Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Celebrates the Graduation of Next Generation Emirati Physician Leaders
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marked a proud academic milestone with the graduation of 23 interns, residents, and fellows from its Graduate Medical Education programs. Among them, 19 are UAE Nationals, a testament to the hospital’s growing role in cultivating the next generation of world-class clinicians trained right here in the UAE.
Held at the hospital’s auditorium, the ceremony honored the achievements of physicians who have completed rigorous training across specialties, including emergency medicine, internal medicine, anesthesiology, otolaryngology, general surgery, and cardiology. The event also celebrated the institution’s first-ever cardiology fellow graduates, underscoring the hospital’s expanding depth in subspecialty medical training.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, congratulated the graduates, stating: “These young professionals represent the future of healthcare in the UAE, driven by expertise, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is proudly supporting their growth as they take their place as leaders in medicine.”
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s academic programs are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I) and the Emirati Board, delivering a world-class clinical learning environment that integrates international best practices with a strong commitment to the UAE’s long-term healthcare strategy. The programs play a vital role in the hospital’s broader commitment to Emiratization and align with national priorities under UAE Vision 2031, which seeks to empower Emirati talent across all sectors, including healthcare.
Dr. Sawsan Abdel-Razig, Chief Academic Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “This year’s graduates represent more than individual success stories, they reflect the role and scale of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s commitment to shaping the UAE’s healthcare talent. Through our Graduate Medical Education programs, we’ve trained more than 289 physicians to date, many of them UAE Nationals, who are now advancing care, driving innovation, and strengthening the UAE’s healthcare system for generations to come."
Faculty were also recognized during the ceremony, with ‘Teacher of the Year’ honors awarded to educators who have gone above and beyond to mentor the next generation of clinicians.
As Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to grow its educational footprint, this year’s class reflects a broader vision: to train and retain exceptional talent, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of medical excellence for generations to come.