The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has designated three facilities as Oncology Centers of Excellence for Breast Cancer, aiming to strengthen specialized care across the emirate.
Three Facilities Recognized for Specialized Care
Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and SEHA Tawam Hospital now hold the designation, acknowledging their advanced capabilities in delivering coordinated breast cancer treatment that meets international standards.
Breast cancer remains among the most common cancers affecting women in the UAE. The Department of Health noted an 85% rise in early screening rates over the past year, reflecting broader preventive efforts across Abu Dhabi.
The newly designated centers are expected to ensure timely diagnosis, access to advanced therapies, and integrated care spanning consultation, imaging, surgery, rehabilitation, and survivorship support.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, described the move as a milestone in building a healthcare ecosystem rooted in quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
“By expanding access to trusted, high-quality specialized services, we are empowering our communities to receive the care they need,” she said, adding that the initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s goal of becoming a global destination for healthcare.
Capabilities and Technologies Across the Centers
Burjeel Cancer Institute earned its recognition for its One-Step Breast Clinic, which consolidates consultation, imaging, biopsy, pathology review, and treatment planning within 24 hours.
The institute also offers Contrast-Enhanced Mammography, the GCC region’s only NOVALIS-accredited radiation oncology program, and advanced oncoplastic and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
A UAE-wide mobile mammography program supports outreach and education, while ongoing research contributes to expanding treatment options available locally.
Professor Humaid Bin Harmal Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Cancer Institute, emphasized the center’s focus on placing patients at the center of every decision, enabling faster access to accurate diagnosis and the latest treatments.
“We are proud to receive this recognition from the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, which reinforces our commitment to continuing to invest in innovation, scientific research and the advancement of specialized care,” he said.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was recognized for managing a high volume of complex cases through a multidisciplinary model staffed by internationally trained specialists.
The facility’s offerings include robotic and endoscopic breast surgery, axillary and lymphatic-preserving procedures, and advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Regional anesthesia protocols support faster patient recovery, while diagnostic infrastructure includes PET-based imaging, MRI-guided biopsy, and in-house HER-2 FISH testing.
It also operates the UAE’s only AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy system with real-time daily replanning, alongside therapeutic clinical trials.
SEHA Tawam Hospital brings its status as the first UAE facility internationally accredited through the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
As a national and regional referral hub, the hospital employs the Brevera Breast Biopsy System, artificial intelligence-enabled digital mammography, and precision radiation therapies including CyberKnife and RapidArc.
Its research ecosystem includes active participation in international clinical trials and globally recognized accreditations.
Dr. Sultan Mohamed Abdulrahman Mohamed Alkaram, Chief Executive Officer, Al Ain Region at SEHA, said the designation reflects years of commitment to specialized, multidisciplinary cancer care supported by advanced technologies and evidence-based practices.
The Department of Health conducts rigorous assessments using six key indicators: clinical outcomes, patient experience, patient safety and medical service quality, staff competency levels, and medical education, research, and residency program strategies.
Advancing Regional Cancer Care Standards
The coordinated model across the three centers emphasizes timely intervention and integrated support spanning diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship care.
