UAE Integrative Medicine Council Forges Partnerships for Healthcare Innovation
Eight strategic collaborations between leading academic, research and healthcare institutions will advance evidence based integrative medicine across the Emirates, translating vision into transformative clinical practice.
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The UAE Integrative Medicine Council has announced a significant milestone in its mission to reshape healthcare delivery across the region, signing eight strategic memoranda of understanding with distinguished academic, research and healthcare institutions. These partnerships, formalised during the Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine 2026, represent a purposeful convergence of expertise and vision designed to elevate the integration of evidence based integrative medicine into the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, articulated the profound significance of these collaborations, emphasising how the memoranda embody a shared commitment to advancing integrative medicine as a cornerstone of the UAE’s healthcare future. The agreements translate the priorities of the UAE Integrative Medicine Strategy into tangible joint initiatives spanning education and workforce development, research and innovation, and the seamless integration of evidence informed clinical practice.
Research, Evidence and Innovation
A comprehensive joint memorandum brings together the Council, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, Khalifa University Enterprises Company, Mubadala Foundation and the Authority of Social Contribution Ma’an. This formidable alliance will advance Emirati Traditional Medicine and herbal practices through rigorous research, clinical studies and professional education, enhanced by artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The initiative encompasses specialised care models, enabling infrastructure and community engagement designed to fortify the entire ecosystem.
A parallel collaboration with The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi focuses on scientific validation of priority integrative medicine practices, including selected approaches rooted in Emirati Traditional Medicine. By drawing upon its comprehensive research, clinical and laboratory capabilities, the Institute will work alongside the Council to evaluate safety and effectiveness, translating findings into evidence that informs responsible clinical integration.
Integrated Care and Healthcare Excellence
Strategic partnerships with leading healthcare organisations including PureHealth and M42 embody the Council’s vision of developing more comprehensive and integrated models of care. These collaborations will explore the thoughtful incorporation of selected integrative medicine practices into healthcare pathways, strengthening coordination across specialities and establishing mechanisms to measure health outcomes and gather real world data.
The collaboration with PureHealth centres on designing and piloting priority services and innovative care pathways within healthcare institutions, advancing the practical implementation of integrative approaches. Through these coordinated efforts across education, training, scientific research and evidence based clinical practice, the UAE continues to establish itself as a global leader in shaping the future of integrated, patient centred healthcare.
Imagery courtesy of UAE Integrative Medicine Council.
