“World-class healthcare,” they said. That’s what the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to bring to its people. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is the result of that vision. This hospital stands as a testament to their commitment.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi opened its doors in May 2015. But its story began much earlier. In 2006, Mubadala Development Company and Cleveland Clinic signed a partnership agreement. This agreement set the stage for a new era of healthcare in the UAE.
Initially, Aldar Properties was appointed to oversee the project. Construction faced delays. The immense size of the building posed logistic challenges. It became the largest structural steel building in the UAE. It weighs over 30,000 tonnes.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the hospital on December 3, 2015. He was then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The opening marked a significant milestone.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi spans 23 acres. It boasts five clinical floors. There are three diagnostic and treatment levels. Also thirteen floors house critical and acute inpatient units. The hospital has 364 beds. It can expand to 490 beds. This includes 72 ICU beds. There are 4 post-anesthesia care units and 26 operating rooms.
Over 5,000 physicians from around the globe applied for the initial 175 doctor positions. The selection process was rigorous. Successful candidates completed 40 interviews. Twenty were in the US. Twenty more were in Abu Dhabi. Eighty percent of those hired trained in the US. The remainder trained in Western Europe.
The facility houses more than 50 medical and surgical specialities. Specialist centers of excellence cover digestive disease, eye, heart and vascular disorders, neurological treatment, and respiratory and critical care.
The hospital’s design incorporates cultural elements. Arabesque patterns and regional color palettes adorn the interiors. Diamond glazing on the exterior subtly nods to Islamic geometry. The glass reflects the sea’s blues. Onyx pays tribute to the desert.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi partners with most insurance companies. This ensures access to excellent healthcare. The hospital aims to address all patient questions and concerns.
In October 2019, an opera singer returned to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. She had received life-saving treatment there. She performed for visitors and staff. Her performance was a thank you for the care she received.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is more than just a hospital. It is a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to its people. It exemplifies the pursuit of world-class healthcare. It stands as a beacon of medical excellence in the region.