M42 and ACTVET Empowering Emirati women to lead the future of sustainable healthcare in the UAE

In a national milestone, M42’s Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital has onboarded the first cohort of Emirati Midwives, welcoming seven graduates from the Direct-Entry Midwifery Program at Fatima College of Health Sciences, an educational institution under the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET).

Comprising a first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Midwifery in the UAE spanning four years, the graduates acquired both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience from preconception to newborn care, preparing them for their new jobs at Danat Al Emarat, supporting efforts to bring local talent and expertise, cultural understanding, and national pride to the heart of patient care.

This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to empowering Emirati women in healthcare and reflects Danat Al Emarat’s vision of being a hospital for women, by women. The newly qualified midwives will play a vital role in supporting mothers and newborns, providing high-quality care that is both advanced and culturally attuned to the needs of families across the UAE.

This milestone marks a historic moment for maternal and neonatal healthcare, as Emirati women continuously step into frontline roles to advance healthcare delivery and set new benchmarks of care. As they shape the future of the profession, these midwives will inspire the next generation and reinforce the nation’s commitment to women-led progress in healthcare.

Through this strategic focus, M42 is furthering its mission to support the UAE government’s Emiratization goals, ensuring local talent is empowered to lead and sustain the healthcare sector for generations to come. By providing Emirati professionals with advanced training, hands-on experience, and clear pathways to leadership, M42 is building a pipeline of healthcare experts equipped to meet the nation’s evolving needs. This investment is creating a resilient, future-ready system that embodies the UAE’s values of innovation, inclusivity, and national pride.

Commenting on the success of the program, H.E. Dr. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Institute of Applied Technology (IAT), Director General of ACTVET, commented: “At ACTVET, we are committed to shaping the future of the UAE’s workforce by creating pathways for Emiratis into critical and emerging professions. The Direct-Entry Midwifery Program is a testament to this vision, reaffirming Emirati women’s vital role in healthcare. The graduation of the first cohort and their placement at Danat Al Emarat marks not just a milestone for the program, but also for the nation, as we expand opportunities, elevate healthcare delivery, and empower Emirati talent to lead this field. We congratulate and extend our best wishes to the first batch of graduates as they begin this important journey of service to their community and country."

Lisa Pratt, Director - Chief Academic Officer of FCHS, said: “ACTVET’s support has been instrumental in bringing this program to life. Seeing the first cohort of Emirati midwives graduate and join Danat Al Emarat is a proud moment for FCHS and for the UAE, demonstrating how strategic partnerships and targeted training can open new horizons for women in healthcare and strengthen the nation’s capacity to deliver world-class maternal and neonatal care."

Dimitris Moulavasilis, Group Chief Executive Officer at M42, said: “Welcoming the first-ever cohort of Emirati midwives from Fatima College of Health Sciences at Danat Al Emarat is a proud moment for M42 and the UAE’s healthcare sector, reflecting continued progress and the growing role of Emirati talent in shaping the future of care. This is a transformative step that will strengthen our national healthcare workforce and cultivate specialized skills among Emiratis, building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for generations to come.”

On hiring the midwives, Dr. Summia Zaher, CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital, added: “At Danat Al Emarat, our mission has always been to place women at the center of care. Welcoming the first cohort of Emirati midwives graduates from FCHS is a strong step forward, giving these young, talented women the platform as pioneers in midwifery to make a positive impact throughout the perinatal journey, including during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Their presence reinforces our vision of a hospital for women, by women, where female talent drives the future of maternal and neonatal health.”

Mahra Farouq Nasser Ahmed Alhammadi, one of the graduates and newly appointed midwife at Danat Al Emarat, said: “Becoming part of the first cohort of Emirati midwives of Fatima College of Health Sciences is both an honor and a responsibility. We are proud to represent our country in such a vital profession and to support mothers and newborns at one of the most important moments in their lives. This program has given us the skills, confidence, and opportunity to serve our community, while paving the way for more Emirati women to join the healthcare sector. We hope our journey inspires others to follow, so together we can continue advancing healthcare in the UAE.”