Early Healthcare in the Emirates

Prior to the mid-1940s, traditional medicine was the only form of healthcare available to the people in the Trucial States. Only a handful of families could afford modern healthcare for which they had to travel abroad.

This changed in the mid-1940s when oil companies established small clinics with modern doctors to provide healthcare for their employees working in the oil fields. Also, the British Government hired a resident doctor in Dubai – Dr. McCaully. Supported by the rulers, those early doctors provided medical treatment to the local population especially in extreme situations that required urgent medical attention.

High infant mortality rates among the local population was one of the severe concerns that prompted the Rulers to build and equip hospitals to provide adequate and much-needed medical services. As early as the 1950s work began to realize the dream of establishing modern hospitals in the Emirates.

It is the early growth of modern healthcare that our exhibition aims to showcase with documents, reports, photographs and videos showing the history of the birth of modern medical care in the Emirates and, later, the UAE. Today, the UAE is rightly proud of its excellent healthcare system and facilities making it a meaningful endeavour to show where and how the journey began.

Author:  UAE National Library and Archives

 

 

1950s

 

Early introduction of doctors and medical facilities to the Trucial States and plans and funding for the first hospital by the Trucial States Development Fund.

Notes from a tour of Dubai and Muscat by the Chief Quarantine Medical Officer Colonel W J Moody accompanied by Dr C A Bozman, 27 November 1951. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Letter from M S Weir, Political Officer in the Trucial States to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan regarding a meeting with Dubai Hospital Authority at the Political Agency, 10 December 1952. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Letter from the British Residency in Bahrain to the Foreign Office regarding development projects on the Trucial Coast, including the extension of Dr McCaully’s contract, 18 June 1953. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Dr Desmond McCaully, left, a doctor permanently stationed in Dubai as Chief Medical Officer from the early 1950s and paid for by the British Government, 7 December 1959. © Lady Ruth Hawley

Appendix B of the Agenda for the 8th meeting of the Trucial States Council scheduled for 8 November 1955, regarding Dr McCaully’s proposals for the medical improvements in the Trucial States, 7 November 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Appendix B of the Agenda for the 8th meeting of the Trucial States Council scheduled for 8 November 1955, regarding Dr McCaully’s proposals for the medical improvements in the Trucial States, 7 November 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Appendix B of the Agenda for the 8th meeting of the Trucial States Council scheduled for 8 November 1955, regarding Dr McCaully’s proposals for the medical improvements in the Trucial States, 7 November 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annex to the dispatch from the Political Agent in Dubai to the Political Resident in Bahrain referring to the contribution of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed towards public health, 18 November 1955. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

The entrance to the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

The medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Inside the ward of the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

A patient being prepared for an x-ray at the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

A patient being prepared for an x-ray at the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

The medical store at the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Lifting a patient on a stretcher into a Land Rover adapted for that purpose, outside the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Sanitation orderly DDT spraying outside the medical centre of Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd to prevent the spread of disease in Juweiza, Sharjah in November 1958. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Minutes of the 4th meeting of the Public Health Committee, containing a report by Senior Medical Officer Dr McCaully on health services and Al Maktoum Hospital, 16 May 1959. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Minutes of the 4th meeting of the Public Health Committee, containing a report by Senior Medical Officer Dr McCaully on health services and Al Maktoum Hospital, 16 May 1959. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annual Report for Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai for 1959, issued in February 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Letter from the Political Resident D F Hawley to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan regarding receiving his annual subsidy for Al Maktoum Hospital, 11 April 1959. Source: UAE UAE National Library and Archives

 

 

1960s

 

Progress with the opening of 2 hospitals in Abu Dhabi and the enlargement of Al Maktoum Hospital in Dubai. In addition, a touring doctor and dispensaries were set up around the other Emirates.

Extract from a report from Dr Thomson on Health Care in the Trucial States, 5 May 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from a report from Dr Thomson on Health Care in the Trucial States, 5 May 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annexes to the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Trucial States Public Health Committee, with Annex A containing the Senior Medical Officer’s report on the health sector, and Annex B Dr Abdul Majid’s report about health work in the Trucial States, 21 June 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annexes to the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Trucial States Public Health Committee, with Annex A containing the Senior Medical Officer’s report on the health sector, and Annex B Dr Abdul Majid’s report about health work in the Trucial States, 21 June 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annexes to the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Trucial States Public Health Committee, with Annex A containing the Senior Medical Officer’s report on the health sector, and Annex B Dr Abdul Majid’s report about health work in the Trucial States, 21 June 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Annexes to the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Trucial States Public Health Committee, with Annex A containing the Senior Medical Officer’s report on the health sector, and Annex B Dr Abdul Majid’s report about health work in the Trucial States, 21 June 1960. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Gertrude Dyck and her colleague in front of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, early 1960s. Gertrude Dyck © UAE National Library and Archives

The Oasis Hospital front entrance, Al Ain, 1960s. Gertrude Dyck © UAE National Library and Archives

Dr. Marian Kennedy with patients in the Oasis Hospital, Al Ain, 1960s. Gertrude Dyck © UAE National Library and Archives

Gertrude Dyck, a nurse at the first hospital in Abu Dhabi Emirate, later recollects her time at the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain in the early 1960s in a transcript of a Gulf News article published on 3 November 1994. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Gertrude Dyck, a nurse at the first hospital in Abu Dhabi Emirate, later recollects her time at the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain in the early 1960s in a transcript of a Gulf News article published on 3 November 1994. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Gertrude Dyck, a nurse at the first hospital in Abu Dhabi Emirate, later recollects her time at the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain in the early 1960s in a transcript of a Gulf News article published on 3 November 1994. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Extract from an airgram describing developments under Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the development of the Oasis Hospital, 5 April 1963. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Airgram with a detailed description of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, 7 August 1963. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Airgram with a detailed description of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, 7 August 1963. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Airgram with a detailed description of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, 7 August 1963. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Airgram with a detailed description of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, 7 August 1963. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Airgram with a detailed description of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, 7 August 1963. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

The Oasis Hospital in Al Ain, 1969. © Kennedy Family

Extract from the proposed Trucial States Development Fund budget for the period 1964-1965, including expenses for touring doctors and dispensaries, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital and Al Maktoum Hospital, 18 December 1963. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the proposed Trucial States Development Fund budget for the period 1964-1965, including expenses for touring doctors and dispensaries, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital and Al Maktoum Hospital, 18 December 1963. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the proposed Trucial States Development Fund budget for the period 1964-1965, including expenses for touring doctors and dispensaries, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital and Al Maktoum Hospital, 18 December 1963. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the proposed Trucial States Development Fund budget for the period 1964-1965, including expenses for touring doctors and dispensaries, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital and Al Maktoum Hospital, 18 December 1963. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the proposed Trucial States Development Fund budget for the period 1964-1965, including expenses for touring doctors and dispensaries, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital and Al Maktoum Hospital, 18 December 1963. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the proposed Trucial States Development Fund budget for the period 1964-1965, including expenses for touring doctors and dispensaries, Ras Al Khaimah Hospital and Al Maktoum Hospital, 18 December 1963. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Letter from the Ruler’s office to Dr D G McCaully, Director of the Health Department, requesting an inventory of narcotic drugs used in the hospital to resupply them, 9 February 1965. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report by Dr D G McCaully, Senior Medical Officer, on the status of the medical sector in the Trucial States, 1963-1964. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report by Dr D G McCaully, Senior Medical Officer, on the status of the medical sector in the Trucial States, 1963-1964. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from report by Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Trucial States Council, submitted to the Council at its meeting held in Dubai on 29 August 1967, regarding medical services and public health. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from report by Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Trucial States Council, submitted to the Council at its meeting held in Dubai on 29 August 1967, regarding medical services and public health. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from an airgram summarizing the current Trucial States Development Fund’s health related projects, 6 March 1968. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Extract from an airgram summarizing the current Trucial States Development Fund’s health related projects, 6 March 1968. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Extract from an airgram summarizing the current Trucial States Development Fund’s health related projects, 6 March 1968. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Extract on medical services and public health from “Notes on the Trucial States Development Fund Recurrent and Minor Capital Expenditure Estimates, 1 October to 31 December 1968”. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract on medical services and public health from “Notes on the Trucial States Development Fund Recurrent and Minor Capital Expenditure Estimates, 1 October to 31 December 1968”. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract on medical services and public health from “Notes on the Trucial States Development Fund Recurrent and Minor Capital Expenditure Estimates, 1 October to 31 December 1968”. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from an airgram containing the Abu Dhabi 5 Year Development Plan (1968-1972) projecting expenditure on infrastructure projects financed by increasing oil revenues, 17 July 1969. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Extract from an airgram containing the Abu Dhabi 5 Year Development Plan (1968-1972) projecting expenditure on infrastructure projects financed by increasing oil revenues, 17 July 1969. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Extract from an airgram containing the Abu Dhabi 5 Year Development Plan (1968-1972) projecting expenditure on infrastructure projects financed by increasing oil revenues, 17 July 1969. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Letter from W T Clark, Ruler’s Secretary in Abu Dhabi to Glaxo-Allenburys Medicines Export Company in London, requesting a supply of narcotic drugs, antibiotics and vitamins to the Abu Dhabi Hospital, 14 March 1965. © UAE National Library and Archives

Suzy Abrahamian, the first laboratory technician with another technician in the new Abu Dhabi Hospital, 1967. © Dr. Philip Horniblow

The new Abu Dhabi Hospital, 1967. © Dr. Philip Horniblow

The new Abu Dhabi Hospital, 1967. © Dr. Philip Horniblow

The operating theatre at the new Abu Dhabi Hospital, 1967. © Dr. Philip Horniblow

Vaccination campaign taking place at Al Bateen School, March 1967. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Sister Burnett helping during a vaccination campaign taking place at Al Bateen School, March 1967. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Dr Maloney and his team helping during a vaccination campaign taking place at Al Bateen School, March 1967. Source: UAE National Library and Archives

Circular no. (56) of 1969 issued by Ahmad Khalifa Al Suweidi Chairman of the Emiri Diwan, communicating a letter from the Director of Health regarding the Women and Children's Clinic, 1 December 1969. © UAE National Library and Archives

A Doctor and a Nurse during their medical examination of a child in Abu Dhabi, 1969. © UAE National Library and Archives

Draft Federal Law of 1969, concerning the establishment of a Federal Authority for Medical and Health Services for the Union of Arab Emirates, 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Draft Federal Law of 1969, concerning the establishment of a Federal Authority for Medical and Health Services for the Union of Arab Emirates, 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Draft Federal Law of 1969, concerning the establishment of a Federal Authority for Medical and Health Services for the Union of Arab Emirates, 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Draft Federal Law of 1969, concerning the establishment of a Federal Authority for Medical and Health Services for the Union of Arab Emirates, 1969. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

 

 

1970s

 

The advent of the United Arab Emirates on 2nd December 1971 brought about the creation of a new Ministry of Public Health and further rapid progress in healthcare in the new country.

Extract from the Appendix A of the Trucial States Council newsletter, on the staffing situation of the Departments of the Development Office, May 1970. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the Union Draft Law of 1971 concerning the functions of Ministries and the powers of Ministers, 1971. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Telegram regarding precautionary measures for travelers arriving from Cholera infested areas, 25 November 1972. Courtesy of NARA, Maryland, USA

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about investment in a new maternity and women’s hospital, 11 December 1972. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about the opening of Rashid Hospital in Dubai, 30 March 1973. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Newspaper article from ‘U.A.E. News’ on the inspection tour of health institutions in the Northern Emirates by Sheikh Saif Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, 23 February 1974. © UAE News

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about Sheikh Zayed’s visit to Abu Dhabi Hospital, 26 July 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in the supplement of Al Ittihad Newspaper, about the provision of free healthcare for all, 3 December 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about the procurement of specialized equipment for hospitals in the UAE, 7 January 1975. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about the inauguration of the new Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah, 30 November 1976. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Extract from the draft development plan for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 1977-1979. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Projects in hand in the United Arab Emirates summed up following a meeting held at the UAE Federal Ministry of Health on 5 March 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Projects in hand in the United Arab Emirates summed up following a meeting held at the UAE Federal Ministry of Health on 5 March 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Projects in hand in the United Arab Emirates summed up following a meeting held at the UAE Federal Ministry of Health on 5 March 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Projects in hand in the United Arab Emirates summed up following a meeting held at the UAE Federal Ministry of Health on 5 March 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visit to the Corniche Hospital, 4 May 1977. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Report of a visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, November 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report of a visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, November 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report of a visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, November 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Report of a visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, November 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Notes regarding the visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, December 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Notes regarding the visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, December 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Notes regarding the visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, December 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Notes regarding the visit of Mr Deakins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the UAE to several hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Middle East Health Care Exhibition in Dubai, December 1977. © Images reproduced by permission of The National Archives, London, England

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his visit to the new Abu Dhabi Hospital, accompanied by Dr Abdul Rahim Jaafar and Khalfan Al Roumi, 3 June 1978. © WAM

A video stressing the importance of the developing healthcare system in the UAE, 1970s. © UAE National Library and Archives

A short video showing work at a hospital dispensary in 1979. © UAE National Library and Archives

 

 

1980s to the turn of the century

 

Significant medical advances

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about the UAE President inaugurating Ghayathi Hospital, 22 December 1981. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, about the surge of health care services under the Union, 1 January 1982. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Bayan newspaper, about the dedication of the new Dubai hospital to UAE Nationals, 22 March 1983. © Al Bayan Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s support of the development of Al Ain Hospital, 26 November 1985. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the Minister of Health inaugurating a state of the art emergency unit at the Central Hospital, 18 February 1987. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan requesting the highest level of healthcare for UAE Nationals and Expats, 23 March 1989. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the inauguration of Khalifa Hospital in Ajman, 17 November 1997. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the inauguration of Welcare Hospital in Dubai, 28 May 1998. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan reviewing plans for a rehabilitation center for people with special needs in Al Mafraq, 8 February 1999. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the inauguration of Al Dhaid Hospital, 19 March 2001. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding expansion of Fujairah Hospital, 12 June 2002. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the inauguration of the Gulf Medical College Hospital in Fujairah, 7 July 2006. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, inaugurating Abu Dhabi Centre for People With Special Needs, 22 February 2007. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the inauguration of Obaidalla Geriatric Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, 2 April 2009. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Article featured in Al Ittihad Newspaper, regarding the inauguration of the first specialized pediatric nephrology clinic at Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah, 16 April 2011. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

A video documentary on Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, an Emirati pharmaceutical company based in Ras Al Khaimah. © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inspecting the new medical equipment at Ghayathi Hospital, 8 January 1983. © UAE National Library and Archives

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan speaking to a doctor and checking on a child being treated at Ghayathi Hospital, 8 January 1983. © UAE National Library and Archives

H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, opening an outpatient clinic complex, part of Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain, 1985. © UAE National Library and Archives

A video from 1987 emphasizing the importance of preventative medicine and a centralized database of patients’ records. © UAE National Library and Archives

A video filmed in Al Jazeera Hospital, Abu Dhabi, showing the Al Nahyan Motherhood and Child Center and advances in neonatal care, 1987. © UAE National Library and Archives

A short video showing modern medical equipment and stressing how healthcare is reaching all parts of the UAE, 1990s. © UAE National Library and Archives

A video filmed in Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hospital, Abu Dhabi, describing medical advancements under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan with the establishment of state of the art healthcare facilities, 2004.  © UAE National Library and Archives