Dubai, April 2025 — In a landmark move to improve healthcare access for Dubai’s blue-collar community, Dubai Health has announced the establishment of the UAE-India Friendship Hospital, a joint philanthropic initiative endorsed by the governments of Dubai and India.
The hospital, designed to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services, primarily targets the emirate’s blue-collar workforce—acknowledging their vital role in the city’s growth and development. The announcement follows the recent official visit to India by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.
The initiative is anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Dubai Health and the five founding trustees of the project, all prominent Indian businessmen known for their philanthropic work in the UAE.
Key Step Toward Equitable Healthcare
Dubai Health described the MoU as a pivotal milestone, laying the foundation for a responsive and inclusive healthcare model aligned with the emirate’s Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to enhance overall well-being and strengthen healthcare efficiency.
“This collaboration reflects shared values and our leadership’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services for all. The UAE-India Friendship Hospital will be a beacon of care, compassion, and community service,” said Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health.
Founding Trustees and Backing Bodies
The founding trustees of the hospital include:
- Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of KEF Holdings and Chairman of UAE-India Business Council — UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC)
- Nilesh Ved, Chairman of Apparel Group
- Siddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman of Buimerc Corporation
- Tariq Chauhan, Vice-Chairman of EFS Facilities
- Ramesh S Ramakrishnan, Chairman of Transworld Group
Also present was Kshitij Korde from UIBC-UC, reflecting the council’s unified support for the project.
“This marks not just the launch of a hospital but the beginning of a transformative initiative to serve those who have been the backbone of Dubai’s success,” said the trustees in a joint statement. “We thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan and all stakeholders including Dubai Health, CDA, and the Indian diplomatic mission for their unwavering support.”
Symbol of Bilateral Commitment
The UAE-India Friendship Hospital also reinforces the strong and evolving bilateral relationship between the two nations. It reflects the shared vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in areas of social development and public welfare.
The initiative also aligns with the broader mission of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC), which was launched in 2023 to bolster trade, investment, and strategic cooperation between the countries.
