For over three decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a vital role in advancing pediatric care at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Building upon this longstanding partnership, the UAE established the People of the United Arab Emirates Distinguished Professorship in Prenatal Pediatrics and the Sheikh Zayed Professorship in Bioengineering. These dedicated professorships are part of the UAE’s $35 million commitment to Children’s National Hospital. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador to the United States (US), took part in the dedication of the professorships and highlighted the ongoing partnership between the UAE and Children’s National Hospital.
According to Ambassador Al Otaiba, “These endowed professorships reflect the three core values of the UAE, a commitment to medical innovation, a dedication to international collaboration and a belief in our shared humanity – ensuring mothers, infants and families receive hope and care when they need it most.”
Dr. Adré Jaques du Plessis, MBChB, is the inaugural holder of the prenatal pediatric professorship. As an international expert in prenatal and neonatal neuroscience, Dr. du Plessis directs the Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatric Institute at Children’s National.
An Ongoing Commitment to Transformative Healthcare
The multi-decade UAE-Children’s National partnership has included transformative gifts to help further the medical center’s mission to provide expert care and support for children. Notable milestones in the partnership’s history include:
1991: The UAE medical office was established in Washington, D.C. Through the office, thousands of Emirati children have received access to life-changing care through Children’s National.
2010: The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation was founded. First established in 2009, the state-of-the-art facility was made possible by a $150 million gift from the UAE.
2021: The UAE supported the opening of the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus through its 2019 commitment of $30 million. The contribution helped create a one-of-a-kind research and innovation hub.
2024: UAE committed a $35 million gift focused on prenatal, neonatal and maternal health. The gift was announced following a visit from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
At the dedication, Ambassador Al Otaiba reflected on the real-world impact of these advancements, saying, “Every time I meet an Emirati family whose child has received life-saving treatment here, I am reminded of the profound impact of our enduring partnership.”
Ambassador Al Otaiba and Abeer Al Otaiba have also personally contributed to Children’s National Hospital over the years, first as co-chairs of the 2014 Children’s Ball and later as recipients of the second annual Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Prize in Philanthropy.
Promoting Compassionate Innovation
With the consistent support and advocacy from the UAE and its leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Children’s National Hospital remains at the forefront of pediatric healthcare through groundbreaking strategies, unique partnerships and remarkable medical innovations.
Learn more about the UAE’s partnerships with several leading US hospitals to improve research and care.