The UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC) has signed eight strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with academic, research, and healthcare institutions to strengthen education, scientific research, workforce development, and the integration of evidence-based integrative medicine into healthcare across the United Arab Emirates.
The agreements were signed during the Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine 2026, held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from October 20 to 22. The partnerships aim to translate the UAE Integrative Medicine Strategy into practical initiatives spanning education, research, innovation, and clinical care.
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of UAEIMC, said the agreements reflect a shared commitment to advancing integrative medicine and strengthening the UAE’s leadership in developing an integrated, evidence-informed approach to healthcare.
She emphasised that collaboration across education, training, scientific research, and evidence-based clinical practice is essential to building a sustainable integrative medicine ecosystem, improving healthcare quality, and enhancing public wellbeing.
One of the agreements brings together UAEIMC, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, Khalifa University Enterprises Company, Mubadala Foundation, and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an. The partnership will advance herbal medicine and Emirati Traditional Medicine through research, clinical studies, and professional education. It will also explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions, specialised care models, supporting infrastructure, and community initiatives.
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Another MoU with The Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) will focus on scientifically evaluating selected integrative medicine practices, including approaches rooted in Emirati Traditional Medicine. Drawing on its research, clinical, and laboratory capabilities, IHLAD will collaborate with UAEIMC to assess the safety and effectiveness of these practices and explore how the findings could inform clinical practice.
The partnerships also include healthcare organisations PureHealth and M42, which will work with UAEIMC to explore the integration of selected integrative medicine practices into healthcare pathways. The collaborations aim to strengthen coordination across medical specialities, evaluate health outcomes, and support evidence-based clinical decision-making through real-world data.
The agreement with PureHealth will focus on designing and piloting priority services and care pathways within healthcare institutions. It will also explore ways to improve access to these services, alongside insurance coverage requirements and reimbursement mechanisms, to help establish scalable models for wider implementation.
M42 will contribute its expertise in data analytics, digital technologies, and AI to explore solutions that support the integration of selected practices into healthcare pathways. The collaboration will also examine approaches to evaluating their outcomes and effectiveness.
Four additional MoUs will support the development of an integrated educational and professional ecosystem for integrative medicine, with a focus on building qualified national talent.
The agreement with United Arab Emirates University will cover education and training pathways, joint research, evidence generation, and national data collection to inform future developments in education, healthcare policy, and clinical practice.
Beyond Education, a subsidiary of Khalifa University Enterprises Company, will develop specialised vocational education and training programmes in integrative medicine. These will include curricula, course materials, continuing professional development, and competency assessments. Drawing on research conducted and validated by Khalifa University Enterprises Company and its partners, including studies of UAE medicinal plants and their traditional uses, the programmes will translate scientific findings into practical learning materials for healthcare professionals.
Dubai Medical University will collaborate with UAEIMC on academic and professional education, as well as research into natural products, medicinal plants, and traditional knowledge. The partnership aims to expand the UAE’s scientific evidence base in these areas.
The MoU with Virginia University of Integrative Medicine will focus on acupuncture education, curriculum development, and structured clinical training. It will also cover certification, continuing competency, clinical guidance, and evidence generation to support safe professional practice.
Sheikha Salama said the second Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine reflects the sector’s growing momentum in the UAE and the increasing collaboration among academic, research, and healthcare institutions. She added that knowledge exchange and constructive dialogue at the summit would help translate strategic priorities into practical action.
Organised by UAEIMC, the summit is being held under the theme ‘Tradition, Science and the Future of Integrative Medicine’ as part of Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026. Running from October 20 to 22 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the event provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders working to advance integrative medicine.
Through the eight agreements, UAEIMC aims to strengthen scientific research, develop professional capabilities, and explore responsible approaches to integrating evidence-based practices into healthcare delivery across the UAE.
