Dubai: UAE-India Workers’ Hospital announced following Sheikh Hamdan’s visit

UAE-India Friendship Hospital to Rise in Jebel Ali Following Sheikh Hamdan’s Landmark India Visit

Dubai, April 11 – A landmark healthcare initiative was unveiled following the official visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to India, where he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders to strengthen bilateral ties.

The opening of the UAE-India Friendship Hospital (UIFH), a non-profit medical facility dedicated to providing inclusive and reasonably priced healthcare to Dubai’s working-class communities—particularly blue-collar workers residing and working in the Jebel Ali area—is one of the visit’s most notable announcements.

Dubai Health and five well-known Indian businesspeople will work together to establish the hospital, and they will act as the original trustees. These include Ramesh S. Ramakrishnan (Transworld Group), Siddharth Balachandran (Buimerc Corporation), Tariq Chauhan (EFS Facilities), Nilesh Ved (Apparel Group), and Faizal Kottikollon (KEF Holdings).
Four of them are currently active members of the UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC).

Strengthening UAE-India People-to-People Ties

The hospital project was formalized during a signing ceremony in Mumbai, where Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, joined the Indian business leaders in pledging their support. The hospital is seen as a powerful symbol of the growing people-to-people connection between the two nations, built over decades of mutual respect and partnership.

Described as a “game changer,” the UIFH will focus on providing accessible medical services to the labor force, many of whom have played a key role in Dubai’s growth story. The initiative is expected to mirror the success of earlier community hospitals in the UAE, such as the Iranian Hospital, which provided free or affordable healthcare to thousands of residents.

A Vision Rooted in Philanthropy and Impact

Siddharth Balachandran hailed Sheikh Hamdan’s visit as “monumental,” noting the strategic depth of the partnership and the importance of collaborative projects like the UIFH, which combine healthcare, education, and philanthropy.

“This is the beginning of a much-needed dream,” he said. “We have taken the first step, and many more entrepreneurs are likely to join us in this journey.”

Meanwhile, Faizal Kottikollon expressed deep gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan and Dubai Health for their support, calling the initiative a “transformative journey” that highlights the shared values and humanitarian commitment between the UAE and India.

Vision for the future

The hospital will be located in Jebel Ali, a major residential and industrial area for the UAE’s working population. With an emphasis on community health, wellness initiatives and affordable treatment options, it is expected to benefit thousands of local people once it is operational.

Nilesh Ved, an entrepreneur, highlighted the wider possibilities of collaboration between the UAE and India, especially in the areas of public welfare and education. Citing the Indian High School’s longstanding role in Dubai, he said that this new healthcare center might open the door for further specialized services and higher education efforts.

In order to foster cooperation in vital areas like logistics, education, maritime trade, infrastructure, and private sector engagement, Sheikh Hamdan signed a number of agreements during his visit, including the announcement of the UIFH initiative and the creation of a virtual UAE-India trade corridor.

The statement emphasizes the two countries’ shared goal to creating inclusive, future-ready communities in addition to highlighting the strength of their bilateral ties.