During the pandemic, the UAE, like the rest of the world, saw its healthcare system stretched to its limits. But even amid such challenging times, the country swiftly set up operations for mass testing and vaccinations.
By building large field hospitals, making thousands of beds available and opening more than a dozen rapid testing drive-through facilities, the country excelled in managing the crisis. Going by percentage of population, the Emirates is today among the world’s top three vaccinated countries.
The emergence of the pandemic also raised important questions for local health organisations: how to track infections, how to treat patients remotely and how to rapidly scale up capacity – all of which hastened the adoption of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, big data and other digital health solutions.
According to research from management consultants Ernst & Young, 53 per cent of healthcare operators in the UAE plan to increase their investment in health technology over the next three years, after seeing their value during the pandemic. In fact, 86 per cent of healthcare operators believe that the use of digital technologies led to increased staff productivity.
There is immense opportunity for further UK-UAE partnerships in the digital health space
During the pandemic, healthcare operators in the UAE were quick to scale up their use of telemedicine to monitor patients at home, especially the elderly and those at risk, for whom it was not safe to venture into clinics or hospitals. The country is now set to add further remote healthcare services.
The Dubai Health Authority is collaborating with a local start-up, Enpy, to deploy an AI-powered product that would be able to monitor a patient’s vital signs remotely, enabling doctors to make rapid interventions and improve patient outcomes.
Digital health, however, can be applied to health care much beyond the pandemic. Across the Middle East and in the UAE, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer are a growing threat. It has become essential to track disease trends and monitor how chronic patients adhere to treatment schedules. In this context, digital health is enabling UAE organisations to track and curb disease through biosensors in wearable devices, AI and through remotely monitoring patients.
Last month, Arab Health, the region’s leading global health event, showcased some of the most promising digital health solutions, including those from British companies.
The UK is a global leader in digital health innovation and many British healthcare technology firms have introduced and tested their solutions in the National Health Service (NHS), the world's largest single-payer universal healthcare system.
For example, a digital health company in the UK, Difrent, developed and delivered a home PCR test ordering service in record time for the NHS to get front line staff out of quarantine and back to work during the pandemic. They distributed 1 million home test kits across the UK and within two weeks, scaled the service from key workers to all UK citizens.
The UK is uniquely placed to realise the potential of digital technologies in healthcare in the UK and overseas. It is home to legions of companies that have pioneered innovative healthcare across a range of sectors, such as e-record management and remote monitoring.
In fact, British digital healthcare firms are cementing their place in the UAE and the wider region. For example, to help diagnose breast cancer in the UAE and by harnessing the use of AI, a software company in London, Kheiron Medical Technologies, has signed a deal with a local distributor in the Emirates, Atlas Medical. With patented technology developed on more than three million breast images, Kheiron Medical's platform for breast screening – called Mia (Mammography Intelligent Assessment) – is designed to support radiologists in making critical decisions, such as whether to recall women for further testing, based on their mammography results.
In another significant development, a UK-based remote care firm, My Way Digital Health, that helps diabetes patients "self-manage" their symptoms, has piloted its technology in the UAE. The company is set to open an office in the Emirates this year. Its solutions, which have been translated into Arabic, have improved diabetes prevention and management outcomes in Britain by around 40 per cent.
And in an example of a significant UK-UAE collaboration, Dubai’s Osteopathic Health Centre unveiled the Middle East’s first digital health library. This will allow approximately 40,000 customers in the UAE to have access to a range of apps to help them personally manage their health issues, whether it is to stop smoking or to help reduce obesity.
The digital library is a result of a partnership with another British entity, the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps, which is the world’s largest health app review and distribution company.
Healthcare practitioners will be able to select and subscribe to the apps for their patients as required, in the same way that they prescribe traditional medicines, giving patients the support they need to manage their health conditions at home.
The library includes apps that contain guidance in areas ranging from family planning and mental health to helping patients manage issues such as chronic back pain and other debilitating conditions.
There is immense opportunity for further UK-UAE partnerships in the digital health space. And it is clear that innovations in the UK’s medical field align closely with the UAE’s goals to transform health care and to help patients live a better life.
Hassan Chaudhury is global digital health specialist, healthcare UK, Department for International Trade in London
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
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Sleep Well Beast
The National
4AD
UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Rating: 2.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
