Salem bin Abdulrahman inaugurates Burjeel Oncology Institute

Opening ceremony and keynote address

The opening ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech from Professor Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of the Burjeel Oncology Institute and President of the Emirates Oncology Society. In his address, he expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi for gracing the event and inaugurating the institute. He highlighted the significance of this launch as a major milestone in advancing cancer care, emphasising its role in delivering world-class medical services and supporting national treatment objectives.

Institute objectives and strategic vision

Professor Al Shamsi outlined the institute’s objectives and emphasised the vital role it plays within the hospital’s range of specialties. He noted that the institute is dedicated to delivering top-tier treatment services through a multidisciplinary medical team, ensuring comprehensive patient care, easing patient suffering, and advancing public awareness through education and cancer prevention programmes.

Remarks from executive leadership

Philippe Chappuis, Executive Director of Operations at the institute, delivered a speech highlighting the institute’s mission and its commitment to delivering specialised, comprehensive care for cancer diagnosis and treatment. He emphasised the institute’s dedication to supporting patients through every stage of their journey until full recovery.

Focus on education and prevention

Dr Mahdi Afrit, an oncology specialist, then spoke about the institute’s key features, noting that beyond treatment, it offers vital services in health education, clinical screening, and early detection as part of a proactive approach to cancer prevention. The ceremony also included a heartfelt testimony from a cancer survivor treated at Burjeel Specialty Hospital, who shared her positive experience and praised the exceptional care she received throughout her treatment.

Multimedia presentation on patient care

Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, along with the attendees, viewed a video presentation featuring insights from several doctors and members of the medical and healthcare team. The presentation highlighted the institute’s comprehensive patient care, including precise diagnostics, personalised nutritional support, and a commitment to meeting every patient’s needs while maintaining the highest standards of privacy.

Presentation of commemorative gift

Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi was presented with a commemorative gift—a key reference book on healthcare in the United Arab Emirates, authored by Professor Humaid Al Shamsi.

Tour of facilities and services

After the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi toured the institute and was briefed on its various facilities. The new centre is part of Burjeel’s expanding network of specialised oncology institutes across the UAE, created to deliver integrated surgical and medical oncology services under one roof. It aims to provide patients with access to advanced diagnostics, state-of-the-art treatments, and procedures that meet the highest international standards of medical and healthcare excellence.

Overview of patient journey and infrastructure

Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi toured the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include specialised clinics for cancer diagnosis and treatment, advanced treatment and operating rooms, and a wide range of diagnostic equipment. During the visit, he received a detailed overview of the patient journey—from hospital admission and diagnostic procedures to the initiation of personalised treatment plans.

A milestone in UAE healthcare

The institute marks a strategic enhancement to the UAE’s healthcare system, offering comprehensive cancer care and improving access to specialised oncology services nationwide. As the first facility of its kind in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, the Burjeel Oncology Institute sets a new standard for advanced cancer treatment in the region.

Advanced technology and multidisciplinary care

The Oncology Institute at Burjeel Specialty Hospital in Sharjah is outfitted with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and advanced surgical oncology procedures. The facility features dedicated chemotherapy suites designed to prioritise patient comfort and privacy, creating a supportive and personalised environment throughout the treatment journey. A multidisciplinary team of oncology surgeons, medical specialists, and healthcare professionals leads the institute, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care for every patient.