The UAE Federal Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling clarifying the legal responsibilities of plastic surgeons, emphasising that they are accountable not only for providing care but also for achieving the desired results of cosmetic procedures.

The decision, handed down by the court’s Administrative Chamber on 1 September 2025 (Appeal No. 722), highlights the unique nature of cosmetic surgery. Unlike life-saving treatments, cosmetic procedures are often elective, placing a higher burden on surgeons to meet patients’ expectations while adhering to professional standards.

The case in question involved a body reshaping procedure where the surgeon’s deviation from accepted medical standards tragically resulted in the patient’s death. The court clarified that surgeons are liable if the outcome falls short due to negligence, even with patient consent, and warned against the use of risky methods disproportionate to the intended results.

The ruling also confirmed that decisions by the Supreme Committee for Medical Liability are subject to judicial review, ensuring accountability in cases of medical error.

In addition, the presiding judge encouraged lawmakers to introduce clearer regulations to minimise risks and errors in cosmetic procedures, reinforcing patient safety and professional responsibility.

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In a major boost for aspiring medical students, especially those facing financial challenges, Aster DM Healthcare has launched a new scholarship programme offering 100% tuition fee waivers for MBBS, BSc Nursing, and BPharm courses. Designed to support 25 deserving students every year, the initiative opens doors to high-quality medical education at no cost, removing a key financial barrier for many talented individuals across India and the UAE

The Dr. Moopen’s Legacy Scholarship & Fellowships Programme, announced by Padma Shri Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, is the first of its kind from a private medical college in Kerala, and promises to transform access to healthcare education in underserved regions.

“No capable student should have to give up on a dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist because they cannot afford it,” said Dr. Moopen. “This initiative is our commitment to changing that.”

Scholarship Details:

• 5 MBBS students will be selected based entirely on academic merit, including NEET rankings.
• 10 BSc Nursing and 10 BPharm students will be chosen based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.
• The scholarship will cover 100% of tuition fees.
• Over five years, 125 students are expected to benefit, with a financial commitment exceeding INR 3 crore annually.

Applications open on July 28, 2025, and detailed eligibility guidelines are available at www.dmscholarship.in.

Public sector workers in Dubai can look forward to shorter workweeks and more time off this summer as part of the newly expanded ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced.

Running from July 1 to September 12, 2025, the initiative allows government employees the option of a four-day workweek or reduced Friday hours, depending on the schedule adopted by their respective government entity.

How the flexible schedule works

Under the new scheme, employees will be divided into two groups:

• Group 1: Work 8 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday off
• Group 2: Work 7 hours from Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday

The aim is to offer greater flexibility and improved work-life balance, while ensuring that public services continue without disruption. Each government department can choose how best to implement the new schedule.

Last year, the employee happiness rate was 98 per cent

The initiative follows the successful pilot phase conducted last year across 21 government entities, where the new summer schedule led to higher productivity, stronger team morale, and a whopping 98 per cent satisfaction rate among employees.

Assessments conducted as part of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme also reported improved operational efficiency and better overall performance from participating departments.

Part of the ‘Year of Community’

The summer workweek initiative aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’, reflecting a broader push to create a more balanced, family-friendly and people-first work environment.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, said the initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to putting people at the centre of government strategy.

“This builds on last year’s success and demonstrates our ongoing efforts to support employee wellbeing, institutional performance and flexible, sustainable public service,” he said.

A people-first government model

The Dubai Government said the expansion of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ represents a strategic step towards a more progressive and human-centric public sector, strengthening family bonds and social cohesion while maintaining service excellence.

Employees and departments are encouraged to work collaboratively to ensure smooth implementation during the summer period.