DOH names 3 Abu Dhabi breast cancer centres as oncology CoEs

Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) has designated three Oncology Centres of Excellence for Breast Cancer: Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and SEHA Tawam Hospital, according to a 21 September 2026 Abu Dhabi Media Office release.

The designation matters first for COOs, medical directors and payers. Dubai clinics regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will need clear referral criteria when patients seek tertiary breast oncology care in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi providers and insurers regulated by DOH have a more direct question: which cases should move into a CoE pathway, and at what point in diagnosis, surgery, systemic therapy or rehabilitation.

What DOH has recognised

DOH said the three facilities were recognised for end-to-end breast cancer care, including diagnosis, intervention, advanced treatment, rehabilitation and survivorship. The designation is linked to DOH’s Centres of Excellence programme, which launched in 2023 and is designed to identify licensed facilities that meet higher standards in specialised services.

DOH said early cancer screening rates in Abu Dhabi increased by 85% over the past year. That figure is relevant for operators because screening growth creates downstream pressure on imaging, biopsy, pathology, surgery, infusion capacity and radiation slots. A screening campaign without referral discipline can move bottlenecks from primary care into oncology.

• Burjeel Cancer Institute cited a One-Step Breast Clinic covering consultation, imaging, biopsy, pathology review and treatment planning within 24 hours.
• SEHA Tawam Hospital was cited as the first UAE facility internationally accredited as a breast cancer centre through the National Accreditation Programme for Breast Centres.
• Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was named by DOH among the three recognised breast cancer CoEs.
• DOH said CoE assessment covers clinical outcomes, patient experience, patient safety, workforce competency, education, research and accreditations.

“The designation of Oncology Centres of Excellence for Breast Cancer marks another important milestone in this journey, recognising providers that meet the highest standards of specialised care while encouraging continuous improvement across the healthcare ecosystem.” — Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary, Department of Health Abu Dhabi

Why clinics and insurers should care

For Dubai providers, the signal is competitive rather than regulatory. DHA remains the regulator for Dubai facilities, and DHA’s Sheryan system includes a public medical directory for licensed facilities and professionals. A Dubai breast clinic that refers complex cases to Abu Dhabi should document why the referral is clinically justified, which CoE service is needed and how follow-up care returns to Dubai after surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

For Abu Dhabi operators, the document trail is clearer. DOH Circular No. 2025/148, dated 5 August 2025, was addressed to healthcare service providers, health insurance companies and third-party administrators licensed by DOH. The circular said DOH had approved a specific standard for oncology CoE recognition, with breast cancer as the focus.

That makes the designation relevant to pre-authorisation teams. Insurers and TPAs should check whether policy wording, network rules and case management protocols distinguish routine breast oncology from complex cases requiring a CoE. The announcement did not publish a tariff, bundled payment rate or patient eligibility list. Finance teams should use their own contracted fee schedules and DOH payer guidance before changing reimbursement assumptions.

Medical directors should treat the designation as a credentialing signal. Breast cancer pathways usually involve radiology, pathology, breast surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, genetics, rehabilitation and palliative care. DOH’s CoE criteria point to multidisciplinary capability rather than a single consultant or device.

What operators should do next

Abu Dhabi clinics should map current breast cancer referrals against the three recognised CoEs by Q4 2026. The practical audit is simple: count suspected breast cancer cases, biopsy-positive cases, complex surgical referrals, chemotherapy starts and external second opinions. Any gap between referral volume and documented referral criteria is a governance risk.

Dubai and northern emirates providers should avoid marketing claims that imply DOH CoE status unless their facility has the designation. In Dubai, use DHA licensing and facility records. In Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, use Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) licensing channels for local provider checks.

Patients will see the story as a quality label. Operators should see it as a routing and capacity issue. The next test is whether CoE recognition shortens time from abnormal mammogram to treatment plan, and whether insurers recognise that pathway in authorisation decisions.

For licensed oncology options across the country, start with the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, then verify each facility’s current oncology scope with DHA, DOH Abu Dhabi or MOHAP before referral or contracting.