Dh300m raised for cancer charity hospital by Al Jalila Foundation

Al Jalila Foundation has raised Dh300 million ($81.6m) for the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital.

Described as “the UAE’s first charity hospital that seeks to help cancer patients in need”, it is due to open in Dubai in 2023.

The hospital will provide outpatient, ambulatory and diagnostic services, as well as inpatient and surgical treatment.

About 4,500 cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in the UAE, and it is the third most common cause of death in the country.

Patients will be accepted from all emirates.

Al Jalila Foundation aims to raise Dh750 million for the 250-bed hospital, which is expected to be able to treat up to 30,000 patients a year.

The hospital will also work with the Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute to advance cancer care.

“The hospital is set to become a leader in cancer care, and we are immensely grateful to the philanthropic community for their contributions, which are helping us in realising our objective of making quality health care accessible to the most vulnerable in society,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of the board of trustees at the Al Jalila Foundation.

“The development of the Hamdan bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital stems from our vision to provide truly inclusive healthcare services and the high priority we place on the well-being of the UAE’s citizens and residents.”

The hospital was named in honour of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, who was Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The centre was announced in April by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who said it would be a fitting tribute to his brother.

Sheikh Hamdan was appointed Minister of Finance after the formation of the country in December 1971 and held the post until his death in March.

He was in his mid-70s.