Higher, Happier, Healthier – 50 years of UAE- Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare
In the last 50 years, UAE has emerged as an oasis of peace and prosperity in the middle of the
Arabian desert. This has been possible due to the Visionary Leadership of the Rulers of this
country along with the excellent execution by a team of officials.
UAE takes prides on its record on tolerance, with people from over 200 nationalities living
peacefully and harmoniously here, irrespective of their color, race or religion. The country
places immense importance on the happiness index of its citizens and expats residing in the
country, at the same par as the GDP. It may be the only country in the world with Ministers for
Tolerance and Happiness, highlighting the focus on these areas.
UAE is creating ripples across the world through its focus on future with environment,
sustainability and governance occupying the center table. We hear about the driverless car and
Hyperloop in news across the world, but it is already being executed in UAE — The country has
already reached the space and is longing to go further in this frontier of knowledge and
technology. It is also focusing on nuclear power along with renewable energy which can
address environmental issues and safeguard the planet.
As someone who came to Dubai 35 years ago, I have witnessed the exponential growth of UAE
during the period, with excellent social and physical infrastructure being created– you have the
best roads, airports and seaports in the world here — more importantly you have the best
schools, colleges, hospitals, restaurants and entertainment here. It is also one of the safest
cities in the world where children or women can venture out in the middle of the night without
fear.
The warm welcome that UAE citizens extend to foreigners is legendary. Those who have the
aptitude and skill- sets and choose to be here will be able to reach the heights of his capability
due to the congenial business and professional environment provided by the country. It has one
of the highest levels of ease of doing business and speed of doing business. With the
announcement of 10-year Golden Visa, 5-year Multiple Entry Visa and Citizenship to selected
category of people who want to add value to the country, we find large number of people from
far and near making UAE their home. This is a great vote of confidence for this small nation with
great people.
Healthcare has been one of the sectors that has undergone a phenomenal growth over the last
50 years — we have one of the best healthcare infrastructures in the world with very high bed
to population ratio. UAE proved its capability in becoming one of the earliest nations to have
100% vaccination of the eligible population when faced with the Black Swan event of Covid-19
pandemic, showing its resilience.
Starting from a single doctor clinic in Dubai over 35 years ago, we have been able to spread to 7
countries now with over 21,000 employees providing medical care to nearly 20 million people
through our network of 27 hospitals, 117 clinics and 225 pharmacies — it showcases how UAE
supports businesses and how fertile the soil of this country is for business. The focus has now
shifted to attracting patients from the MENA region for medical value travel to UAE. Increasing
focus is also being given to medical education and research.
On the whole, I can confidently say that UAE is a wonder among the nations in the world — in
spite of the size and even being in the midst of harsh weather and volatile geo-political
situation in the region, it has remained as a solace and hope to millions who live here and also
for those who want to come and be here. May God bless this great country and its benevolent
Rulers.
