Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has broken ground on a state-of-the-art oncology center, bringing an integrated and transformative approach to diagnosing and treating cancer to the UAE.
Modelled on Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center, ranked number five in the United States , the hospital’s new 17,000 square meter purpose-built center will provide patients with comprehensive, personalized care at a single location, as well as expand the range of cancer treatments available.
Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Abu Dhabi and the main reason patients travel abroad for treatment.
“This expansion of cancer services at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marks a significant step in the fight against the disease in the UAE. Patients will now have access to centralized oncology services, complementing the existing healthcare landscape, as we continue to build a world-class network of healthcare facilities for the people of this nation,” said Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Chairman of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Investments & Infrastructure, Mubadala.
Designed to meet the specific needs of cancer patients and their treatments, the seven-story facility will have dedicated clinical practice areas for advanced imaging, infusion, radiation, and chemotherapy, as well as a connection to the main hospital’s surgical areas. The practice areas will have space for subspecialized nurses, social workers, and other key team members.
The layout of each floor unites a range of complementary specialties, enhancing collaboration and enabling patients to receive most of their treatment in one area – a unique approach for patient care in the region. The center will have 24 exam rooms, 24 infusion rooms, two procedure rooms, and an area devoted to specialty women’s services.
“As part of our commitment to tackling the most pressing healthcare needs in our community, we are expanding our oncology services to provide a complete, integrated, and personalized approach to the disease right here in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Building on a proven approach, the Oncology Center promises to transform cancer care in the UAE,” said Dr. Rakesh Suri, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
The building is designed to ensure the most comfortable flow for patients, provide an abundance of natural light, and offer the optimal combination of clinical care with support services, including a spa service and prayer rooms for patients.
It will be also be a home for cancer research in the region, with a centralized hub for existing high-level treatment technology.
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a tremendous upheaval in a person’s life. Perhaps more than many others, it requires significant emotional support from a person’s family and friends. Bringing Cleveland Clinic’s proven model of cancer care to Abu Dhabi means patients will be able to embark on their journeys to recovery closer to home, surrounded by their family,” said Dr. Suri.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s current cancer services include Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) for cancer diagnoses, and minimally invasive robotic surgery for their treatments. In certain cases, the hospital complements its advanced surgical offerings with chemotherapy.