Abu Dhabi partnership places 100 people of determination in healthcare roles
Government-private collaboration creates career pathways in medical, operational, and administrative roles advancing UAE inclusion goals.
September 3, 2026

In a major milestone for healthcare inclusion, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development (DCD), Department of Health (DoH), and PureHealth have partnered under the People of Determination Empowerment Plan to integrate 100 People of Determination into diverse clinical, operational, and administrative healthcare roles across the UAE.
A groundbreaking public-private partnership in Abu Dhabi has successfully integrated 100 People of Determination into the healthcare workforce, establishing a new benchmark for inclusive employment practices across the UAE.
The collaboration between the Department of Community Development, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and PureHealth demonstrates how strategic partnerships can simultaneously address workforce development whilst advancing national social objectives.
Strategic framework for inclusion
Operating under DCD's People of Determination Empowerment Plan, the partnership creates meaningful career pathways across diverse healthcare functions including clinical services, operations, finance, marketing, and human resources. This multi-sector approach ensures comprehensive workforce integration whilst building organisational capacity to serve diverse populations effectively.
His Excellency Engineer Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, emphasised that effective collaboration between entities in Abu Dhabi advances the leadership's vision of building a society enabling every individual to realise their full potential. He noted that social and economic empowerment remain fundamental pillars for enhancing quality of life, particularly relevant during the UAE Year of the Family.
“This achievement demonstrates the progress Abu Dhabi is making in embedding inclusion as a developmental approach that places people at the centre of policies, programmes, and services.” — Eng Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development.
Healthcare sector transformation
Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, articulated that stronger communities begin with creating opportunities for all members to contribute and thrive. The partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when People of Determination contribute their talents, expertise, and perspectives to healthcare delivery.
The initiative aligns directly with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, fostering an inclusive society offering equal opportunities whilst strengthening the healthcare sector's capacity to serve diverse populations. By embedding inclusive practices across operations, the partnership establishes a replicable model for sector-wide transformation.
“This milestone shows what is possible when People of Determination are empowered to contribute their talents, expertise and perspectives to our healthcare sector and play an active role in shaping a health ecosystem that reflects our collective ambitions.” — Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
Measurable benefits and future development
The partnership extends beyond immediate employment, encompassing comprehensive programmes focused on accessibility, tailored training, and long-term career development. Future collaboration will develop innovative initiatives across priority areas including research, policy development, and social care services.
This model demonstrates how strategic partnerships can address workforce needs whilst advancing social development objectives, creating measurable impact on both organisational performance and community wellbeing. The initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital that contributes to national economic diversification goals whilst strengthening healthcare delivery capabilities.
Sustainable impact
By placing talented individuals across healthcare entities, the partnership enriches organisational culture whilst ensuring services reflect the communities served. This approach creates sustainable pathways for workforce participation, establishing foundations for continued growth and sector-wide adoption of inclusive employment practices.
The collaboration sets a precedent for how government-private sector partnerships can drive meaningful social change whilst delivering tangible business outcomes, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader in inclusive workforce development within the healthcare sector.
“Talent knows no boundaries, and together we are building a future where no potential is overlooked. We will continue to build an environment where People of Determination can grow, lead and shape the future of healthcare, under the able guidance of DCD and DoH leadership.” — Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth
FAQ About Abu Dhabi Healthcare Inclusion & Employment FAQ
How many People of Determination were integrated into Abu Dhabi’s healthcare workforce?
A groundbreaking public-private partnership in Abu Dhabi successfully integrated 100 People of Determination into the healthcare workforce. This initiative establishes a strong benchmark for inclusive employment, placing talented individuals across various medical, operational, and administrative functions to strengthen sector capabilities.
Which entities partnered for this healthcare inclusion initiative in Abu Dhabi?
This strategic public-private collaboration was formed between the Department of Community Development (DCD), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and PureHealth. Together, these organisations aligned workforce development with national social objectives to foster sustainable career pathways across the UAE.
What types of roles are provided for People of Determination under this partnership?
The initiative creates comprehensive career opportunities across multiple essential functions within the healthcare sector. Placements span clinical services, operational management, finance, marketing, and human resources, ensuring complete workforce integration while enhancing the capacity to serve diverse patient populations effectively.
Which national plans does this initiative support?
This initiative directly supports DCD’s People of Determination Empowerment Plan and aligns with the broader goals of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. Additionally, it advances national economic diversification and social empowerment objectives highlighted during the UAE Year of the Family.

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