Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, launched 'The Cancer Fund' of Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed also unveiled 'The Giving Wall' at Dubai Hospital, which bears the names of donors who have supported its treatment programmes, in recognition of their generosity.
According to Emirates News Agency, The Cancer Fund aims to provide vital support for cancer treatment, helping ease the financial burden on patients and ensuring they can continue their care throughout recovery. The launch of The Cancer Fund took place during a ceremony hosted by Al Jalila Foundation at Dubai Hospital, where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured partners, donors, and supporters of the hospital's treatment programmes.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of Dubai Health Board of Directors and Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors; Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU); Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer, Dubai Health; and Dr. Tarek Fathey, Chief Clinical Officer, Dubai Health.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed stated that giving is a deeply rooted value in the UAE, instilled by the Founding Fathers, and the leadership continues to build on this legacy through initiatives that prioritize people's health and wellbeing. He praised the individuals and institutions whose generosity strengthens community philanthropic efforts, noting that such programmes reflect a shared national commitment to supporting people and enhancing the quality of life.
Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg remarked that The Cancer Fund is a strategic step towards building a sustainable support system for patients and reflects a collaborative model with community and institutional giving playing a central role in strengthening the healthcare system and expanding its impact on patients' lives. Dr. Amer Al Zarooni shared that dedicating this year's Ramadan campaign at Al Jalila Foundation to The Cancer Fund will expand support pathways available to cancer patients and aligns with Dubai Health's 'Patient First' promise.
He also mentioned that the generosity of donors has enabled them to provide care to 650 cancer patients over the past year, with contributions exceeding AED43 million through the 'A'awen' programme. Al Jalila Foundation encourages individuals and organisations to support the Ramadan 2026 campaign through its donation channels, emphasizing that every contribution makes a difference for patients and their families by helping them access treatment.