Cancer patients in the UAE will soon have access to one of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world, right here in Dubai.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has given the green light to Yas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Das Holding, to build the UAE’s first proton therapy centre. This cutting-edge facility is expected to open by the end of 2028, with construction starting in early 2026.

What is Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is a type of highly precise radiation treatment that uses targeted beams to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. It’s especially effective for:

• Children with cancer
• Tumours located near sensitive organs like the brain, spine, or eyes
• Patients needing treatment with fewer side effects

Until now, many UAE residents had to travel abroad, sometimes for months, to access this treatment. But with the new Yas Proton Therapy Centre in Dubai, patients will receive world-class care here.

Why It Matters for Patients and Families

Dr. Mohamad Zaki, Medical Director of Yas Healthcare, said the new centre will make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable, especially for young patients and those with complex cases.

“Proton therapy provides a treatment option with fewer side effects and lower toxicity for certain cancer types,” he explained.

For families, this means:

• Less emotional and financial stress from travelling overseas
• Faster access to advanced treatment
• Better chances of recovery with minimal disruption to daily life

Global Expertise, Local Impact

The project will be developed in collaboration with the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Their team will bring world-class knowledge to ensure the centre meets international standards in both safety and results.

Dr. Michael Wang from the NCCS shared, “Proton therapy is changing how we treat cancer, and now UAE patients will benefit from it too.”

A Vision for Healthier Lives in Dubai

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali of DHA said the centre is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to become one of the top 10 cities in the world for healthy life expectancy.
“This new facility will improve cancer care for our community and attract patients from across the region,” he said.

The project supports major UAE initiatives including the:

• National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031
• Dubai Social Agenda 33
• Dubai Economic Agenda D33
• Dubai Medical Tourism Vision

Starting end of July 2025, a new public health law will take effect in Dubai, bringing sweeping changes to workplace and residency medical exams, driver’s licence regulations, and healthcare services.

Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Law No. (5) of 2025 aims to protect and enhance public health in Dubai, addressing everything from family well-being and adolescent health to elderly care and substance abuse prevention.

Key Changes Coming Your Way

1. New Rules for Medical Exams
Expect updated regulations for:

• Pre-employment screenings
• Residency and visa-related medicals
• Driving licence and professional driver’s permits
• Issuance of professional health cards

2. Support for Youth and Elderly Health

• Focus on the mental and physical health of adolescents
• Action against risky behaviours among youth
• Integrated healthcare for seniors, with a focus on accessibility

3. Family Health First
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will roll out:

• Maternal health and birth spacing education
• Child immunisation campaigns
• Premarital screening for hereditary conditions
• Family nutrition and wellness programs

4. Workplace & Community Awareness
DHA will lead awareness drives on:

• Healthy lifestyle habits
• Disease prevention & regular screenings
• Risks of psychoactive substance abuse

5. Backing Medical Research & Patient Rights
The law also mandates:

• Stronger support for medical research
• Clear patient rights and privacy frameworks
• Stricter protocols for malpractice prevention

Penalties for Violations

Violators of the new public health law face fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh1 million. Repeat offences could lead to penalties as high as Dh2 million.

The Bigger Goal

This law isn’t just about regulation, it’s about building a healthier, more resilient Dubai. It encourages residents, businesses, and healthcare providers to share responsibility in making Dubai a global model for preventive healthcare and sustainable well-being.

Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, UAE, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations that cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. 

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.