How midwifery steered an Emirati woman to head Dubai's Latifa Hospital
Meet a pioneer in her own right, Khadija Al Sulaimi, who shares her inspiring story
Dubai: Latifa Hospital in Dubai is considered a global benchmark when it comes to medical care for women and children. Every year, it enables thousands of safe deliveries, successfully handles critical cases and boasts one of the largest neonatal and premature neonatal intensive care units in the region.
At the helm of the institution’s affairs is Khadija Al Sulaimi, who says it is a “privilege and honour” to serve at the landmark hospital.
A trained midwife and nurse by profession, she says, “It is a testament to the dedication and hard work I have put into my nursing career. As a nursing professional, it is incredibly fulfilling to have the opportunity to contribute to the leadership and management of a healthcare institution and make a positive impact on patient and women care and outcomes.”
Her role, as she explains, entails overseeing the overall operations and management of the hospital. “I work closely with the healthcare team to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care, adherence to safety protocols, and efficient resource utilisation. I also collaborate with other stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives and promote continuous improvement in healthcare services,” adds the acting Director of the hospital.
Making a difference
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Khadija hails from a close-knit traditional family. The eldest child of her parents, she says, “My father worked in the Air Force and my mother is a housewife. I am proud to have had a very supportive family.”
From a young age at school, Khadija was drawn to the medical field. She was fascinated with the functioning of the human body. “Science classes were my favourite, I loved going to the hospital, and would go along with my mother on all her antenatal visits in Al Cornishe Hospital. I loved toying with syringes and would be quick to browse through medical books, watch documentaries about healthcare and X files movies. My passion for understanding the intricacies of health and wellness was undeniable,” she confesses.
“But it wasn’t just the science that intrigued me; it was the idea of wanting to make a tangible difference in people’s lives that truly captivated me,” she adds.
True calling
The concept of nursing sat well within this prism. As a profession, it resonated with her values and aspirations. “But choosing nursing was not an easy decision. At the time, there were societal expectations and cultural norms that often steered young women away from careers in healthcare,” she recalls.
“However, I was fortunate to have a supportive family who believed in my dreams and encouraged me to follow my passion. I knew that by pursuing nursing, I could not only fulfill my own aspirations but also pave the way for future generations of Emiratis to enter the field,” she adds.
She says in the early years, the uptake of nursing among Emiratis was slow. “One of the main reasons was the lack of awareness and understanding of the nursing profession. Also, because of cultural perceptions and societal expectations, Emirati youth were drawn to other career paths. But there has been a positive shift in recent years because of supportive initiatives by healthcare institutions and the government. There is clear roadmap strategy and a recognition of the valuable role nurses play in healthcare delivery. The availability of educational opportunities and scholarships specific to nursing and midwifery have also helped,” she notes.
When she herself enrolled into a nursing programme, she says she did it with unwavering determination. “The rigorous academic and practical training was challenging, but each step reinforced my commitment to the profession. The more I learned, the more I realised the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system. My experiences during clinical rotations, where I interacted with patients from various walks of life solidified my belief that nursing was my true calling.”
Specialisation in midwifery
Once Khadija obtained the necessary qualifications and certifications in nursing, she chose to specialise in midwifery. “Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. I have also been fortunate to receive support and guidance from mentors and colleagues, which has contributed to my growth in the field,” she feels.
She says when she reflects on her journey, it is filled with memorable experiences, whether it was her role in leading a team to save a patient’s life in ER; witnessing the recovery of a critical patient who was under her care; or participating in delivering a primi women without interventions.
Outside of work, Khadija’s varied interests help her to maintain a work-life balance. “I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also have a passion for photography and love capturing moments and the beauty of nature through my lens. Additionally, I love baking, it helps me distress, just like reading and exploring new places.”