments were made to
enhance healthcare infrastructure, services, and workforce
training. Healthcare was crucial for modernization and
prosperity, fueled by the growing oil industry. Integrating
security measures with healthcare ensured a safe environment,
promoting public health and economic growth.This improved
the standard of living and created job opportunities in the UAE
and made the UAE globally recognized. Now, the focus is on
sustaining healthcare and addressing lifestyle-related health
concerns through preventative and digital health initiatives.
REFERENCES
• https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/amazing-
transformation-in-just-53-years-
1.305505?outputType=amp
• RD, I. A. M., & Elsholkamy, M. M. The State of UAE
Healthcare Service Delivery: Public Perceptions-
Preliminary Insights.
• Https://www.khaleejtimes.com/health/rewind-50-years-
uae-healthcare-has-come-a-long-way
• https://www.emaratalyoum.com/life/four-sides/2015-03-
22-1.767537
• https://www.agda.ae/en/folder/early-healthcare-emirates
• https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e2de88eecce74d77b
f363ad4f37a6087
