Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Mother of the Nation, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has inaugurated the 2nd Annual Nursing Conference, organised by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and running 12-13 November 2025.
The conference, themed The SMART Nurse: Integrating Technology with Clinical Expertise to Shape the Future of Patient Care, explored how digital practices and artificial intelligence are enhancing patient-centered nursing models and accelerating the transformation toward a digitally integrated healthcare system that prioritises human needs and wellbeing.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan delivered the keynote address, and said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this 2nd Annual Nursing Conference, held under the gracious patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, may God bless her.
“Her Highness’ lifelong commitment to education, health, and empowerment continues to illuminate our national path. She has always believed that the world thrives when professionals are empowered to reach their full potential within a culture that values knowledge, compassion, and public service.”
He added: “Her Highness, the Mother of the Nation, has long recognised that the prosperity of societies depends on empowering healthcare professionals – nurses, midwives, and physicians alike – with knowledge, skill, and empathy. This conviction has made the UAE a global example of professional excellence anchored in moral and humanitarian service. Her vision continues to shape our national commitment to advancing healthcare as both a science and a moral duty.”
His Excellency affirmed that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, remains the driving force behind the nation’s comprehensive development, which has made Abu Dhabi and the UAE global centres for medical, scientific, and humanitarian progress. He noted that the wise leadership of His Highness the President has established a model that combines economic growth, advanced infrastructure, and a culture of knowledge and tolerance.
His Excellency said: “As our nation approaches its 54th anniversary, we can take pride in the remarkable progress achieved over the decades – building a society recognised for its world-class infrastructure, human wellbeing, and unwavering commitment to knowledge, compassion, and innovation.”
“Your presence here today reflects your dedication to excellence in the noble nursing profession – a profession that bridges science and humanity, technology and compassion. Nurses are the bridge between knowledge and care, the first to comfort and the last to leave. Their hands heal, their words reassure, and their empathy sustains hope.”
His Excellency explained that nurses in today’s fast-changing world are not merely adapting to transformation – they are leading it with courage and vision.
“In this era of rapid technological advancement, nurses are vital innovators and leaders. They ensure that digital systems and artificial intelligence serve human values rather than replace them. Technology may assist, but it does not inspire. What gives technology its true meaning is human judgment, empathy, and ethical insight.”
His Excellency further noted that the conference theme, The SMART Nurse: Integrating Technology with Clinical Expertise, perfectly embodies this human-centered philosophy: “The SMART Nurse uses data to improve care without diminishing compassion and applies digital tools to extend reach without losing humanity. This approach reflects the UAE’s vision to make innovation a means of dignity, balance scientific progress with ethical practice, and uphold the sanctity of the human connection in every act of care.”
His Excellency reaffirmed that, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE recognises that the future of healthcare lies in harmonising artificial intelligence with human empathy, ensuring that technology enhances – not replaces – the bond between caregiver and patient.
His Excellency said: “At the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, we emphasise that innovation must serve human dignity, and that precision and compassion must coexist, for at the heart of medicine and nursing lies our shared humanity.”
His Excellency concluded his remarks by saying: “Let us renew our confidence in the nursing profession – as both a science and an art, a discipline of intellect and empathy. Nurses are creators of hope, soldiers of mercy, and symbols of selfless service. You embody courage, intellect, and compassion, shaping a future where technology serves life and human values remain at the center of every healthcare system.
“I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all nurses and wish you a successful and inspiring conference that fosters new ideas, collaborations, and pride in this vital profession.”
The first day of the conference welcomed more than 500 participants representing diverse healthcare and educational institutions from across the UAE and abroad. Sessions explored leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, clinical simulation training, and case-based discussions focusing on how digital tools can improve patient outcomes.
The second day will feature a live presentation from 42 Abu Dhabi Academy, showcasing the winning concept from the Healthcare Innovation Hackathon. The AI-powered solution addresses real-world clinical challenges and will be piloted through a six-month internship program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Elizabeth Guffeyro, Chief Nursing Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Nurses stand at the intersection of science and humanity, where knowledge becomes healing, and compassion becomes action. In this era of rapid innovation, technology offers extraordinary possibilities. Yet its greatest power is revealed only when guided by the hearts and hands of nurses who see the person behind every data point. Through this year’s Annual Nursing Conference, we celebrate our shared mission to embrace innovation with empathy, empowering every nurse to lead with confidence, to care with wisdom, and to use technology not just to advance healthcare, but to transform lives with compassion.”
The conference continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for nursing advancement in the region, reflecting Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to innovation, professional empowerment, and excellence in patient-centered care rooted in the UAE’s values of tolerance and human dignity.
