Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has seen early screening rates climb by 85% over the past year, demonstrating the emirate’s dedication to prevention and early detection. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has now identified three facilities as Oncology Centers of Excellence for Breast Cancer. These centers ensure patients with specialized needs receive coordinated care and advanced therapies through facilities meeting the highest clinical standards.
World-class facilities to lead specialized care
The three designated centers are Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and SEHA Tawam Hospital. This recognition comes for their advanced capabilities in delivering high-quality breast cancer care and improving patient outcomes. Each provides full support from diagnosis through rehabilitation and survivorship, combining internationally trained specialists with patient-centered treatment aligned to global best practices.
Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City earned designation for Oncology and Breast Cancer, led by its One-Step Breast Clinic. This model consolidates consultation, imaging, biopsy, pathology review, and treatment planning within 24 hours, accelerating diagnosis and reducing delays. The facility also offers Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) and the GCC region’s sole NOVALIS-accredited radiation oncology program. Its UAE-wide mobile mammography program delivers screening and education to communities.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi received designation for Oncology and Breast Cancer, managing complex cases through a multidisciplinary approach. The facility provides advanced oncoplastic expertise, including robotic and endoscopic breast surgery, axillary and lymphatic-preserving procedures, and microsurgical reconstruction. These are supported by a regional anesthesia program to speed recovery. The clinic also uses PET-based imaging, MRI-guided biopsy, therapeutic trials, and the UAE’s first AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy with daily replanning. In-house HER-2 FISH testing is available.
SEHA Tawam Hospital, Part of PureHealth Group, is distinguished by its advanced breast oncology expertise and longstanding commitment to specialized cancer care. It was the first facility in the UAE to be internationally accredited as a breast cancer center through the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). SEHA Tawam Hospital serves as a national and regional tertiary referral hub for complex and advanced breast cancer cases, equipped with cutting-edge technologies including the Brevera Breast Biopsy System, artificial intelligence-enabled contrast-enhanced digital mammography and precision radiation therapies such as CyberKnife and RapidArc. The facility’s designation is further strengthened by its robust research ecosystem, active involvement in international clinical trials and globally recognized accreditations.
Centers of Excellence are healthcare facilities designated by the DoH to offer specialized programs in specific medical fields. To qualify, they must meet minimum standards covering clinical outcomes, patient experience, safety, service quality, staff expertise, and medical education. The DoH evaluates these through six key indicators: survival rates, recurrence reduction, patient-reported quality of life, feedback integration, and compliance with international safety protocols. Accreditations held by the facility also determine eligibility.
The designation process for Oncology Centers of Excellence involves rigorous assessment by the DoH. Facilities must demonstrate measurable improvements in survival rates, reduced recurrence, and enhanced patient quality of life. They are evaluated on patient feedback integration and adherence to global safety standards, including infection control and medication management. Staff competency is critical, requiring teams trained in international best practices, including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists with global certifications or fellowship training. Continuous professional development, such as advanced training and peer-reviewed publications, is mandatory. Research contributions, including clinical trials and academic collaborations, are also assessed.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s healthcare vision
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen a leading healthcare ecosystem built on continuously advancing the quality of specialized care, supporting innovation and embedding a culture of excellence across the healthcare sector. The designation of Oncology Centers of Excellence for Breast Cancer marks another important milestone in this journey, recognizing providers that meet the highest standards of specialized care while encouraging continuous improvement across the healthcare ecosystem. By expanding access to trusted, high-quality specialized services, we are empowering our communities to receive the care they need, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life and further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for healthcare.”
