Abu Dhabi is now home to the UAE’s first centre fully dedicated to treating and supporting people with Alzheimer’s disease. The new Alzheimer’s Centre in Al Alfiya, opened by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), offers specialised care for patients while also supporting their families and caregivers.
This is a major step forward for healthcare in the UAE, especially for families dealing with the challenges of memory loss and ageing. The centre combines international medical standards with a community-based approach that feels more like a home than a hospital.
A First-of-Its-Kind in the Region
The Alzheimer’s Centre is the first of its kind in the region. It’s designed especially for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The idea is to offer not just medical care, but a whole environment built around comfort, dignity, and personal attention.
The space doesn’t look like a typical clinic. Instead, it’s designed to resemble a warm and welcoming home. Patients will have access to personal rooms, garden areas, and living spaces that support both privacy and social interaction.
According to officials, the centre will provide care that goes beyond medicine — focusing on emotional support, safety, mental stimulation, and daily routine.
A Community-Based, Human Touch
One of the biggest challenges in Alzheimer’s care is maintaining a sense of normal life. People living with the disease often feel confused or anxious. The new centre in Abu Dhabi aims to make their lives easier by keeping their surroundings calm and familiar.
The staff are trained to handle both medical needs and emotional concerns. From doctors and nurses to psychologists and social workers, the team focuses on understanding the patient as a whole person — not just a diagnosis.
In addition, there’s a strong focus on supporting the families of patients. Alzheimer’s doesn’t only affect the individual — it also has a big emotional and physical impact on loved ones. That’s why the centre includes programmes for family education, counselling, and mental health support for caregivers.
Personalised and Professional Care
The new centre uses personalised treatment plans for each resident. This means that instead of following one routine for all patients, the team works closely with the patient and their family to understand what works best for them.
Some patients may need help with basic daily tasks like eating or bathing. Others might benefit more from memory exercises, music therapy, or even just regular walks in the garden. The centre will adapt to each person’s stage of Alzheimer’s, making sure their needs are met with care and respect.
Importantly, the centre also includes medical facilities that can monitor the patient’s health and progress. So even as they offer a home-like setting, they do not compromise on safety or professional medical standards.
A Step Forward for the UAE
This centre shows that Abu Dhabi is serious about leading in healthcare innovation. Alzheimer’s is a growing concern worldwide, especially as populations get older. In the UAE, there’s been a strong push toward better senior care and mental health awareness — and this centre is a major part of that.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi hopes that this project will become a model for the entire region. By combining international expertise with cultural understanding, the centre creates a blueprint that can be followed by others in the future.
Officials say this new project aligns with the UAE’s wider goals to create a health system that puts patients first and supports their quality of life — no matter their age or condition.
What Families Can Expect
If a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, choosing the right care option is not easy. This new centre offers families peace of mind. It’s not only about giving medical help but also about creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and respected.
Families can expect regular communication with doctors and staff, updates on progress, and the ability to be involved in decisions. The idea is to make them partners in the care journey, rather than just visitors.
Moreover, the centre is open to both short-term stays (for temporary care or respite) and long-term residency, depending on the needs of each family.
Designed for Dignity
Perhaps the most important thing the centre offers is dignity. Alzheimer’s can slowly take away a person’s memories, speech, and independence. But this does not mean they lose their identity or value. The team at the centre works hard to make sure each patient is treated with kindness, patience, and respect at every stage.
From the way the rooms are decorated to the daily schedules, everything is created with the person’s comfort in mind. Meals are tailored to preferences. Activities are planned to keep minds engaged. And the atmosphere is kept quiet and relaxed — just like a real home.
Looking Ahead
The Alzheimer’s Centre in Abu Dhabi is more than just a healthcare facility — it’s a symbol of compassion, progress, and hope. As more people in the UAE age, the need for such services will only grow. With this centre, the country is making sure that no one has to go through Alzheimer’s alone.
It also opens the door for future investment in mental health, elder care, and community-based medical services. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or someone who wants to plan ahead for the future, this new centre offers a powerful message: that care, dignity, and support will always be part of the UAE’s healthcare journey.
In a world where many still struggle to find proper support for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Abu Dhabi has taken a bold and heartwarming step forward — one that will surely make a difference for countless families now and in the years to come.
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