Work has begun on the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) hospital with the official ground-breaking ceremony.

Scheduled to welcome its first patients in early 2011, the world-class hospital will be a 360-bed (scalable to 490), multi-specialty facility located on Al Sowa Island, across from the Abu Dhabi Mall.
 
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is one of a number of initiatives led by Mubadala Healthcare, the division of Mubadala dedicated to investment in strategic, high value and economically sustainable projects that meaningfully enhance the private healthcare infrastructure of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. 

The hospital will be a unique and unparalleled extension of the Cleveland Clinic model, providing a spectrum of specialty services that are designed to cater to the healthcare needs of Abu Dhabi and the region, said a statement.

One of the objectives of CCAD is to address the needs of patients currently traveling abroad for treatment, it said.

Like its counterpart in the United States, CCAD will be a physician-led medical facility served by US-trained and board certified physicians. It will provide a number of career opportunities, and the medical professionals will receive ongoing training directly from Cleveland Clinic, said the statement.

CCAD will offer the most advanced tertiary/quaternary medical services in the region through a comprehensive range of specialties and subspecialties. Local and international patients will be cared for in an environment combining ‘seven star’ amenities and service standards with the highest quality patient care and superior clinical outcomes. The hospital is being designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in surgery, imaging, telemedicine and electronic medical records.

“Partnering with one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the United States to develop a world-class facility like CCAD creates a wonderful opportunity to further enhance healthcare in the UAE,” said Mark Erhart, Executive Director of Mubadala Healthcare. “CCAD is a vital part of our integrated healthcare network and we are absolutely committed to delivering the highest quality facilities and services to our patients.”

“Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will enhance health, wellness and long life for so many,” said Delos M. “Toby” Cosgrove, President and CEO, Cleveland Clinic. “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will combine the best of American medicine with the style and energy of this incredible city and nation.”

Since the signing of the agreement in September 2006, appropriate studies were completed and the partners appointed San Francisco-based architecture firm, HDR to design the hospital and ALDAR Properties to build this state-of-the-art facility. 

"Aldar is pleased to be appointed to develop the esteemed Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.  It is our commitment to continually enhance the community of Abu Dhabi through meaningful developments. This facility will be a great asset to the residents of Abu Dhabi and those seeking advanced medical care from abroad," concluded Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, chairman, Aldar Properties. – TradeArabia News Service