First Comprehensive Heart Failure Center certified in U.A.E.

Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City becomes the first hospital in the region to earn this prestigious certification from the American Heart Association.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The American Heart Association has certified Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City in the United Arab Emirates as the first Comprehensive Heart Failure Center in the region. This certification, along with the hospital's existing Comprehensive Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center designations, demonstrates its commitment to delivering guideline-directed, team-based care that can improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for patients living with complex cardiovascular conditions.

Why it matters

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 32% of all global deaths. In the Middle East and North Africa region, an estimated 3.75 million people experience heart failure. The certification of the first Comprehensive Heart Failure Center in the U.A.E. marks an important milestone in the region's efforts to improve cardiovascular care and address this critical public health challenge.

The details

To earn the Comprehensive Heart Failure Center certification, Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City underwent a rigorous evaluation by a team of expert reviewers from the American Heart Association. The hospital was found to meet or exceed all of the Association's required standards for providing guideline-directed, multidisciplinary care for heart failure patients.

  • The American Heart Association published its 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report in February 2026.
  • Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City became the first hospital in the U.A.E. region to earn the Comprehensive Heart Failure Center certification in February 2026.

The players

Juwairia Alali, MD, FACC, FRCPC, FESC.

President of the Emirates Cardiac Society and a cardiologist at Rashid Hospital in Dubai.

DP Suresh, M.D.

Volunteer co-chair of the American Heart Association's International Committee.

Ali Al Shamisi, M.D.

Consultant interventional cardiologist, head of cardiology, and chair of the internal medicine department at Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City.

American Heart Association

A relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities.

Emirates Cardiac Society

A professional organization that collaborates with the American Heart Association to offer certifications in the U.A.E.

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What they’re saying

“The designation of the first Comprehensive Heart Failure Center in the U.A.E. marks an important milestone for cardiovascular care in the region.”

— Juwairia Alali, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society and a cardiologist at Rashid Hospital

“Earning both Comprehensive Chest Pain Center and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center certifications demonstrates a strong, systemwide approach to the rapid identification and treatment of patients experiencing acute and chronic cardiac symptoms.”

— DP Suresh, Volunteer co-chair of the American Heart Association's International Committee

“This certification represents an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to elevate cardiovascular care for our community.”

— Ali Al Shamisi, Consultant interventional cardiologist, head of cardiology, and chair of the internal medicine department at Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City

What’s next

The American Heart Association and the Emirates Cardiac Society will continue to work together to expand the number of certified Comprehensive Heart Failure Centers and Comprehensive Chest Pain Centers across the U.A.E. in order to improve cardiovascular care and outcomes for patients in the region.

The takeaway

The certification of the first Comprehensive Heart Failure Center in the U.A.E. demonstrates the country's commitment to delivering world-class, guideline-directed cardiovascular care and positions it as a leader in addressing the growing burden of heart disease in the Middle East and North Africa region.