Abu Dhabi names three Oncology Centres of Excellence for breast cancer care
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has designated Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and SEHA Tawam Hospital as specialised Centres of Excellence, strengthening access to rapid diagnosis, advanced therapies and coordinated, multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment across the emirate.
Three leading centres recognised for specialised breast cancer services
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has conferred Oncology Centre of Excellence status for Breast Cancer on three institutions: Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and SEHA Tawam Hospital. The designations acknowledge each facility’s capacity to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that aligns with the highest clinical standards.
Building on prevention and early detection gains
Breast cancer remains among the most common cancers affecting women in the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, early screening rates rose by 85% over the past year, a metric DoH cites as evidence of the emirate’s emphasis on prevention and timely diagnosis. The Centres of Excellence are intended to complement these efforts by ensuring patients who require specialised treatment can access coordinated care, advanced therapies and rehabilitation services that improve outcomes and survivorship.
What the designations recognise
DoH said the three facilities earned their designations in recognition of “advanced capabilities in delivering world-class breast cancer care and driving excellence in patient outcomes.” Each centre provides end-to-end support spanning timely diagnosis, intervention, access to the latest treatment options, rehabilitation and survivorship, supported by internationally trained, multidisciplinary teams.
Burjeel Cancer Institute: rapid, research-led pathways
Burjeel Cancer Institute has been designated for its specialised breast oncology capabilities anchored by a One-Step Breast Clinic that enables consultation, imaging, biopsy, pathology review and treatment planning within 24 hours, accelerating diagnosis and reducing delays. The institute offers Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM), the GCC region’s only NOVALIS-accredited radiation oncology programme, advanced oncoplastic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, and a UAE-wide mobile mammography programme to deliver screening and education.
Professor Humaid Bin Harmal Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Cancer Institute, said: “This designation represents an important milestone for Burjeel Cancer Institute and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering specialised breast cancer care that meets the highest international standards. We have worked to build a comprehensive care model that places patients at the centre of every decision, enabling faster access to accurate diagnosis, the latest treatment options and advanced technologies, while fostering close collaboration across medical specialties to achieve the best possible outcomes. 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 specialised care. This achievement also reflects our support for Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination for advanced healthcare. Above all, it strengthens our ability to provide a seamless treatment journey that gives patients confidence and hope while helping to improve their quality of life.”
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: high-complexity care and precision therapy
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was recognised for managing a high volume of complex breast cancer cases through a specialised multidisciplinary model. The centre’s oncoplastic expertise includes robotic and endoscopic breast surgery, axillary and lymphatic-preserving procedures, and advanced microsurgical reconstruction, supported by a regional anaesthesia programme to hasten recovery. Its diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure features PET-based imaging, CEM, MRI-guided biopsy, therapeutic clinical trials, the UAE’s only AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy with real-time daily replanning, and in-house HER-2 FISH testing.
Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, Chair of Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Being recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Breast Cancer reflects Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advancing cancer care through innovation, research and multidisciplinary clinical expertise. We remain committed to delivering highly specialised, personalised care for patients with complex conditions, while expanding access to the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Through these efforts, we aim to continue improving patient outcomes both in the UAE and beyond.”
SEHA Tawam Hospital: a regional referral hub with accredited services
SEHA Tawam Hospital, part of PureHealth Group, was the first facility in the UAE to receive international accreditation as a breast cancer centre through the National Accreditation Programme for Breast Centres (NAPBC). It serves as a national and regional tertiary referral hub for complex cases, deploying technologies such as the Brevera Breast Biopsy System, artificial intelligence-enabled contrast-enhanced digital mammography and precision radiation platforms including CyberKnife and RapidArc. The facility also maintains an active research programme and participates in international clinical trials.
Dr. Sultan Mohamed Abdulrahman Mohamed Alkaram, Chief Executive Officer – Al Ain Region at SEHA, said: “We are honoured that SEHA Tawam Hospital has been designated as an Oncology Centre of Excellence for Breast Cancer by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. This recognition reflects SEHA Tawam Hospital’s longstanding commitment to delivering specialised, multidisciplinary cancer care, supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, international accreditations, and a strong research ecosystem. As a national and regional referral centre for complex breast cancer cases, we remain dedicated to providing patients with timely, personalised, and evidence-based care that improves outcomes and supports every stage of their treatment journey.”
Standards and oversight
DoH sets minimum standard requirements for Centre of Excellence designation and evaluates facilities against six key indicators: clinical outcomes, patient experience, patient safety and quality of medical services, levels of employee competency, and the institutions’ medical education, research strategies and residency programmes. Accreditations are also examined to confirm eligibility to receive the CoE title.
The designations affirm Abu Dhabi’s continued investment in specialised healthcare infrastructure and the emirate’s ambition to be a regional hub for advanced clinical care and research.