In a landmark milestone that reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for specialised healthcare, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, has partnered with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to establish its first-ever international facility in Abu Dhabi.
Recognised as the No. 1 eye hospital in the United States 24 times by US News & World Report, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute brings decades of clinical expertise to the region. The partnership demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering a world-class healthcare ecosystem that attracts leading medical institutions delivering best-in-class care across all specialties.
Set to open in November 2025 through a strategic collaboration between Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and August Medical, part of SOZA Group, the state-of-the-art facility will expand access to Bascom Palmer’s globally renowned ophthalmic care, pioneering research, and outstanding medical education in the emirate. This milestone reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said: “We are proud to ink this promising collaboration with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, a milestone that signifies the next step in Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming a premier destination for world-leading healthcare. By hosting global institutions of this caliber, we continue to raise the bar for excellence in specialised care, ensuring our community has access to quality care and medical expertise close to home. Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure, progressive regulations and focus on innovation allow us to create an integrated ecosystem that encourages collaboration, drives innovations and sets new standards for care delivery worldwide.”
Located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, the state-of-the-art, 70,000-square-foot ambulatory care centre will feature a distinctive, gemstone-inspired architectural design, symbolising eye care precision and value. Equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies, the centre will include 31 exam rooms, three operating theatres, dedicated laser and refractive suites, and specialised services such as an Ocular Surface Disease Laboratory, ENT, and Sleep Centre. The facility will also host educational spaces for professional training, along with advanced patient amenities, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and holistic care.
Dr Abdul Rahim Jaffar, Board Member of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Abu Dhabi said: “We owe deep gratitude to our UAE’s wise leadership, whose vision and unwavering commitment to building a world‑class healthcare infrastructure have made milestones like this possible. The establishment of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi reflects not only global collaboration but also the foresight of our leadership in ensuring that the people of the UAE and the wider region have access to the very best in specialised care, education, and research. Once operational, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi will offer the full spectrum of ophthalmic services, including treatment for retinal and corneal diseases, glaucoma, ocular oncology, paediatric ophthalmology, and complex orbital pathologies. Patients in Abu Dhabi and across the region will have access to world-renowned physicians and advanced surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of care close to home.
Dipen J Parekh, MD and Chief Executive Officer for UHealth and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at the University of Miami, said: “This is truly a remarkable milestone for the University of Miami Health System to deliver one of its crown jewels to another nation. This venture is much more than opening another health care facility. We are transplanting Bascom Palmer's excellence across continents, expanding UHealth's reach to serve more patients and train more physicians worldwide. We are grateful to DOH and our partners Soza and August Medical for their collaboration in bringing this idea to completion.”
This collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to cultivate a globally connected healthcare ecosystem that integrates international best practices, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centered innovation.
As a trusted healthcare hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a progressive regulatory framework, Abu Dhabi continues to attract world-leading medical institutions like Bascom Palmer Eye Institute while delivering unparalleled care across all specialties. The emirate remains committed to advancing healthcare outcomes, improving access to specialised care, and fostering partnerships that benefit the Abu Dhabi community and beyond.
