Setting a new standard for dementia and cognitive disorder care in the UAE, the clinic combines cutting-edge diagnostic technology with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary model to enhance early detection and support.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) and Sakina, subsidiaries of PureHealth, have partnered to establish a state-of-the-art memory clinic, advancing dementia and cognitive disorder care in the UAE. As part of PureHealth’s network, this collaboration combines Sakina’s expertise in mental health with SSMC’s leadership in complex medical care, establishing a comprehensive framework for early diagnosis, specialised care, and long-term cognitive health management.
By integrating cutting-edge neuroimaging, biomarker-based diagnostics, and precision medicine, the new clinic addresses a critical gap in specialised memory care, offering patients a multidisciplinary, research-driven approach to cognitive health.
Cognitive disorders, particularly dementia, pose a growing health challenge in the UAE. The country’s aging population, combined with high rates of diabetes and hypertension, calls for improved access to specialised cognitive care. The shortage of specialised memory care, especially regarding early and accurate diagnosis, has led to significant delays in intervention, making it all the more urgent to address.
The new clinic brings additional support to the community by offering advanced neuroimaging, biomarker-based diagnostics as well as genetic and precision medicine approaches, with multidisciplinary case reviews. The integration of cutting-edge tools allows the clinic to move beyond symptom-based diagnoses and provide a precision-based medicine approach to dementia care.
Operated by a team of experts and highly specialised staff from Sakina and SSMC, this is the first clinic under PureHealth to offer a truly multidisciplinary approach to memory care. Integrating geriatric psychiatry, cognitive neuropsychiatry, neuropsychology, neuroradiology and a structured pathway for Alzheimer’s treatments, the clinic provides comprehensive, patient-centred care, including cognitive rehabilitation, behavioural and psychological therapies, caregiver support as well as education and medication management.
Research is a cornerstone of the clinic’s mission. Through groundbreaking clinical trials for next-generation Alzheimer’s treatments, population-based studies on dementia in the UAE, and the exploration of emerging technologies such as digital therapeutics and AI-powered screening tools, the clinic will play a key role in advancing the understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders in the UAE and beyond.
Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer at SSMC, commented: “At SSMC, our priority is to deliver an exceptional experience for both patients and their families, built on understanding and empathy. The launch of the memory clinic exemplifies our commitment to advancing healthcare through collaboration and innovation. By continuously elevating and adapting our services, we ensure that we meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community, offering support, expertise and personalised care at every stage.”
Dr. Zain Al Yafai, Chief Executive Officer at Sakina, said: “This partnership with SSMC is a major step forward in our mission to make holistic mental healthcare accessible for individuals within the UAE. As a dedicated resource for mental health, we understand our critical role in fostering a healthier, happier, more productive community and we look forward to bringing world-class services and advanced technologies to those in need, while exploring new frontiers in dementia research, diagnostics, and treatment that will benefit the entire UAE population.”
Dr. Nasir Al-Zbeidi, Consultant Psychiatrist in Cognition, Sakina and SSMC, said: “This collaboration delivers deeply personalised and culturally sensitive care for patients with cognitive disorders. With dedicated case coordination, Arabic-language assessments, and stage-specific planning, we ensure patients and their families receive continuous, tailored support at every stage of their journey.”
The comprehensive memory clinic, operated by SSMC and Sakina, is located in Tower A, Hospital Building, SSMC, and is now open and accepting patients.
About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE offering the highest standards of medical expertise for the treatment of serious and complex conditions. Established in 2019, SSMC has 660 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, including a hybrid operating room and a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit. Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 46 specialties, bringing advanced and trusted quality care closer to the UAE and the wider region.
About Sakina:
Sakina is an extensive network of healthcare facilities across the emirate, strategically designed to seamlessly incorporate mental health services, working alongside other medical specialties within the SEHA and AHS networks to offer comprehensive, stigma-free, and easily reachable world-class care.
“Sakina” which stands for the “spirit of tranquillity” or “peace of reassurance” was established in the year 2024 in an effort to enhance patient care, facilitate broader accessibility to mental healthcare services throughout Abu Dhabi, and establish standardised practices.
Sakina offers treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. In addition to treating existing mental health conditions, we prioritise prevention, by designing programmes to equip individuals with the tools they need to maintain their mental health. Our model of care rests on the three pillars of prevention, access and rehabilitation.
About PureHealth:
PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.
PureHealth’s network comprises:
- SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
- Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE’s leading health insurer
- The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
- Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
- PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
- One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
- The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
- Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
- Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK
- Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) – the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus
- PureCS – A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE’s largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
