Recognition highlights the Institute’s comprehensive breast cancer program, accelerated diagnostic pathway, advanced treatment capabilities, research, and patient-centered care.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 21 September 2026: Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) has been designated an Oncology Centre of Excellence for Breast Cancer by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), in recognition of its advanced capabilities in delivering world-class breast cancer care and driving excellence in patient outcomes.
Burjeel Cancer Institute has been designated as a CoE for Oncology, Breast Cancer, for its advanced and specialized breast oncology capabilities. This is anchored by its One-Step Breast Clinic, which enables consultation, imaging, biopsy, pathology review, and treatment planning within 24 hours, significantly accelerating diagnosis and reducing treatment delays.
The Institute is distinguished by its pioneering role in breast cancer research and in providing patients with access to the most advanced treatments available worldwide, offering Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM), the GCC region’s only NOVALIS-accredited radiation oncology program, advanced oncoplastic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, and a UAE-wide mobile mammography program to deliver screening and education.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, early screening rates increased by 85% over the past year, reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to prevention, early detection and empowering community members to take proactive steps to protect their health.
Centres of Excellence build on these prevention efforts by ensuring patients who require specialized treatment can access coordinated care, timely diagnosis, and advanced therapies through centers that meet the highest clinical standards, ultimately improving health outcomes and supporting patients in leading healthier, longer lives.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen a leading healthcare ecosystem built on continuously advancing the quality of specialized care, fostering innovation and embedding a culture of excellence across the healthcare sector. The designation of Oncology Centres of Excellence for Breast Cancer marks another important milestone in this journey, recognizing providers that meet the highest standards of specialized care while encouraging continuous improvement across the healthcare ecosystem. By expanding access to trusted, high-quality specialized services, we are empowering our communities to receive the care they need, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for healthcare.”
Along with Burjeel Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and SEHA Tawam Hospital have also been designated as Oncology Centres of Excellence for Breast Cancer by DoH.
The three facilities have been designated as Oncology CoEs for Breast Cancer in recognition of their advanced capabilities in delivering world-class breast cancer care and driving excellence in patient outcomes. They provide end-to-end support across timely diagnosis, intervention, access to the latest treatment options, rehabilitation, and survivorship, while bringing together highly specialized, internationally trained teams across key disciplines to deliver coordinated, patient-centered treatment aligned with international standards and best practice.
Professor Humaid Bin Harmal Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Cancer Institute, said: “This designation represents an important milestone for Burjeel Cancer Institute and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering specialized breast cancer care that meets the highest international standards. We have worked to build a comprehensive care model that places patients at the center of every decision, enabling faster access to accurate diagnosis, the latest treatment options and advanced technologies, while fostering close collaboration across medical specialties to achieve the best possible outcomes. We are proud to receive this recognition from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which reinforces our commitment to continuing to invest in innovation, scientific research and the advancement of specialized care. This achievement also reflects our support for Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination for advanced healthcare. Above all, it strengthens our ability to provide a seamless treatment journey that gives patients confidence and hope while helping to improve their quality of life.”
CoEs are healthcare facilities designated by DoH to provide specialized programs in particular medical areas, in line with best practices and the highest quality standards. The facilities stand out with their world-class infrastructure, highly skilled and internationally accredited workforce, multidisciplinary resources, cutting-edge technologies and latest healthcare innovations, and clinical and scientific research while delivering best-in-class healthcare to patients in the emirate and beyond.
CoEs must meet the minimum standard requirements issued by DoH, which outline the criteria and prerequisites for licensed healthcare facilities seeking the designation. DoH outlined six key indicators it considers when evaluating whether a healthcare facility can be recognized as a Centre of Excellence. The indicators cover clinical outcomes, patient experience, patient safety and quality of medical services, employee competency levels, and the facility’s medical education, research strategies, and residency programs. DoH also assesses the accreditations to determine the healthcare facility’s eligibility to become a CoE.
