Sharjah24: BEEAH, the region’s sustainability pioneer, has appointed the award-winning Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) as the architectural firm for the highly anticipated healthcare project, the Jawaher Boston Medical District, in Sharjah, and unveiled the cutting-edge design. This significant milestone marks a pivotal step in the development of what will be a state-of-the-art healthcare destination aimed at delivering world-class medical care and innovation.
The project is aligned with the vision of of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at BEEAH, to enhance the welfare of Sharjah’s citizens and prioritize health as the essence of human life.
RPBW is manifesting Sharjah’s vision for thriving communities in the design of the Jawaher Boston Medical District, creating a sanctuary of health and well-being in harmony with nature. It integrates impactful sustainability features, fosters an environment that elevates individual experiences, enables the seamless delivery of world-class medical care, and promotes patient recovery. A core element of the design is an iconic canopy that will act as an urban parasol and serve the dual purpose of providing shade and clean energy. Equipped with solar panels, the canopy will produce power with a nurturing lush forest surrounding it, creating a microclimate up to 4°C cooler than the surrounding area. The solar power generated by the canopy will also enable the hospital to fully meet its energy needs, while achieving net-zero status. The design features a special focus on the forest, distinguishing the Jawaher Boston Medical District as a holistic healthcare destination that prioritizes the crucial role of nature in promoting healing and well-being. Thousands of native and adapted trees will envelope the hospital buildings, creating cooling orchards and groves in a lush landscape under the canopy.
The Jawaher Boston Medical District is being developed by BEEAH, with Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—world-renowned medical institutions from Boston, United States—advising on the creation of the district as a future-focused, patient-centered health system.
Set to be developed in Al Suyoh Suburb, Sharjah, the Jawaher Boston Medical District will be strategically positioned near the Sharjah Mosque, with easy access off Emirates Road. The 266-bed, state-of-the-art hospital will bring advanced medical services to residents of Sharjah and the UAE, offering a comprehensive range of specialties, including women’s health, paediatrics, oncology, cardiovascular medicine, lifestyle medicine and disease prevention, neurosciences, rehabilitation medicine, and behavioural health. Building on its purpose to pioneer a sustainable quality of life, BEEAH aims to integrate expert care solutions across the continuum of care by extending services beyond hospital walls, including virtual care and providing care closer to home.
In designing their first project in the MENA region, RPBW will leverage the architectural expertise it has garnered in developing world-class healthcare projects across the globe, including, the Grand Paris-Nord University Hospital in Paris, SNF University Pediatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, and the Children's Surgical Hospital in Uganda. Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) has completed projects worldwide, including iconic buildings such as the Center Georges Pompidou in Paris, The Shard in London, and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.
Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, stated, "Since our inception, BEEAH has been committed to elevating quality of life by working at the convergence of sustainability, technology and people. In collaboration with Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Jawaher Boston Medical District is closely aligned with this purpose and represents our vision for a hospital of the future, considering holistic aspects of well-being and integrating future technologies for the seamless delivery of patient-centric medical care. With the world-renowned Renzo Piano as our architect, we are confident that the Jawaher Boston Medical District will set a new benchmark for healthcare excellence in the region, bringing world-class medical care and innovative treatments to patients in Sharjah and the wider UAE for generations to come.”
Renzo Piano, Chairman and founding Partner of RPBW said, “Hospitals are sanctuaries where healing begins and hope is restored, embodying compassion and medical innovation. Within their walls, every act of care transforms lives, reminding us of the profound impact of human connection and advanced science. It is a privilege to bring this vision to fruition and support the welfare of the Sharjah community and beyond.”
Antoine Chaaya, Partner in Charge, RPBW, shared his vision for the project, saying, “We are honored to be selected as the architects for the landmark Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah. We aim to create a new model for the hospital of the future, providing a healing and sustainable environment that combines cutting-edge medical technology with a human-centered design, ensuring excellence in healthcare delivery for patients, their families, and medical staff. We look forward to working with BEEAH to bring this vision to life and contribute to the wellbeing of the community in Sharjah and the wider United Arab Emirates.”
Contributing towards the national vision, the landmark design of the Jawaher Boston Medical District marks a significant milestone for Sharjah’s and UAE’s healthcare infrastructure. The hospital will provide advanced healthcare services at the highest international standards, with a focus on innovation and scientific research. The project also aligns with BEEAH’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, healthcare, and excellence in design. Previously, BEEAH has developed solutions for sustainable and digital advancement in the healthcare industry. Wekaya, one of BEEAH’s waste management ventures, focuses on the sustainable and safe disposal of medical and hazardous waste. EVOTEQ, one of BEEAH’s digital ventures, is the developer of SmartTrack, an innovative track-and-trace solution that ensures supply chain integrity, with successful applications in detecting counterfeit and expired medications.
The Jawaher Boston Medical District is BEEAH’s latest project within the healthcare industry, underscoring the organization’s efforts to pioneer a sustainable quality of life for community members in Sharjah and beyond. With RPBW at the helm of the architectural vision, the hospital is set to become a regional icon and a model for future-forward medical facilities, aiming to elevate quality of life across the UAE.