From Abu Dhabi to Africa: UAE-made lifesaving container hospital brings care where it’s needed most

Abu Dhabi: ‘Made in UAE’ shipping containers will soon be transformed into fully equipped mobile hospitals, as part of a groundbreaking healthcare logistics venture between AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi-based Burjeel Holdings.

Unveiled at the Make it in the Emirates forum, the initiative called DOCKTOUR (a blend of ‘dock’, ‘tour’ and ‘doctor’) aims to deliver cost-effective and scalable healthcare solutions across Africa. The platform will support modular hospitals and clinics, and full-service medical infrastructure, including field hospitals and permanent facilities.

Modular medical units

With a logistics-first approach, DOCKTOUR is set to modernise healthcare delivery in underserved regions by streamlining supply chains and accelerating deployment of modular medical units. It integrates logistics, modular infrastructure, training and emergency response into a single ecosystem.

The launch was attended by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; and Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings.

AD Ports Group, with its extensive portfolio of port terminals, economic zones, and logistics assets across Egypt, Congo-Brazzaville, Angola, and Tanzania, joins forces with Burjeel Holdings, which has been delivering healthcare projects and supporting health systems in South Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, Chad, and Somalia.

Practical, scalable solution
“This is a practical, scalable solution to a growing need,” said Captain Al Shamisi. “It reflects our shared commitment to supporting resilient, community-focused healthcare systems across Africa, in line with our wise leadership vision.”

DOCKTOUR will supplement Burjeel’s operations and management subsidiary, Operonix, which manages major healthcare projects across Africa.
The platform will also provide emergency response capabilities by ensuring the timely delivery of critical healthcare logistics, support local capacity-building through clinical training programmes, implement data-driven inventory and logistics systems to minimise delays and bridge service gaps across the region.

New model of impact
“This is a new model of impact,” said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil. “It integrates advanced clinical systems with robust logistics and operational scale. Our aim is to bring care, along with stability, readiness, and partnership, to the regions that need it most.”

Plans are underway to establish medical offices in AD Ports Group’s African network to support services such as medical logistics and medical tourism. DOCKTOUR will collaborate with governments, health authorities, and humanitarian agencies to extend its reach.

Maternal, child care

In partnership with national health ministries, international NGOs, and UAE-led humanitarian initiatives, DOCKTOUR will enable rapid emergency logistics, deliver care during disease outbreaks and crises, and support long-term community health initiatives, including maternal and child care, vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, and mobile health education.