Abu Dhabi Specialised Hospitals Shine In Newsweek Best Specialised Hospitals Middle East 2026

Eight healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi appear in Newsweek’s Best Specialised Hospitals Middle East 2026, with five placed in the regional top ten across key specialties. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi ranks first in cardiology, gastroenterology and neurology, and second in oncology, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s profile as a leading centre for specialised care in the Middle East.

The other Abu Dhabi hospitals in the regional top ten are Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Burjeel Hospital and Tawam Hospital. Three more facilities from the Emirate are also listed: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, and NMC Specialty Hospital, reflecting wide recognition across public and private providers.

These positions highlight strong performance in critical services such as cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics and paediatrics. The recognised hospitals are noted for strong clinical outcomes and advanced specialist teams. Their presence on the list supports Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to build a high-performing healthcare ecosystem guided by patient safety, innovation and consistently high standards of care.

"The Newsweek rankings recognise the depth and capability of Abu Dhabi’s specialised care ecosystem," said Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). "This achievement reflects the excellence demonstrated by our leading healthcare facilities - we commend their dedication to excellence, innovation and advancing clinical outcomes for our community."

Newsweek develops the Best Specialised Hospitals lists with global data and business firm Statista, using a structured evaluation process viewed as a trusted international benchmark. The assessment incorporates recommendations from healthcare professionals across the region, recognised international accreditations and certifications, and the application of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) within participating hospitals.

By reviewing hospitals across several dimensions, including safety practices, clinical quality and patient experience, the rankings provide a widely referenced guide to specialised care performance. Patients, policymakers and professionals can use these results to identify centres with strong track records in complex services, while health systems gain external validation of progress in quality and service improvement.

Dr. Fayeza Saif Alyafei, Executive Director of Healthcare Quality Sector at DoH, said, "The exceptional performance of Abu Dhabi’s hospitals in cardiology and neurology, as recognised by the Newsweek rankings, reflects the depth of clinical expertise and the strength of our integrated system."

Abu Dhabi healthcare recognition across specialised hospitals

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi notes that these rankings align with the Emirate’s designated Centres of Excellence, which target high-complexity care. These centres focus on adult and paediatric cardiovascular surgery, stroke treatment, burn care and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, creating reference points for specialist services that benefit patients from Abu Dhabi and from outside the Emirate.

{TABLE_1}

According to the Department, the Centres of Excellence represent an important part of Abu Dhabi’s specialised care structure. They are designed to raise standards, promote coordinated pathways and support better survival and recovery rates. Their work also strengthens training and knowledge-sharing among healthcare teams, supporting sustainable improvements across public and private facilities.

Looking ahead, DoH states that it will maintain collaboration with healthcare partners to expand specialised service capacity, support workforce development and encourage responsible use of innovation. The Department indicates that this approach aims to improve outcomes and overall well-being for every resident and visitor, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing in regional and global hospital performance comparisons.

With inputs from WAM