Dubai, UAE, 2 February 2023: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, which seeks to promote cooperation and coordination between the two sides to enhance investment opportunities in Dubai’s healthcare sector, support the formation of healthcare start-ups, and develop innovative technological solutions. This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 agenda, which was recently announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The MoU signing took place at an official ceremony on the sidelines of the DHA’s participation in the Arab Health 2023 exhibition and conference. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, and His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of DHA, in the presence of officials and employees from both sides.

 

As part of the partnership, which aims to enhance the private health sector’s investments in Dubai and consolidating the sector’s role in the ongoing development of health facilities, the two sides will cooperate to prepare an integrated action plan to support the development and establishment of start-up companies, specializing in the healthcare sector. This is in addition to enabling entrepreneurs and companies to benefit from the Startup Incubation Program and other initiatives that support SMEs operating in DIEZ’s free zones. All of which seeks to protect the intellectual property and commercial brands of both existing and new investors.

Additionally, the two sides will develop a special framework to pinpoint the innovation standards of healthcare start-ups in Dubai, and will create a supportive platform to offer expertise, guidance, and research to attract investment opportunities in the field of healthcare technology, all in line with future needs and available capabilities. The partnership will also promote expertise and knowledge exchange in the field of developing business systems for licensing start-ups approved for testing research prototypes in Dubai healthcare facilities.

 

His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of DHA, said: “The DHA is committed to building partnerships and strengthening relations with different institutions, agencies, and departments, especially those affiliated with the Dubai government. We believe in the importance and value of joint work and efforts, which directly serve the goals and future aspirations of the Emirate.”

“The DHA aims to become one of the fastest institutions in implementing the directives of the Dubai government and its strategic objectives, especially with regard to investment in the health sector. The Authority spares no effort to promote this important type of investment and facilitate its rapid growth in partnership and cooperation with all stakeholders.”

 

“DIEZ is a prestigious and valuable establishment with a prominent role in development, and signing this MoU will open up new prospects for achieving new goals by both sides. The MoU seeks to drive the growth of health establishments and healthcare startups in Dubai,” Al Ketbi added.

He also said the DHA is glad to bolster its partnership with DIEZ, which will consolidate Dubai’s efforts to achieve competitiveness in the health sector.

 

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said: “With this partnership, DIEZ is committed to supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goals, which seek to increase the flow of investments in various sectors, including health, as well as providing an environment that supports innovation, research and development, and an incubator for distinguished talents from around the world. This would establish a solid basis for the Emirate’s economy and give it the necessary flexibility and resilience to deal with all changes.”

 

“This partnership reflects our confidence in Dubai’s standing as one of the top global destinations for attracting foreign investments within its highly advanced healthcare sector, and in recognition of the investment opportunities provided to investors, entrepreneurs, and multinationals. Through its economic zones, DIEZ will provide business packages, services, and incentives to support companies within the healthcare sector, thus contributing to attracting more investments to the Emirate, and supporting the process of innovation and technological development in the sector,” he added.

 

Al Zarooni highlighted the essential role of the DHA in improving the quality of healthcare services and consolidating Dubai’s position as a global medical and health center that provides the best healthcare services via an integrated system comprised of world-class experts, advanced equipment, and innovative solutions.

Through this memorandum, DIEZ will promote the Dubai Health Investment Guide at its various related promotional events and activities. This guide outlines investment opportunities in the health sector and identifies promising investment fields and locations that are in-demand for medical services. Through partnerships and agreements signed between various government and private entities, DIEZ seeks to achieve the vision of the wise leadership to build an economic market in the Emirate that is characterized by diversity of investment and ease of doing business, all while meeting the highest levels of competitiveness. 

 

Meanwhile, the DHA continues to advance its goals towards achieving competitiveness, operational efficiency, transparency, and ensuring the quality of health services and products in accordance with the approved policies and the highest international standard. This is in addition to promoting and supporting innovation, and anticipating future needs and prospects in all aspects of the health sector.