The UAE is preparing for one of its biggest healthcare transformations yet after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the adoption of a comprehensive national healthcare system covering citizens across all emirates.

The new framework includes a fully integrated national health insurance scheme designed to guarantee access to medical care and health services for every citizen.

New era for healthcare

Officials said the move reflects the UAE leadership’s long-term vision of building an advanced healthcare sector focused on:

• Universal healthcare access
• Preventive medicine
• Digital transformation
• Innovation
• Sustainable health services

The initiative aims to create a fully integrated healthcare model capable of improving efficiency, strengthening sector readiness and ensuring healthcare sustainability for future generations.

Focus on prevention and innovation

According to authorities, the system is designed around international best practices and modern healthcare standards, with strong emphasis on:

• Public health
• Smart digital health platforms
• Long-term health outcomes
• Resource efficiency across all emirates

Health is a national priority

Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, described the directive as part of a national vision placing human health and quality of life at the centre of the country’s development journey.

He said the UAE continues advancing healthcare systems built on:

• Prevention
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Expanded access to medical services

Integrated healthcare 

Officials also highlighted that the UAE already operates through a strong federal and local healthcare model supported by:

• Advanced medical infrastructure
• Connected digital healthcare systems
• Ongoing investment in healthcare quality and accessibility

The new healthcare system is expected to further strengthen integration between health services while improving resilience and long-term care outcomes for citizens at every stage of life.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre have announced a massive new wave of infrastructure projects worth Dh55 billion across Abu Dhabi.

The projects, scheduled across 2026 and 2027, will introduce new roads, schools, healthcare centres, flood control systems and community facilities as the capital continues its rapid expansion.

Dh35 billion allocated to roads and transport

The biggest share of the investment is going into transport infrastructure, with around Dh35 billion earmarked for 11 major road developments.

Plans include:

• More than 300km of new roads
• Upgrades to tunnels and intersections
• Expanded traffic networks across the emirate
• Improved connectivity to key residential and commercial areas

For residents navigating heavy traffic around areas such as Yas Island and central Abu Dhabi, the upgrades are expected to ease congestion and improve travel times.

New schools, healthcare and sports facilities planned

The remaining Dh9 billion will focus on social infrastructure projects aimed at improving daily life for residents.

The plans include:

• New schools and universities
• Specialised healthcare centres
• Sports and recreational facilities
• Community-focused infrastructure developments

Officials said several earlier public-private partnership projects in Abu Dhabi, including Zayed City Schools and the emirate’s LED road lighting programme, have already received regional industry recognition.

Flood control and drainage systems upgrade

Another Dh11 billion will be invested into water infrastructure projects, including:

• Stormwater drainage systems
• Flood prevention networks
• Water storage facilities
• New dams and flood control infrastructure

The move comes after severe weather and flooding events across the UAE over the past year pushed drainage and climate resilience higher up the national agenda.

The latest announcement signals Abu Dhabi’s continued push to modernise infrastructure, support population growth and strengthen quality of life across the emirate.

Dubai Police has warned residents to stay alert against fake Hajj and Umrah campaigns circulating online ahead of the pilgrimage season.

The force’s Anti-Fraud Centre issued the warning as part of its ongoing ‘Be Aware of Fraud’ campaign, following a rise in fraudulent social media advertisements and fake travel offers targeting worshippers planning to perform Hajj or Umrah.

Fake offers and ‘guaranteed’ visas

According to Dubai Police, scammers are promoting fake pilgrimage packages through websites and social media platforms using:

• Deeply discounted prices
• Fake ‘guaranteed’ Hajj bookings
• False promises of urgent visas and permits
• Professional-looking websites and copied company logos

Victims are often asked to transfer advance payments to secure bookings, only for the fraudsters to disappear without providing any legitimate service.

Authorities said these types of scams typically increase in the weeks leading up to Hajj and Umrah, as residents search online for affordable travel deals and last-minute packages.

Fraudsters reportedly create fake accounts impersonating legitimate travel agencies and licensed operators to make their offers appear genuine.

Dubai Police urge residents to verify operators

Dubai Police stressed the importance of booking only through officially licensed and approved Hajj and Umrah operators authorised by the relevant authorities.

Residents are also warned against sharing personal or banking information with unknown entities online, regardless of how attractive the offers may seem.

Safety tips for residents

• Verify the travel agency’s licence and registration
• Avoid deals that seem unusually cheap
• Do not transfer money to personal bank accounts
• Double-check websites and social media pages
• Use official channels for Hajj and Umrah bookings