Dubai: The second phase of the Dubai Healthcare City (DHC) project was launched yesterday (Wednesday) by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The project will be carried out in a space of 22 million square feet and at a cost of Dh3 billion to Dh5 billion.
Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were briefed on the details of the project by Raja Eisa Al Gurg, Deputy Chairperson of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.
Raja pointed out that the second phase is in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, contributing to elevating the UAE’s status, developing its national economy and human resources. She added that the project will also enhance the UAE’s fine reputation as an investment destination in the field of health care and medical tourism.
Raja indicated that out of the total land space, 25 per cent has been allocated for medical services, 25 per cent for hospitality and retail with a focus on the medical education aspect. She added that 35km has been allocated for pedestrian crossings and bicycle and jogging tracks to ensure the availability of a healthy environment for daily activities and sports.
The second phase will include the Nashami project that will stretch over a space of 2.4 million square feet with the capacity to receive 20,000 people. It will include retail stores, hospitality and leisure facilities, as well as 3.3 million square feet of rehabilitation facilities that will overlook a waterfront.
During the ceremony launching the second phase of the project, Shaikh Mohammad received Mohammad Ayoub, an Emirati child who has been successfully treated by specialised doctors in DHC for a leg deformity that prevented him from walking. Shaikh Mohammad congratulated the child on his recovery and wished him success in the future.
Shaikh Mohammad was also briefed on the infrastructure of the second phase and future DHC projects that will be carried out over the course of the next five years. Future projects include the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum College for Medical Sciences and Dentistry, an advanced first aid section, and others.
Shaikh Mohammad expressed his satisfaction with the launch of the second phase of the DHC project, and praised the level of the teaching and training cadres. He pointed out the capability of the DHC board, chaired by Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, Wife of Shaikh Mohammad, in keeping abreast with developments in the field of medical research and studies, and attracting global experts to bolster the march and status of DHC in international medical and academic circles. Shaikh Mohammad wished those in charge of implementing the project success in their endeavours, and urged them to take into consideration the health and safety of people, which contributes to stability, and social, economic and human development.
Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, were present.
