classification "Newsweek" 2026 places 8 health facilities in Abu Dhabi among the elite specialized hospitals in the Middle East

Abu Dhabi, December 24 / WAM / Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its health system by introducing pioneering regional standards, which was reflected in the entry of eight facilities in the emirate into Newsweek magazine’s classification of the best specialized hospitals in the Middle East for the year 2026, with five of them occupying a prominent position on the list of the ten best facilities in the Middle East region in several specialties.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi tops the list in the Middle East region, ranking first in cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology, and ranks second in oncology.

Four health facilities in Abu Dhabi are among the top ten, including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Burjeel Hospital, and Tawam Hospital. Newsweek’s list of the best specialized hospitals in the Middle East also included MedClinic Airport Road Hospital, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, and NMC Specialty Hospital.

This honor provides clear evidence of the exceptional expertise and advanced capabilities that the emirate enjoys in providing specialized medical care at international standards, which consolidates its leadership position in health excellence worldwide.

These classifications confirm the exceptional clinical results and specialized expertise of the facilities that have been honored and praised for their excellence in providing distinguished care within vital specialties including cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, and pediatrics.

Its entry into this prestigious classification confirms the advanced capabilities of the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi, which is based on patient safety, innovation and clinical excellence.

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said that the Newsweek ranking represents clear proof of the efficiency of the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi, its high capabilities and rich expertise, and at the same time embodies the firm commitment to excellence embodied by our health facilities, praising their dedication to achieving excellence and their keenness to advance the limits of innovation and develop clinical results for the benefit of our society as a whole.

She added: “We are confident that together we can continue to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s regional leadership position in specialized care, as we remain committed to building a smart, flexible, future-ready health system capable of providing the best standards of care to various communities.”

Newsweek’s classification comes in cooperation with Statista, a global data and analytics company, and is considered one of the most reliable international indicators in evaluating hospital quality.

The evaluation also relies on a rigorous methodology that includes expert recommendations from healthcare professionals across the region, in addition to internationally recognized accreditations and certifications, and the application of self-reported patient outcome measures.

By evaluating hospitals across several dimensions, including quality, safety and patient experience, the classification provides a reliable global reference to identify the most prominent leading centers in specialized care.

The honor reflects the continuous efforts to enhance the efficiency of the health system in Abu Dhabi, which is supported by strong regulatory frameworks, clear standards of practice, and close cooperation with health care service providers. By enhancing quality, safety, and clinical performance in various sector operations, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi ensures the sustainability of the efficiency of specialized services, their availability to patients, and their ability to meet their health needs, thus enhancing the emirate’s leading position in health excellence.

For her part, Her Excellency Dr. Faiza Al Yafei, Executive Director of the Healthcare Quality Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said that the centers of excellence continue to create the future of specialized care in Abu Dhabi, and there is no doubt that the exceptional performance of the emirate’s hospitals in the fields of cardiology and neurology was evident in the Newsweek magazine’s honoring, which reflects the depth of clinical expertise and great potential within the integrated health system in Abu Dhabi.

She added that by combining advanced capabilities, multi-disciplinary teams and data-driven information, we are establishing a new phase of medical excellence and expanding Abu Dhabi’s positive footprint in the region and the world.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi points to the continued growth and increasing influence of its accredited centers of excellence, which establish new standards in heart surgery for adults and children, stroke treatment, burn care, and blood-forming stem cell transplantation.

These centers constitute a pivotal pillar of the specialized care scene in Abu Dhabi, and reflect a firm commitment to improving patient outcomes inside and outside the country.

The achievements mentioned in the Newsweek rankings, along with the capabilities of the Centers of Excellence, embody the growing momentum achieved by Abu Dhabi in building one of the most intelligent, integrated and efficient healthcare systems in the world.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi will continue to closely cooperate with its partners in the health sector to enhance specialized care capabilities, support the development of competencies, accelerate the pace of innovation, and ensure support for the wellness and health of every member of society.

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