Dr. Muna Tahlak Concludes Historic IHF Presidency, Advancing Emirati Women’s Role In Global Healthcare

Dr. Muna Tahlak, a prominent figure in the UAE's healthcare sector, has completed her term as President of the International Hospital Federation (IHF). She made history as the first Arab woman to hold this position since the IHF's inception in 1929. Her presidency concluded at the 48th World Hospital Congress in Geneva, which she inaugurated.

The congress, held from 10–13 November 2025 at the Geneva International Conference Center, was organised with Geneva University Hospitals. It gathered healthcare leaders worldwide to discuss future advancements and share insights. Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and Dr. Amer Sharif were among the notable attendees from Dubai Health Authority and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

During her leadership, Dr. Tahlak focused on expanding collaboration with international health organisations. Her efforts aimed to enhance healthcare management and quality globally. This period marked significant growth for the Federation under her guidance.

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali praised Dr. Tahlak’s leadership, stating it was a pivotal moment for Emirati women in global healthcare roles. He highlighted how her achievements reflect the UAE's commitment to empowering national talent to lead effectively both locally and internationally.

He further noted that Dr. Tahlak fostered cooperation with global health bodies, enhancing dialogue on healthcare quality. Her work underscored the increasing presence of Emirati women in decision-making positions worldwide.

Acknowledging Achievements

Dr. Amer Sharif expressed pride in Dr. Tahlak’s accomplishments during her IHF presidency. As the first Emirati and Arab woman in this role, she set a powerful example of leadership, elevating UAE’s representation on an international platform.

In his address at the IHF General Assembly, Dr. Sharif commended her exceptional contributions that bolstered the Federation's global presence and supported its healthcare quality initiatives.

Reflections on Leadership

Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Muna Tahlak stated: "It has been an honour to serve as President of the International Hospital Federation, an opportunity made possible by our leadership, whose support empowers Emirati women to excel globally and contribute meaningfully across various sectors, particularly in healthcare."

She also expressed gratitude towards the IHF team for their support during her term, which was crucial in enhancing the Federation's global influence.

Nurturing Future Leaders

As part of the Geneva congress activities, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and Dr. Amer Sharif led a workshop for young healthcare executives. This session was part of the ‘Young Executive Leaders’ programme and involved 48 participants from 33 countries.

The workshop provided a platform for discussing leadership development and career progression within healthcare, fostering knowledge exchange among emerging leaders shaping future practices.

The event highlighted how collaborative efforts can drive progress in global healthcare systems while nurturing new talents ready to take on future challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM