Dubai Health welcomed world renowned heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub during his special visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Al Jalila Foundation, marking a significant moment in the advancement of cardiac care and medical research in Dubai. His visit reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to innovation, research, and the highest standards of healthcare excellence.
This milestone reflects Dubai Health’s mission to build an integrated, patient first healthcare system that connects clinical practice, academic learning, and scientific discovery. The arrival of the Dubai Health renowned heart surgeon stands as a testament to Dubai’s growing role as a global destination for medical innovation and humanitarian excellence.
A warm welcome to a global heart surgery icon
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, celebrated globally for his pioneering work in cardiac surgery and humanitarian contributions, was received by several key leaders from Dubai Health and the UAE’s healthcare community.
He was welcomed by H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors, and Chairperson of the MBRU Council. Also present were H.E. Professor Alawi Alsheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; H.E. Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Healthcare City Authority; and H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU.
Accompanying Professor Yacoub were his daughter, Ms. Lisa Magdi Yacoub, Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of the Dubai Jewellery Group, and Francis White, CEO of Heart Biotech. Together, they toured MBRU and Al Jalila Foundation’s research centres, learning about Dubai Health’s programs, academic initiatives, and projects within the integrated academic health system.
The Dubai Health renowned heart surgeon visit provided a unique opportunity to connect one of the world’s leading medical pioneers with Dubai’s next generation of doctors and researchers, creating a bridge between global expertise and local ambition.

Strengthening Dubai’s integrated healthcare vision
During his visit, Professor Yacoub expressed admiration for the rapid growth and remarkable progress achieved by Dubai Health in recent years. He praised the institution’s commitment to medical excellence, innovation, and research, noting how such initiatives play a crucial role in improving lives and shaping the future of global healthcare.
H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg highlighted the importance of the visit, saying:
“We are honored to welcome Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, a world renowned heart surgeon and distinguished humanitarian. His visit strengthens Dubai Health’s role in the medical and academic fields and reaffirms our mission to advance health for humanity. It also highlights our commitment to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and elevate quality of life, in line with the vision of our leadership, which places people at the heart of development and growth.”
This visit reinforces Dubai Health’s dedication to its patient first philosophy, an approach that integrates clinical excellence with compassion and collaboration. By connecting world experts like Professor Yacoub with local healthcare leaders, Dubai Health continues to create a framework where innovation thrives and knowledge is shared.
Collaboration for innovation and education
Dubai Health’s academic model encourages a constant exchange between education, research, and clinical care. Professor Yacoub’s visit perfectly reflects this synergy, as he explored the university’s advanced laboratories and met faculty members working on new frontiers in medical science.
H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, commented:
“We were privileged to host Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, whose visit reflects our vision to foster meaningful collaborations that advance medical research and position Dubai as a global hub for healthcare excellence. The visit further reinforces our efforts to build an integrated, dynamic infrastructure that empowers clinicians and researchers to deliver comprehensive and human centered care.”
Through such interactions, Dubai Health aims to strengthen partnerships with global institutions, exchange knowledge, and attract top tier talent to the UAE’s growing healthcare ecosystem.
Celebrating a humanitarian legacy
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub’s journey as a heart surgeon and humanitarian has inspired millions across the world. Renowned for founding the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation and for decades of medical innovation, his life’s work continues to save lives and promote accessible healthcare for all.
During the visit, members of the Dubai Health family warmly greeted him, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to both science and humanity. His presence served as an inspiration to young researchers and medical students, reminding them that excellence in medicine goes hand in hand with compassion and service to humanity.
The Dubai Health renowned heart surgeon visit also emphasized the importance of partnerships that extend beyond hospitals and research centres, partnerships that nurture empathy, encourage learning, and promote wellness on a societal scale.

Advancing cardiac care in Dubai
The visit comes at a pivotal time as Dubai Health expands its cardiology and cardiac surgery services across its network. The exchange of ideas with global pioneers like Professor Yacoub helps shape the strategic direction for new clinical programs, advanced heart research, and patient centered innovation.
Key areas of focus include:
- Introducing advanced surgical techniques tailored to regional healthcare needs
- Developing research programs dedicated to heart disease prevention and treatment
- Enhancing training opportunities for surgeons, cardiologists, and healthcare professionals
- Strengthening patient pathways for quicker diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
By learning from international best practices, Dubai Health is ensuring that its healthcare ecosystem continues to evolve, guided by innovation, expertise, and empathy.
A vision for the future
Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system is designed to deliver world class healthcare while nurturing continuous education and research. The Dubai Health renowned heart surgeon visit underscores the power of collaboration in achieving these goals.
Professor Yacoub’s recognition of Dubai Health’s efforts validates its commitment to global standards, while also inspiring new projects that aim to improve heart health and elevate quality of life for all communities.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for healthcare excellence, partnerships with medical pioneers like Professor Yacoub will remain central to its journey. Together, they represent a shared vision, a future where medical innovation, education, and compassion combine to advance health for humanity.
Conclusion
Dubai Health’s warm welcome of Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, the world renowned heart surgeon, marks a moment of pride and progress for Dubai’s healthcare sector. The visit highlighted Dubai Health’s strong foundations in research, education, and patient care, and its determination to build meaningful partnerships that benefit both people and science.
As the Dubai Health renowned heart surgeon continues to inspire generations, his visit serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when passion for humanity meets a vision for excellence. Dubai Health stands ready to lead that vision forward, shaping a healthier, more compassionate future for Dubai and beyond.
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