Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Hospital to be replaced with advanced medical center
Maternity unit to expand into larger women and children's hospital
Abu Dhabi’s main maternity hospital, Corniche Hospital, is undergoing a transformative upgrade to emerge as a state-of-the-art medical center for women and children, aspiring to be among the world’s finest. Renowned for delivering over 6,000 babies annually, the new seven-floor hospital will boast three times the capacity of the current building, featuring 215 patient rooms, 20 labor and delivery rooms, and a specialized foetal medicine unit for high-risk pregnancies.
This ambitious project also includes provisions for 90 cots in the neonatal intensive care unit to cater to newborns in need. With underground parking and a connecting bridge to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for seamless patient access, construction is underway, with completion scheduled for 2027. Notably, the existing Corniche Hospital building, operational since 1977, will transition into a heritage center on-site.
Dr. Paul Bosio, Chief Medical Officer at Corniche Hospital, underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing healthcare services to match global standards while preserving its enduring legacy in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare landscape. As one of the oldest hospitals in the country, Corniche Hospital has served generations of women since its inception in 1984.
Inspired by the iconic Burj Khalifa and the UAE’s native hymenocallis flower, the new hospital’s architecture will blend modernity with cultural symbolism. Draped delicately over the upper levels, an intricate veil design adds a touch of femininity to the structure, echoing the hospital’s ethos of community-centric yet forward-thinking healthcare.
With a focus on patient-centered care, the new hospital will feature luxurious private single rooms, reflecting a commitment to privacy and personalized care. Notably, shared rooms will be phased out, with the introduction of single rooms equipped with NICU cots, enabling mothers to stay close to their pre-term babies.
Expanding the labor and delivery unit to accommodate up to 20 rooms, including facilities with birthing pools, underscores the hospital’s dedication to offering diverse birthing experiences. Collaborating closely with Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, the hospital aims to leverage proximity to enhance capabilities in managing complex cases and providing comprehensive care.
Key highlights include the introduction of a state-of-the-art foetal medicine unit, equipped to perform sophisticated in-utero surgeries, exemplifying the hospital’s commitment to managing high-risk pregnancies and advancing maternal and neonatal care globally. With a track record of over 300 foetal procedures annually, including intricate cases like separating vessels shared between twins, Corniche Hospital is poised to maintain its status as Abu Dhabi’s primary provider of maternity care while aspiring to be a global leader in the field.
Dr. Bosio reiterates the hospital’s vision to be recognized as the world’s best, a goal that this transformative project brings closer to realization. With a firm belief in delivering excellence, Corniche Hospital aims not just to be the best in Abu Dhabi but to set a benchmark for maternity and neonatal care on a global scale.
