- The programme has trained over 315 PureHealth employees to date, including the third and largest cohort in 2025
- This year’s graduating cohort reflects the programme’s expanding impact in developing healthcare leaders and PureHealth’s strategic investment in unlocking the full potential of Emirati talent
Abu Dhabi, UAE. 24 October 2025 — PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has announced the graduation of 146 UAE Nationals including the third cohort of its Emirati Development Center (EDC) Leaders Programme. As one of the most comprehensive and inclusive Emirati development platforms in the UAE, EDC is shaping the next generation of local talent to lead the transformation of the healthcare sector with innovation and excellence.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH); Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth; Prof. Deborah McNamara, President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Rashed Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, who addressed the graduating cohort with an inspiring opening speech, recognising their dedication and commitment. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in PureHealth’s long-term commitment to Emiratisation and its mission to build a future-ready healthcare workforce powered by UAE Nationals. The programme has upskilled over 317 PureHealth employees to date, with the graduation of the third and largest cohort this year, reflecting PureHealth’s strategic investment towards growing Emirati leadership and unlocking the full potential of local talent.
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering Emirati talent, the foundation of our nation’s progress. As the Emirate advances its ambitious vision to shape world-class, innovative healthcare, our esteemed partners at PureHealth play a vital role in developing local capabilities and championing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Together with our strategic partners, DoH continues to foster a thriving environment that unlocks the potential of every Emirati, ensuring they are equipped to excel and drive the future of healthcare in the Emirate. Congratulations to the exceptional graduates. Their achievements reflect the limitless possibilities created when ambition meets opportunity within Abu Dhabi’s world-class healthcare sector, proudly leading us forward to a healthier future.”
Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, commented: “Built on the pillars of innovation, excellence and national pride, we congratulate the future leaders who have graduated today. This programme has been uniquely designed to identify talent, support their growth and prepare them for leadership roles. Each cohort represents progress, and we celebrate the dedication and growth of 146 individuals who reflect UAE’s commitment to excellence, which is an inspiration to the world. What we have seen is a group of leaders who are ready to champion national and regional success. We are proud of what they have achieved and even more proud of how their learnings will go on to make world-class healthcare more accessible to all.”
The EDC offers distinctive pathways and comprehensive learning experiences that are designed to promote personal and professional growth of individuals. Participants undergo a tailored learning journey through their Individual Development Plans, which are aligned with the organisation’s objectives. Their journey is supported by various mentorship modules, real-world projects, and cross-functional, on-the-job training in key areas like leadership, business acumen, research & innovation, and strategy.
As the UAE accelerates its efforts towards building a diversified, sustainable, and knowledge-based economy, developing national leadership in healthcare remains a strategic priority. The Emirati Development Center reflects PureHealth’s contribution to this goal, preparing local talent to take on meaningful roles and drive lasting impact. In line with the UAE Economic Vision 2030, the EDC continues to support Emiratis who are visionaries of the healthcare system and ready to build a healthcare leadership legacy in the UAE.
About PureHealth:
PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 110+ hospitals, 316+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.
PureHealth’s network comprises:
- SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
- Daman (The National Insurance Company) – The UAE’s leading health insurer
- The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
- Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
- PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
- One Health – A network thatprovides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
- The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
- Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
- Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK
- Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) – The largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus
- PureCS – A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE’s largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae