Dubai: Dubai Medical University (DMU) and the University of Dubai (UD) have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic academic partnership, the first of its kind between the two universities. The announcement was made in the presence of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation, and His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers.

The memorandum was signed by Professor Sherif Khalifa, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Dubai Medical University and Dean of its College of Pharmacy, and Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, in the presence of leaders from both universities.

The agreement gives the universities a practical framework for collaboration through student exchanges and courses taught by faculty from both institutions that bring together health sciences, management and economics. It includes courses in management, health economics and pharmacoeconomic for students in medical and health disciplines. These will help students understand how healthcare institutions are run, develop entrepreneurial skills and turn healthcare innovations into viable services and ventures.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said: “This partnership adds a dimension to health education that has become essential. Healthcare professionals making clinical decisions must understand how those decisions affect patients, the health system, and its human and financial resources. We want graduates with strong scientific foundations, economic awareness and the ability to develop health services that meet the needs of society and contribute to the UAE’s progress.”

H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori said the partnership represents a direct investment in human capital. His Excellency stated: “Health economics plays a vital role in improving healthcare by helping ensure that resources are used efficiently and high-quality care reaches those who need it. It helps balance cost and value, while considering insurance and the pricing of healthcare services and medicines, in a way that supports both quality and lon g-term sustainability. Management and entrepreneurship skills also provide healthcare professionals with practical tools to build strong healthcare institutions.”
Professor Sherif Khalifa said: “We will translate this agreement into clear steps within the academic environment, including student exchanges, jointly taught courses involving faculty from both universities, and the introduction of management, economics and pharmacoeconomics into the learning experience of health sciences students. Our aim is to graduate healthcare professionals who understand the quality, cost and sustainability of care, and who can lead institutions and establish ventures that serve the sector.”

Dr Eesa Al Bastaki said: “This collaboration brings together the University of Dubai’s expertise in economics, management and entrepreneurship with Dubai Medical University’s expertise in medical and health education. It will give students a multidisciplinary learning experience, opportunities to learn from faculty at both universities and exchange knowledge, and practical tools to address healthcare challenges through an integrated scientific and economic perspective.”

The partnership is expected to help prepare healthcare professionals who can manage sector resources efficiently, develop new services and business models, and establish healthcare ventures that create investment and employment opportunities. In doing so, it will support economic diversification and strengthen the sector’s readiness for the technological and operational changes ahead.

The signing of the memorandum was announced during Dubai Medical University’s White Coat Ceremony at Dubai Chambers, which welcomed 461 new students to its colleges of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and health sciences.

At the ceremony, students donned their white coats and took the oath of the health professions, marking the start of their academic and professional journeys. Members of the Board of Trustees of the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation, leaders from both universities, and academic and administrative staff attended the event.

The agreement reflects both universities’ commitment to preparing healthcare professionals who combine clinical competence with economic and management knowledge, supporting the efficiency and growth of the UAE’s healthcare sector.