UAE Integrative Medicine Council Forges Strategic Partnerships to Advance Healthcare Innovation
The UAE Integrative Medicine Council has signed eight significant memoranda of understanding with leading academic, research and healthcare institutions, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to evidence-based integrative medicine and the development of a sophisticated healthcare ecosystem.
The UAE Integrative Medicine Council has established eight strategic partnerships with prestigious academic, research and healthcare organisations, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global leader in advancing integrative medicine. These memoranda of understanding, formalised during the Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, represent a coordinated commitment to translating the UAE Integrative Medicine Strategy into tangible initiatives spanning education, research innovation and clinical integration.
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, emphasised that the agreements embody a shared vision for strengthening healthcare through evidence-informed practice. “The memoranda of understanding reflect the Council and its partners’ shared commitment to advancing the future of integrative medicine and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in shaping a more integrated, evidence-informed approach to healthcare,” she stated, highlighting the essential role of coordinated efforts across education, training, scientific research and clinical practice in establishing a resilient integrative medicine ecosystem.
Advancing Herbal and Traditional Medicine
A collaborative agreement unites the UAEIMC, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, Khalifa University Enterprises Company, Mubadala Foundation and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an. This partnership will advance herbal and Emirati Traditional Medicine through rigorous research, clinical studies and professional education, enhanced by artificial intelligence and digital solutions alongside specialised care models and community initiatives.
The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi will undertake comprehensive research studies to scientifically validate integrative medicine practices, drawing upon its extensive research, clinical and laboratory capabilities to evaluate safety and effectiveness whilst establishing how resulting evidence can inform responsible clinical integration.
Integrated Healthcare Models
Partnerships with PureHealth and M42 support the development of comprehensive integrated care models. PureHealth will design and pilot priority services and care pathways within healthcare institutions, exploring mechanisms to enhance access and insurance coverage, whilst M42 will leverage expertise in data analytics, digital technologies and artificial intelligence to support innovative integration solutions and outcome evaluation.
Educational and Professional Development
Four separate agreements establish an integrated educational ecosystem and cultivate national talent for leadership in the sector. United Arab Emirates University will develop integrative medicine education and training pathways alongside joint research and evidence generation. Beyond Education, a subsidiary of Khalifa University Enterprises Company, will design specialised vocational programmes incorporating curricula, courseware and continuing professional development grounded in scientifically documented knowledge of UAE medicinal plants and traditional practices.
Dubai Medical University will support academic and professional education alongside research into natural products and traditional knowledge, whilst Virginia University of Integrative Medicine will advance acupuncture education through structured clinical training, certification and evidence generation protocols.
Source: WAM
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