Yas Healthcare to set up UAE’s first proton therapy centre in Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has given the green light to Yas Healthcare to build the UAE's very first proton therapy centre — a move set to redefine cancer treatment in the region. Slated to open its doors by the end of 2028, this cutting-edge facility will bring home a level of care once reserved for medical hubs overseas.

As Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali of the DHA put it, "This groundbreaking technology will advance cancer treatment options for our community... and strengthen Dubai's position as a key destination for advanced medical care and innovation."

How will it work?

Proton therapy is no ordinary radiation treatment. It's like a guided missile for cancer — ultra-precise, deeply focused, and remarkably gentle on healthy tissue. That precision makes it a powerful tool against complex tumours, especially those nestled near delicate organs or in children's developing bodies.

Here's what sets proton therapy apart:

• It uses protons instead of traditional X-rays to treat cancer.
• These protons can be controlled to stop at the tumour site, avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• It is especially beneficial for paediatric patients, where preserving healthy growth tissue is critical.
• Patients often report fewer side effects and shorter recovery times.

"The Yas Proton Therapy Centre aims to improve accessibility and reduce costs by offering this treatment closer to home," said Dr. Mohamad Zaki, Yas Healthcare's Medical Director. No more costly, exhausting medical tourism — the UAE is bringing this elite care right to its doorstep.

Why does it matter?

The need is real, and it's growing. Cancer rates are climbing across the globe, and younger patients are making up a bigger slice of those numbers. That's where the Yas Proton Therapy Centre steps in — providing a less invasive, more effective option, right where it's needed most.

In Dr. Michael Wang's words, "This milestone collaboration... is set to redefine cancer treatment in the GCC." With Singapore's National Cancer Centre on board as a strategic partner, Dubai isn't just catching up — it's leapfrogging forward.

This centre will also support Dubai's broader goals:

• Boosting healthy life expectancy
• Becoming a global healthcare hub
• Attracting over 500,000 medical tourists annually by 2025

The context

This isn't just about a shiny new facility. It's a move backed by serious national ambition. The project ticks the boxes of the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 — all efforts laser-focused on improving life, health, and opportunity in the Emirates.

Construction kicks off in 2026, with the centre opening in 2028. And when it does, it won't just treat patients — it'll change the narrative of cancer care across the Middle East.

In DHA's own words, it's about delivering "world-class, patient-centred treatment" and cementing the city's place "among the top 10 cities globally for healthy life expectancy." Now that's a vision with teeth.