- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi topped the Middle East rankings, securing first place in cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology.
- Five Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities ranked among the top ten in the Middle East across multiple specialties, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Tawam Hospital, and Burjeel Hospital.
- These facilities demonstrate capability across cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics and paediatrics.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi continues to foster a healthcare environment that sets the regional benchmark, with eight of its facilities featured in Newsweek’s Best Specialised Hospitals Middle East 2026 list, five of which secured prestigious positions among the top ten facilities in the Middle East across multiple specialties.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi leads the Middle East rankings, securing first place in cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology, and second place in oncology. Four other Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities ranked among the region’s top ten, including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Burjeel Hospital, and Tawam Hospital. Newsweek’s list of the Middle East’s Best Specialised Hospitals also includes Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, and NMC Specialty Hospital.
This prestigious recognition highlights the Emirate’s unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge capabilities in delivering world-class specialised medical care, further cementing its position as a global leader in healthcare excellence.
These rankings underscore the exceptional clinical outcomes and specialised expertise of the recognised facilities, highlighting their excellence in delivering outstanding care across critical disciplines, including cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics and paediatrics. Their inclusion reaffirms the advanced capabilities of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem, driven by a unified commitment to patient safety, innovation and clinical excellence.
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Newsweek rankings recognise the depth and capability of Abu Dhabi’s specialised care ecosystem. This achievement reflects the excellence demonstrated by our leading healthcare facilities – we commend their dedication to excellence, innovation and advancing clinical outcomes for our community. Together, they continue to elevate the Emirate’s position as a regional leader in specialised care. We remain committed to building an intelligent, resilient and future-ready healthcare system that delivers the highest standards of care for our communities.”
Developed in collaboration with global intelligence firm Statista, the Newsweek rankings are regarded as one of the most credible international benchmarks for hospital quality. The assessment applies a rigorous methodology that includes peer recommendations from healthcare professionals across the region, internationally recognised accreditations and certifications and the implementation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs). By evaluating hospitals across multiple dimensions of quality, safety and patient experience, the rankings offer a trusted global reference point for identifying leading centres of specialised care.
This recognition reflects the continued strengthening of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, supported by robust regulatory frameworks, clear standards of practice and close collaboration with healthcare providers. By enhancing quality, safety and clinical performance across the sector, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) ensures that specialised services remain efficient, accessible and centred on patient needs, reinforcing the Emirates’ position as a leader in healthcare excellence.
Dr. Fayeza Saif Alyafei, Executive Director of Healthcare Quality Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi: “Our Centres of Excellence continue to shape the future of specialised care in the Emirate. The exceptional performance of Abu Dhabi’s hospitals in cardiology and neurology, as recognised by the Newsweek rankings, reflects the depth of clinical expertise and the strength of our integrated system. By bringing together advanced capabilities, multidisciplinary teams and data-driven insights, we are enabling a new era of medical excellence and expanding Abu Dhabi’s impact across the region and beyond.”
The Department also highlights the continued growth and impact of its designated Centres of Excellence (CoEs), which are setting new benchmarks in adult and paediatric cardiovascular surgery, stroke treatment, burn care and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These centres form a critical pillar of Abu Dhabi’s specialised care landscape and reflect a strong commitment to improving outcomes for patients locally and beyond.
Together, the achievements reflected in the Newsweek rankings and the strengths of the CoEs demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s momentum in building one of the world’s most intelligent, integrated and efficient healthcare systems. DoH will continue working closely with its healthcare partners to advance specialised care capacity, strengthen talent development, accelerate innovation and ensure comprehensive well-being for every individual in the community.
