The picture of the week
UAE National Public Health Strategy 2026–2031, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Khalifa Elmusharaf - GFMER Coordinator for Sudan
2026-07-15
Over the past two days, I joined colleagues from government, academia, healthcare, and other sectors to contribute to discussions on the UAE National Public Health Strategy 2026–2031.
The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to an important national conversation on the future of public health in the UAE.
A particular highlight was the launch of the HealthyUAE vision by His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention. The vision sets an ambitious direction for the future of health in the UAE and reflects the country's aspiration to play an increasingly important role in advancing health, locally, regionally and globally.
The workshop also marked the beginning of discussions on the UAE National Public Health Strategy 2026–2031 under the strategic leadership of H.E. Dr. Hussain Alrand, with excellent coordination by Dr. Taiba Mohammed Al-Awadi and colleagues at the Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE. It was encouraging to see experts from different sectors working together around a shared ambition.
One reflection I took away from these discussions is that achieving this vision will depend not only on strong policies, innovation, and technology, but also on investing in people. A strong PublicHealth system requires a skilled public health workforce with the knowledge, leadership, and ability to translate evidence into action.
The HealthyUAE vision also presents an exciting opportunity to further strengthen the UAE's role as a regional and global centre for public health education, workforce development, and leadership.
With its ambitious vision, international outlook, and commitment to excellence, the UAE is well placed to help develop the next generation of PublicHealth professionals who will contribute not only to the UAE, but also to the wider region and beyond.
At the University of Birmingham Dubai, we are proud to support this national ambition through education, research, and partnership. Through our Master of Public Health programme, executive education, applied research, and collaboration with government and international organisations, we are committed to developing future public health leaders and generating evidence that supports better policy and practice. Universities have an important role to play as long-term partners in turning national ambitions into sustainable impact.
My sincere thanks to the Ministry of Health and Prevention for the invitation and for bringing together such a diverse group of colleagues. I look forward to seeing the Healthy UAE vision and the National Public Health Strategy evolve over the coming years, and to continuing to contribute, together with many partners, to this important national journey.