Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is set for a major transformation, with the announcement of a Dh1.3 billion development plan for its Phase 1 zone, a project designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global healthcare and investment hub.

The expansion will feature a LEED Platinum-certified office tower, a state-of-the-art medical complex, and upgraded infrastructure built to support long-term growth and innovation in the healthcare sector.

Issam Galadari, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said the initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, emphasising the integration of sustainability, smart design, and innovation across the city’s medical ecosystem.

The upcoming 13,000-square-metre office tower, spanning nine floors and three basement levels, will provide flexible commercial spaces designed to meet international sustainability standards. Meanwhile, the 5,800-square-metre medical complex will include surgical centres, laboratories, diagnostics, and outpatient facilities, all built for future adaptability.

Supporting developments will include Salik-integrated smart car parks with EV charging stations and full accessibility features.

Construction is set to begin in December 2025, with completion expected by November 2027.

The UAE is about to take a giant leap in healthcare and urban transport with its first hospital air taxi hub. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Archer Aviation, will convert its existing helipad so both helicopters and electric air taxis can take off and land, a dual-use vertiport.

This means patients, visitors, and even urgent medical shipments like donor organs can travel within minutes, cutting down long car journeys that can take up to 90 minutes to just 10–30 minutes.

Faster Travel for Patients and Visitors

The new hub will use Archer’s electric aircraft, Midnight, a four-passenger plane that is quieter and produces less pollution than traditional helicopters. It’s designed for short trips, so patients can reach nearby destinations quickly or fly between hospitals when time is critical.

Building on Abu Dhabi’s Air Taxi Network

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi tested flying taxis at the Cruise Terminal, where pilotless electric aircraft successfully took off, landed, and cruised above the marina. The Cleveland Clinic hub will expand this network, making it the first hospital in the UAE with its own air taxi service.

When Can You Expect Flights?

Archer plans to launch passenger flights in Abu Dhabi later this year, working with Abu Dhabi Aviation for pilot training, operations, and community awareness. Midnight aircraft are designed for rapid back-to-back flights, meaning short waits between trips.

A Glimpse Into the Future

This hospital air taxi hub shows how the UAE is combining healthcare, technology, and smart urban mobility. Residents and patients can soon expect quicker, cleaner, and quieter travel, marking a new chapter in how people move across the emirates.

The Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) has kicked off its annual Pink October campaign with record-breaking turnout, offering free breast cancer screenings across more than 86 locations throughout the UAE this month.

The month-long initiative, running through October 31, provides complimentary clinical examinations, mammograms, and ultrasound screenings at eight fixed clinics and multiple mobile units strategically positioned across all seven emirates.

Unprecedented Access to Early Detection

The campaign aims to make early detection accessible to citizens and residents of all nationalities and age groups.

The eight permanent clinics, operating daily from 4 pm to 10 pm (except Khorfakkan, 10 am-4 pm), are located at high-traffic venues including Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi, City Walk in Dubai, and shopping destinations in Al Ain, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Corporate and Community Engagement

Breaking new ground in workplace wellness, the Pink Caravan is offering companies the opportunity to book mobile clinics for on-site employee screenings. Female employees aged 40 and above can receive mammogram screenings, while clinical breast examinations are available for all staff aged 20 and above, regardless of gender.

The campaign’s highlight is the second annual community event at Aljada, Sharjah (October 10-12), featuring free screenings alongside family entertainment, play zones, competitions, and sporting activities.

Additional community events include:

• Battle Cancer Challenge at The Seven Stadium, Dubai (October 25)
• Pink Tour with Los Habibies at Dubai Expo City (October 12)
• Ride with Rixos cycling event along Abu Dhabi Corniche (October 18)

Strategic Partnerships Drive Success

The initiative is supported by leading medical institutions, including Advanced Care Oncology Centre, Emirates Hospital Group, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital, and University Hospital Sharjah, ensuring high-quality screening services across all locations.

Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, emphasised that Sharjah continues to solidify its leadership role in health and humanitarian initiatives, aligning with the UAE’s national commitment to prioritising public health.

FOCP’s Pink Shop also offers awareness merchandise, with all proceeds supporting cancer patients and their families.

For more information on clinic locations, booking corporate services, or participating in community events, visit the Pink Caravan website or contact FOCP directly.