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Dr Zulekha Daud, Founder of the Zulekha Healthcare Group, who is believed to be the first female practicing doctor in the country. Image Credit: Supplied

Dubai: Dr Zulekha Daud, founder and chairperson, Zulekha Healthcare Group, Taher Shams, managing director and Zanubia Shams, co-chairperson, of the group have received the 10-year Gold Card residency visa.

“The UAE and its leaders have been very benevolent and supported all our endeavors since 1963 to date, because of which we have been successful in establishing a world-class healthcare system and built on developing it further at various stages," said Dr Zulekha.

"This has been my home for decades and we are privileged to be a part of this progressing nation and playing a key role in the wellbeing of the UAE residents as healthcare pioneers. I am grateful for the long-term visa privilege given to us.

Who is Mama Zulekha?

"This makes us more responsible for the nation’s well-being as healthcare professionals and we will do our best,” she added.

Zulekha Daud
Dr Zulekha with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Image Credit: Supplied

Dr. Zulekha Daud came to work in Sharjah in the early 1960s.  Prior to this, she worked at the American Mission Hospital in Kuwait.

In 1992, she set up the first private hospital in Sharjah – the Zulekha Hospital.

On January 23 2019, Dr. Zulekha was awarded India's top most honors for overseas Indians – the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award

Between two hospitals in Sharjah and Dubai, three medical centers across emirates, the Zulekha Group treats 550,000 people annually