The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), the emirate’s healthcare regulator, has teamed up with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to open its first international facility in Abu Dhabi, in a major step that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in specialized healthcare.
Ranked as the No. 1 eye hospital in the United States 24 times by U.S. News and World Report, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute brings decades of clinical excellence to the region.
This partnership highlights Abu Dhabi’s dedication to building a world-class healthcare ecosystem that attracts leading medical institutions and delivers best-in-class care across all specialties.
Set to open in November 2025 through a strategic collaboration between Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and August Medical, part of SOZA Group, the state-of-the-art facility will expand access to Bascom Palmer’s globally renowned ophthalmic care, pioneering research, and outstanding medical education in the emirate. This milestone reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, the state-of-the-art, 70,000-square-foot ambulatory care center will feature a distinctive, gemstone-inspired architectural design, symbolizing eye care precision and value.
Equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies, the center will include 31 exam rooms, three operating theatres, dedicated laser and refractive suites, and specialized services such as an Ocular Surface Disease Laboratory, ENT, and Sleep Centre. The facility will also host educational spaces for professional training, along with advanced patient amenities, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and holistic care.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi Undersecretary – DoH Abu Dhabi
“We are proud to ink this promising collaboration with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, a milestone that signifies the next step in Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming a premier destination for world-leading healthcare. By hosting global institutions of this caliber, we continue to raise the bar for excellence in specialized care, ensuring our community has access to quality care and medical expertise close to home. Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure, progressive regulations and focus on innovation allow us to create an integrated ecosystem that encourages collaboration, drives innovations and sets new standards for care delivery worldwide.”
Dr Abdul Rahim Jaffar, Board Member of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute- Abu Dhabi said that, “We owe deep gratitude to our UAE’s wise leadership, whose vision and unwavering commitment to building a world‑class healthcare infrastructure have made milestones like this possible. The establishment of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi reflects not only global collaboration but also the foresight of our leadership in ensuring that the people of the UAE and the wider region have access to the very best in specialized care, education, and research.”
Dr Abdul Rahim Jaffar further stated that, “Once operational, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi will offer the full spectrum of ophthalmic services, including treatment for retinal and corneal diseases, glaucoma, ocular oncology, pediatric ophthalmology, and complex orbital pathologies. Patients in Abu Dhabi and across the region will have access to world-renowned physicians and advanced surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of care close to home.”
Dipen J. Parekh, MD and CEO of UHealth and EVP for Health Affairs at the University of Miami, described the venture as a landmark moment for the institution, marking the global expansion of Bascom Palmer’s renowned excellence. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond opening a new facility, it extends UHealth’s mission to deliver exceptional care and train physicians worldwide, made possible through close collaboration with DoH, Soza, and August Medical.
This collaboration underscores Abu Dhabi’s vision to build a globally connected healthcare ecosystem rooted in innovation, advanced technology, and international best practices. With its world-class infrastructure and progressive regulations, Abu Dhabi continues to attract leading institutions like Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, enhancing access to specialized care and advancing health outcomes for the community and beyond.
