Abu Dhabi's Burjeel to build specialist oncology network in GCC

Dubai: The Abu Dhabi based Burjeel Holdings has confirmed plans to build a network of specialist healthcare facilities for cancer radiation treatments.

This comes after Burjeel bought 80% in Dubai-based Advanced Care Oncology Center (ACOC), which specializes in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and chemotherapy services.

Burjeel has the option to buy the remaining 20% at a later date.

But before that, the company aims to build on ACOC's expertise to create a network across the GCC to offer 'accessible and advanced oncology treatment'.

The ACOC 80% stake was bought for Dh92 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, and with the option to acquire the other 20%.

In 2024, ACOC's revenues were Dh64 million. Its founder and CEO, Bashir Abou Reslan, retains a 10% stake and will continue to lead the operations. (The remaining 10% continues to be held by Raphael Khlat Middle East FZCO.)

The Abu Dhabi healthcare group already has the Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI), one of the UAE’s bigger cancer care networks and with facilities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Sharjah and Dubai. It provides surgical oncology, immunotherapy, robotic surgery, and bone marrow transplants. The integration of ACOC into Burjeel will 'ensure a streamlined and efficient care pathway, where referrals are directed toward highly specialized treatments'.

"We will bring accessible, high-quality radiation oncology services closer to patients, significantly enhancing cancer care outcomes across the region," said John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

"This network will not only support early intervention and treatment but will also connect seamlessly with the Burjeel Cancer Institute for advanced therapies.”

According to Burjeel, cancer cases in the region could grow by about 50% over the next two decades, driven by 'similar demographic and lifestyle trends'.

"The region faces a critical shortage of cancer care infrastructure to manage the growing cases, leading to substantial unmet demand for specialized oncology services," said the statement. "This highlights the immense potential for Burjeel Holdings to expand its oncology platform, ensuring timely and effective cancer treatments to meet regional healthcare needs."