Month: September 2026

Dubai , September 27 , 2026 : The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has launched The World of Directorship – Certificate in Board Directorship, a specialised professional training programme designed to strengthen the capabilities of board members and enhance governance practices in line with leading professional and institutional standards.

Delivered in partnership with the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), the programme will be delivered to 27 participants, providing them with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop their knowledge and skills, while enhancing their effectiveness as board members in line with the highest standards of management excellence and international best practices.

The programme comprises four interactive modules followed by an assessment. The modules cover Corporate Governance Essentials, The Effective Director, The Effective Board, and Board Finance, Accounting, and Corporate Reporting.

Together, they address the core knowledge and awareness required to function effectively as a director, including corporate governance; directors’ roles, responsibilities, and legal duties; board structure and effectiveness; strategy and risk; ethics; and accounting, finance, and corporate reporting.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented, “Effective governance and forward-looking board leadership are fundamental to strengthening the sustainability of family businesses and their ability to grow and adapt to change. We are committed to empowering family business leaders to develop their management and leadership capabilities, while strengthening corporate governance practices that support business continuity, reinforce sound decision-making, and contribute to sustainable success for current and future generations.”

John Gollifer, CEO, GCC Board Directors Institute, said, “Effective boards play a vital role in supporting the long-term sustainability, growth, and resilience of family businesses. Through this programme, we are pleased to work with the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses to strengthen the capabilities of current and aspiring directors and support the adoption of leading governance practices. Based on GCC BDI’s Framework for Board Effectiveness, the programme provides participants with the knowledge and practical insights required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, enhance board performance, and contribute to sustainable success for current and future generations.”

Participants who successfully complete the programme’s four modules and assessment are awarded the Certified Director professional designation by GCC BDI.

The programme is based on GCC BDI’s Framework for Board Effectiveness, which provides a structured foundation for developing the capabilities required to apply sound governance practices and fulfil board responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

The programme contributes to developing participants’ skills and strengthening their practical and management capabilities, enabling them to perform their leadership roles effectively and support the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

It also enables participants to benchmark their knowledge against recognised standards for sound governance practices, reflecting their commitment to continuous professional development and enhancing their readiness to keep pace with rapid changes in the global business environment.

Dubai , September 27 , 2026 : The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has launched The World of Directorship – Certificate in Board Directorship, a specialised professional training programme designed to strengthen the capabilities of board members and enhance governance practices in line with leading professional and institutional standards.

Delivered in partnership with the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), the programme will be delivered to 27 participants, providing them with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop their knowledge and skills, while enhancing their effectiveness as board members in line with the highest standards of management excellence and international best practices.

The programme comprises four interactive modules followed by an assessment. The modules cover Corporate Governance Essentials, The Effective Director, The Effective Board, and Board Finance, Accounting, and Corporate Reporting.

Together, they address the core knowledge and awareness required to function effectively as a director, including corporate governance; directors’ roles, responsibilities, and legal duties; board structure and effectiveness; strategy and risk; ethics; and accounting, finance, and corporate reporting.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented, “Effective governance and forward-looking board leadership are fundamental to strengthening the sustainability of family businesses and their ability to grow and adapt to change. We are committed to empowering family business leaders to develop their management and leadership capabilities, while strengthening corporate governance practices that support business continuity, reinforce sound decision-making, and contribute to sustainable success for current and future generations.”

John Gollifer, CEO, GCC Board Directors Institute, said, “Effective boards play a vital role in supporting the long-term sustainability, growth, and resilience of family businesses. Through this programme, we are pleased to work with the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses to strengthen the capabilities of current and aspiring directors and support the adoption of leading governance practices. Based on GCC BDI’s Framework for Board Effectiveness, the programme provides participants with the knowledge and practical insights required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, enhance board performance, and contribute to sustainable success for current and future generations.”

Participants who successfully complete the programme’s four modules and assessment are awarded the Certified Director professional designation by GCC BDI.

The programme is based on GCC BDI’s Framework for Board Effectiveness, which provides a structured foundation for developing the capabilities required to apply sound governance practices and fulfil board responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

The programme contributes to developing participants’ skills and strengthening their practical and management capabilities, enabling them to perform their leadership roles effectively and support the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

It also enables participants to benchmark their knowledge against recognised standards for sound governance practices, reflecting their commitment to continuous professional development and enhancing their readiness to keep pace with rapid changes in the global business environment.

Dubai , September 27 , 2026 : Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Muwaiji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ajman Chamber, launched the Chamber’s newly redesigned website, with the aim of enhancing customer experience through a clearer, more organised interface, easily accessible content, and a smart assistant that facilitates quick and efficient access to services and information.

The launch event, held at the Thara Entrepreneurship Centre, was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, along with members of the Board of Directors.

The redesigned website provides an integrated and interconnected digital platform for the Chamber members, the business community, the investors, and the exporters.

It offers seamless access to e-services, information, investment opportunities, economic reports, initiatives, and events, ensuring a smooth user experience and digital accessibility across various devices.

Al Muwaiji emphasised that the website’s development reflects the Chamber’s commitment to aligning with Ajman’s vision and its direction toward building a more competitive and sustainable economy.

Fatima Abdulrazzaq Al-Awadhi, Director of the Information Technology Department, provided an overview of the key qualitative upgrades on the website.

The enhancements included re-engineering the user experience (UX), developing a flexible digital infrastructure for content and service management, and enhancing search capabilities and access to information, alongside deploying a smart assistant to provide a faster and more interactive experience for customers.

Dubai , September 27 , 2026 : Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, led a UAE delegation on visits to leading healthcare, research and academic institutions in Boston and New York to explore strategic partnerships in future medicine, research and innovation.

Priority areas included genomic medicine, early disease detection, artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, rare diseases and specialised care, alongside the development of healthcare professionals and capabilities.

The delegation included representatives of Emirates Health Services (EHS) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

The visit took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Al Sayegh said the UAE continues to expand its international healthcare partnerships to strengthen knowledge exchange and accelerate the adoption of scientific and technological advances.

He said the United States is an important partner for the UAE in healthcare, research and innovation, with further cooperation expected to support joint research and training programmes and translate advances in medical science into practical applications in prevention, early detection and patient care.

In Boston, the delegation discussed with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute the development of an early cancer detection pathway using genomic testing, covering risk assessment, genetic counselling, follow-up and referral to treatment services, alongside training for physicians and patient care coordinators.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, talks focused on expanding cooperation in diagnosing and treating rare and complex paediatric diseases, developing centres of excellence, visiting-physician programmes, training and scientific research.

Discussions also covered care pathways for newborns with positive genetic screening results, from confirmatory testing and specialist assessment to treatment, as well as continued cooperation in AI and scientific research.

With Mass General Brigham, the delegation explored cooperation in digital health, AI, research, innovation and training, as well as its expertise in integrated care and centres specialising in cardiology, neuroscience and cancer.

Al Sayegh also reviewed priorities related to sustainable healthcare financing, developing a unified public health system and strengthening emergency preparedness and response. A Ministry of Health and Prevention delegation also met with a vice dean at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

In New York, the delegation discussed physician exchanges, training, research and innovation with NewYork-Presbyterian and reviewed its expertise in paediatric cardiology, organ transplantation and gene therapy.

At The Mount Sinai Hospital, the delegation was briefed on oncology services and proton therapy facilities and explored research cooperation and the development of centres of excellence, including in immunotherapy.

During a meeting organised by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, Al Sayegh and Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Drug Establishment, discussed opportunities to expand healthcare cooperation.

The delegation also met representatives of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cedars-Sinai, Penn Medicine and Johnson & Johnson.

Al Sayegh directed officials to explore developing a healthcare leadership training programme in cooperation with Johns Hopkins to strengthen investment in healthcare professionals and future leaders.

Separately, the EHS delegation met Northwell Health to discuss cooperation in neuroscience, cardiology, medical devices for neurological conditions, digital health and AI.

At NYU Langone Health, the delegation toured facilities and centres of excellence and discussed continuing cooperation through a visiting-physician programme.

EHS will follow up with the institutions visited to translate the identified areas of cooperation into action plans setting out priorities, responsibilities and implementation phases.

Dubai , September 27 , 2026 : In line with the directives of the wise leadership to accelerate the
adoption of autonomous mobility technologies and strengthen Dubai's
readiness for future mobility solutions, Dubai's Roads and Transport
Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Integrated Economic
Zones Authority (DIEZ), has inaugurated Dubai Mobility Labs — the
smartest integrated ground-testing of its kind in the Middle East,
dedicated to testing autonomous and future mobility technologies.
The project reflects the leadership's vision to position Dubai as a global
hub for developing, testing and certifying the latest mobility systems,
while providing a pioneering environment that attracts companies,
developers, research institutions and specialised talent. It also
contributes to accelerating the transition of innovative technologies from
development and testing to real-world and commercial deployment.
Dubai Mobility Labs supports the objectives of the Dubai Smart Self-
Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all mobility
journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030. The project
marks a strategic step towards reinforcing Dubai's global leadership in
future mobility and building a safer, smarter and more sustainable
mobility ecosystem — one that enhances quality of life and strengthens
the emirate's competitiveness and future readiness.
Integrated Testing Ecosystem
The Dubai Mobility Labs is in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the specialised
economic zone for Knowledge & Innovation under DIEZ. The facility
combines dedicated test tracks with a multi-purpose area that provides a
controlled environment simulating a wide range of traffic scenarios,
alongside real-world testing on public roads extending from Dubai
Silicon Oasis to Al Qudra.
This integration allows autonomous vehicles to be assessed under
diverse operating conditions and their ability to respond to changing
traffic and environmental conditions to be tested against the highest
standards of safety and reliability. It provides a comprehensive
ecosystem for testing, validation and certification, helping accelerate
technology development ahead of deployment on the road network.
The testing ecosystem encompasses 248 test scenarios across
controlled environments and public roads. The multi-purpose area alone
supports 195 scenarios: 143 built into its core design and a further 52
added through design enhancements that raised the proving ground's
readiness and efficiency and broadened the range of operational
scenarios it can simulate.
These scenarios cover a wide range of traffic situations encountered by
autonomous vehicles in urban environments, enabling the assessment
of sensing and decision-making systems, interactions with road users,
and responses to changing surrounding conditions. They also allow
vehicle readiness to be verified before vehicles progress to testing and
operation on public roads.
The multi-purpose area includes a variety of test tracks and traffic
features, alongside office and support facilities. It also houses three
supporting light-industrial units equipped for operations and indoor
installations, as well as three 60 kW electric vehicle chargers — meeting
the technical and operational requirements of companies and entities
taking part in testing activities.
Infrastructure for the Future
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board
of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The
inauguration of Dubai Mobility Labs is a practical manifestation of the
directives of the wise leadership to reinforce Dubai's leadership in
developing and adopting future technologies and consolidate its position
as a global model for smart and autonomous mobility. As the smartest
integrated ground-testing of its kind in the region, the project provides
strategic infrastructure for testing the latest mobility technologies and
systems in controlled and real-world environments, and for verifying their
safety, efficiency and readiness before deployment on public roads.”
He added: “Dubai Mobility Labs is one of the key pillars supporting
Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25%
of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips by 2030. It
offers an integrated pathway for developing, testing, validating and
certifying technologies, helping accelerate a safe, orderly transition from
trials to real-world and commercial deployment, while supporting the
readiness of Dubai's infrastructure and its regulatory and technical
ecosystem to accommodate next-generation mobility solutions.”
Al Tayer stressed that the project's strategic importance extends well
beyond establishing a specialised ground-testing: it is about building an
integrated global ecosystem for innovation and development that brings
together vehicle manufacturers, technology developers, start-ups,
research institutions and regulatory authorities. The project will help
position Dubai as a global hub for testing the latest mobility systems and
as a preferred international destination for companies seeking to
develop, test and launch their technologies from Dubai into regional and
global markets.
It will also help attract investment, specialised talent and expertise,
strengthen the knowledge- and innovation-based economy, and
reinforce Dubai's position as an open urban laboratory for designing,
developing and deploying the future of mobility.
Al Tayer explained that integrating controlled testing environments with
operational trials on public roads gives companies and developers the
ability to evaluate their technologies under diverse, real-world conditions,
raises the reliability of test results, and speeds up development and
certification. This, in turn, supports safer, smarter and more sustainable
mobility solutions, a more efficient transport system, smoother traffic
flow, and a better quality of life for residents and visitors.
Innovation-Driven Economy
His Excellency Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said: “Dubai Mobility
Labs embodies the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,
which aims to build a globally competitive, knowledge- and innovation-
driven economy and strengthen Dubai’s position as a hub for industries
shaping the future, by providing an integrated environment that enables
global innovators to develop and test autonomous mobility
technologies.”
He added: “Through initiatives of this kind, the Dubai Integrated
Economic Zones Authority continues to support the growth of future
sectors, attract global investment and talent, and strengthen a
knowledge- and innovation-driven economic ecosystem. Dubai Silicon
Oasis provides an integrated environment for developing and testing
advanced technological solutions, supported by smart infrastructure and
a comprehensive ecosystem that helps accelerate the development of
autonomous mobility technologies and their transition from testing to
deployment and operation.”
Real-World Testing
The Dubai Mobility Labs has hosted successful trials of autonomous
driving technologies and vehicles developed by global companies,
including WeRide, Pony.ai and Tesla — demonstrating the readiness of
its facilities to accommodate a wide range of future mobility technologies
and to accelerate their assessment and validation ahead of safe
operation on Dubai's road network.
RTA appointed DEKRA to operate the Dubai Mobility Labs for the first
three years, with responsibility for managing day-to-day operations,
organising testing, overseeing the facilities, and ensuring compliance
with international safety standards and operational best practices. This
strengthens the reliability of test results and reinforces the Labs'
international standing.
Dubai Mobility Labs also opens new avenues for partnership between
government entities, the private sector, and academic and research
institutions. It provides an ecosystem that supports innovation,
development, investment and commercial application — helping position
Dubai as a global hub for future mobility testing, an international
reference point for testing and certifying autonomous mobility
technologies, and a platform from which the latest solutions can be
launched to cities across the region and the world.

• 2,395 violations recorded, with 451 cases fully rectified and strict measures taken against 466 cases. 

• More than 800 inspection visits conducted across Al Warqa residential areas specificallyto monitor building use, occupancy violations and unauthorised construction works.

• Daily inspections support early identification of violations and follow-up on required corrective measures.

• Inspection efforts aim to strengthen compliance and address practices that may affect residents’ safety and the quality of the residential environment.

Dubai , September 25, 2026 : Dubai Municipality has conducted more than 16,000 inspection visits across residential areas in the emirate since the beginning of 2026, including more than 800 visits across Al Warqa residential areas, as part of its ongoing monitoring of construction activities and building use.

The inspections aim to identify violations at an early stage, follow up on corrective measures and strengthen compliance among property owners and occupants, while addressing practices that may affect residents’ safety, building integrity and the quality of the residential environment.

Dubai Municipality’s field teams recorded 2,395 violations, of which 451 cases have been fully rectified, while 1,478 cases are currently completing the required corrective measures. The Municipality has also taken strict measures in 466 cases and continues to follow up on outstanding violations until the required corrective actions are completed within the specified time frames.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality continues to strengthen its field inspection system through daily monitoring visits, ongoing oversight and enhanced mechanisms for following up on reported observations.

“Our objective is to prevent non-compliant practices, raise compliance levels and safeguard public safety while preserving the urban character of residential areas. These efforts support Dubai’s continued development as a safe, well-regulated and sustainable urban environment that enhances quality of life for residents.”

The most prominent violations identified included bachelor accommodation in areas where it is not permitted, occupancy of a single residential unit by multiple families, and construction works or alterations carried out without the required permits. Specialised teams assess each case according to its nature and potential impact, with priority given to violations that may affect the safety of residents or surrounding properties.

Building owners are required to comply with the approved uses of residential buildings and villas and refrain from renting properties to bachelors or multiple families in areas where such occupancy is not permitted. They must also obtain the required permits and approvals before undertaking construction works or alterations and ensure that building occupancy complies with applicable regulations and requirements.

These measures support structural safety, regulate the use of residential properties and help limit practices that may affect the character and quality of residential neighbourhoods.

Dubai Municipality also emphasised the importance of community cooperation in reporting observations related to non-compliant practices through its official channels. Public reportingsupports inspection efforts and enables faster response to potential violations, contributing to safer and better-regulated residential areas across Dubai.

Abu Dhabi,​ September 25, 2026:Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) announced it has set up its SWIFT Business Identifier Code (BIC), ADSEAEADXXX, and is now part of the global SWIFT network.

The activation of SWIFT connectivity marks a significant milestone in the ongoing enhancement of ADX’s post-trade infrastructure and reinforces its position as a globally connected marketplace.

Through the SWIFT network, ADX can facilitate secure, standardised, and internationally recognised financial messaging with custodians, central securities depositories (CSDs), international central securities depositories (ICSDs), and other market participants worldwide.

This strategic development will strengthen ADX’s connectivity with the global financial ecosystem, enabling more efficient cross-border interactions and supporting international investors seeking seamless access to the UAE’s capital markets. It will also provide a robust foundation for future market infrastructure initiatives, further enhancing operational efficiency, interoperability, and global market accessibility.

The addition of the ADX to the SWIFT network aligns with the exchange’s broader strategy of expanding its international reach, deepening engagement with global institutions, and supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international financial centre.

The new centre marks Hotpack’s fifth Sales Centre in Abu Dhabi, expanding access to its packaging solutions for retail and HoReCa businesses and consumers across the emirate. 

Abu Dhabi,​ September 25, 2026: Hotpack, a UAE-headquartered global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has expanded its physical presence with the opening of its 22nd Sales Centre in Baniyas, Abu Dhabi. The new showroom will help retail, HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) businesses and individual consumers in the locality to better source the broad range of Hotpack’s packaging portfolio, said the company in a statement. 

The new showroom, marking another milestone in Hotpack’s continued expansion across the UAE, was opened in the presence of senior leaders of the compmnay and dignitaries including Sheikh Salem bin Qahran Al-Menhali, Ghazi Saleh Saleem Hasan Al-Menhali, Mohammed Abdo Al Ameri and Zayed Al-Amoudi.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Abdul Jabbar PB, Group CEO & Managing Director, Hotpack, said, “The opening of our 22nd Sales Centre and the fifth showroom in Abu Dhabi, is an important milestone in Hotpack’s continued growth in the UAE. We are pleased to extend our retail presence to Baniyas and bring our products and services closer to more customers and businesses in the emirate.” 

“As a business that has grown alongside the UAE for more than three decades, we value the ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship, industrial growth and sustainable expansion. The UAE has consistently provided businesses with the confidence and support to expand, innovate and build for the long term. With the UAE’s industrial push, clear sustainability policies and strong local demand, businesses like ours can plan for the long term and keep investing,” he added.  

Mr. Zainudeen PB, Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Director of Hotpack, said, “The Sales Centre will offer Hotpack’s extensive range of packaging solutions, including food packaging, disposable products, bags, films, containers and other products catering to food service, retail and everyday needs. This will help us extend our customer-facing network alongside its manufacturing, distribution and digital capabilities.”  

“With 96 per cent of Hotpack’s product portfolio comprising sustainable products, the centre will also provide customers with a wide selection of recyclable and eco-friendly packaging options, making it easier for businesses and consumers to choose solutions that meet their functional requirements while supporting more sustainable packaging practices,” he added.

Mr. Anwar PB, Group Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Executive Director at Hotpack, said, “The Baniyas Sales Centre is open to walk-in customers and business accounts, with product information and bulk ordering available via Hotpack’s UAE webstore and customer service team.” 

“The opening of the Baniyas Sales Centre strengthens Hotpack’s retail network in the UAE and underlines its continued investment in the market where the company began its journey,” he added. 

Founded in Dubai in 1995, Hotpack has grown from a UAE-based business into an international packaging company with 25 manufacturing facilities worldwide, including 13 across the UAE, operations in 17 countries and exports to 107 countries. The company caters to both B2B and B2C customers and offers a portfolio of more than 4,500 products across paper, aluminium, plastics, biodegradable materials and other packaging solutions.

 Abudhabi , September 25, 2026 : The ‘Daughters of Zayed’ Emirati Women Forum, hosted by SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, at the Zayed National Museum, showcased inspiring experiences of Emirati women, highlighting the importance of well-being, family support, legal awareness and intergenerational learning in strengthening women’s presence and contributions across various fields.

Organised in collaboration with the Emirati Women Chapter (EWC) as part of the UAE’s Emirati Women’s Day 2026 celebrations, the forum discussed a number of themes related to women’s journeys and their role in society, including physical and mental well-being, family relationships and empowerment, along with the importance of creating a supportive environment that enables women to continue their development and pursue their ambitions.

The sessions highlighted the experiences of Emirati leaders and figures working across healthcare, law, sport and entrepreneurship. The speakers shared personal and professional experiences, highlighting the support that enabled them to develop their capabilities, progress and contribute in their respective fields.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of intergenerational learning and how values, knowledge and experience are passed between Emirati women, enabling younger generations to benefit from and build on the experiences of those before them in line with future aspirations.

Sheikha Moza bint Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ambassador of Elderly Initiatives at PureHealth, said, “The progress of Emirati women is built on generations of knowledge, experience and ambition, and each generation has an important role in carrying that legacy forward. Creating opportunities for younger and senior women to learn from one another strengthens this continuity, while investing in women’s health and well-being enables them to remain active contributors throughout every stage of life. By supporting women to thrive, we strengthen not only individuals, but families, communities and the continued progress of our nation.”

Dr. Shamsa Al Mheiri, Director of EWC and Special Projects at PureHealth, said, “This year’s theme, ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’, carries even greater significance amid the challenges and changes facing the region. It affirms that the strength of Emirati women lies in their ability to adapt, persevere, and make an impact.”

She added, “Through the programme, we continue to support women throughout every stage of life by strengthening their health, well-being, and leadership capabilities, along with connecting the experiences of one generation to the potential of the next. The EWC’s third cohort has welcomed 120 participants, with participation increasing by more than 94 percent. This growth represents more than the expansion of the programme; it reflects a more connected and future-ready community of women. Whatever challenges arise, we believe this community will emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to create lasting impact within families, workplaces, and society.”

Dr. Hamda Al Neyadi, Corporate Marketing and Communications Director at SEHA, said, “At SEHA, we believe every woman has a story worth telling, and that sharing her experience can inspire another woman and show her that ambition is within reach. We also believe that caring for women and supporting their physical and mental health creates an impact that extends far beyond the individual, strengthening families and communities alike.”

The discussions considered how the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan recognised women as active partners in society and national development, as well as how that vision continues to shape opportunities for successive generations.

The forum concluded by emphasising the importance of sustained support from families, communities and institutions in enabling Emirati women to continue learning, developing and leading, contributing to generations capable of continuing the nation’s development journey.

Abudhabi , September 25, 2026 : Burjeel Holdings has introduced AI-powered Cath Labs at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi and Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah, expanding its capabilities in complex cardiovascular and image-guided interventions.

The new facilities feature Siemens Healthineers’ ARTIS icono.vision platform, which combines artificial intelligence, high-definition imaging, advanced 3D visualisation and real-time procedural guidance. The technology gives physicians clearer views of complex anatomy and additional guidance while navigating technically demanding procedures.

Designed as multidisciplinary facilities, the Cath Labs will support teams across Interventional Cardiology, Structural Heart Services, Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Neurointerventional Procedures, and other specialties that rely on image-guided procedures.

The technology can support a broad range of procedures, including complex coronary interventions, chronic total occlusion procedures, structural heart interventions, peripheral vascular therapies, embolisation procedures, interventional oncology treatments and advanced aortic repairs.

A key feature of the platform is OPTIQ AI, which uses AI-based analysis of live images to dynamically adjust imaging parameters and automatically reduce background noise in real time. This helps maintain high image quality even at very low radiation doses, supporting the ALARA principle of keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable while preserving the image quality required for the procedure.

The platform also provides full 200-degree rotational 3D imaging, rapid 3D acquisitions, flexible ceiling-rail positioning, and system positioning precision of better than 0.5 mm. These capabilities give physicians greater flexibility during complex interventions.

Dr. Georgie Thomas, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Department at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, said, “In complex interventions, having a clear and accurate view of the anatomy throughout the procedure is critical. The new system gives us enhanced imaging and guidance when navigating challenging cases, while also helping us manage radiation and contrast use. With the additional Cath Lab capacity, we can treat more patients and expand the range of advanced procedures available at the hospital.”