The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree establishing the UAE Council for Integrative Medicine and appointing Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as Chair of the Council.
The decree aims to strengthen the concept of integrative medicine in the UAE as a multidisciplinary approach that combines modern, traditional, and complementary medical practices in a safe, structured, and evidence-based manner, ensuring the delivery of care tailored to each individual’s condition and needs.
Integrative medicine provides a deeper and broader vision of healthcare by focusing on the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit, improving overall well-being, preventing disease, diagnosing health conditions, identifying root causes, and providing safe treatment pathways.
The decree also seeks to establish a robust governance framework for integrative medicine in the UAE, enhance awareness and recognition of the field, build national talent and capabilities, and position the country as a leading regional and global hub for research and innovation. It aims to encourage investment, strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, and enhance coordination among federal and local government entities to advance the UAE’s leadership in this rapidly growing sector, both locally and internationally.
Under the decree, the UAE Council for Integrative Medicine will be responsible for proposing national policies, strategies, legislative frameworks, initiatives, and performance indicators for the development of the integrative medicine sector. The council will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the integration of modern, traditional, and complementary medical services into a unified patient care journey that is safer and more efficient.
The council’s responsibilities also include developing evidence-based national guidelines, patient pathways, and clinical protocols for integrative medicine in priority areas. It will work closely with academic and healthcare institutions to introduce educational programs and specialised training to build current and future capabilities within the healthcare workforce, supporting the availability of qualified professionals in this growing field.
In addition, the council will oversee studies and research related to integrative medicine and submit recommendations to the UAE Cabinet. It will provide expert advice and guidance to federal and local entities, coordinate their efforts, and evaluate the impact of implementing integrative medicine strategies and initiatives across the country.
Furthermore, the council will collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities to propose or join international treaties and agreements related to integrative medicine, develop partnership frameworks and memoranda of understanding with global organisations and regional bodies, and represent the UAE in relevant international forums, exhibitions, and conferences. It will also organise national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops focused on advancing integrative medicine.
The council will consist of the chairperson and a number of appointed members, with its formation approved by a UAE Cabinet decree. It may also consult external experts, establish committees, and form working groups as needed. The council will operate as an independent body with full legal, financial, and administrative autonomy under the supervision of the UAE Cabinet.
