Delivering Health From The Start
1943
It was the beginning of healthcare for Dubai with the opening of a small healthcare centre in Al Ras area.
1951
Under the patronage of His Highness the late Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, the first phase of the Al Maktoum Hospital is built.
1952-1973
The construction of the Al Maktoum Hospital is completed with 157 beds.
1972
The Ruler of Dubai establishes the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS).
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance is declared to be the president of DOHMS.
During that same year, Rashid Hospital is opened in Dubai, complete with 454 beds.
1975
Seven community clinics are opened in Dubai with the aim of reaching out to the people living in the different areas of the Emirate.
1978
The Central Services Complex, a designated complex for stores, laundry, CSSD and the engineering division, is established. The Central Services Complex provides essentials to Dubai’s health facilities and handles the supply of drugs and equipment.
1979
The Department of Health and Medical Services moves into its new headquarters located near Rashid Hospital.
1983
A state-of-the-art hospital is inaugurated in Deira, known as the Dubai Hospital, equipped with 625 beds.
1986
Al Wasl Hospital, a 367-bed specialized maternity and paediatric hospital, is inaugurated. On 4th of January, 2012, as per the orders of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the name of Al Wasl Hospital is changed to Latifa Hospital, to pay homage to the loving memory of his late mother Sheikha Latifa Bint Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed issued this directive on the sixth anniversary of his accession as the Ruler of Dubai.
1988 – 1995
Six community health centres are opened across Dubai to serve the people living in those areas.
1998
The concept of primary healthcare is established and adopted in line with the philosophy of the World Health Organization's motto "Health For All By The Year 2000".
20 heath centres are opened across Dubai to ensure access to basic primary healthcare.
2007
The DHA was formed under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai.