Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi And Khawarizmi International College Will Train First UAE National Respiratory Therapists

Agreement enables Emiratis to support the UAE’s plans for sustainable health sector; Deploys Expertise of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s World-Class Respiratory Institute

​Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, one of the healthcare facilities of Mubadala Investment Company, has signed an agreement with Khawarizmi International College (KIC) to train the UAE’s first-ever Emirati respiratory therapists.

As part of the agreement, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will provide mentoring for a number of UAE national caregivers studying for the Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care program at KIC’s specialized campus. 

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to become the first qualified UAE national respiratory therapists in the country’s history. 

The program has been developed over a two-year period, building upon KIC’s educational expertise and the in-depth knowledge of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s medical team, which includes a world-class Respiratory Institute.

Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, Chief Medical Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “This program offers a remarkable opportunity for motivated caregivers to build a rewarding and challenging career in healthcare. The Respiratory Care field covers a wide spectrum of treatment areas, from specialist therapists to hospital leadership positions. We are anticipating a strong demand, which in turn can sustain the next generation of Emirati healthcare professionals.” 

Dr. Assem Al-Hajj, CEO and President at KIC, said: “KIC’s Respiratory Care degree prepares students to become future leaders in this critical field and is one of the first of its type in the Emirates. Our collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues this pioneering tradition, with a partner institution that shares our philosophy of integrated care and commitment to meeting the needs of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector and wider community.”

Nizar Luqman​, Chief Human Capital Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Nurturing UAE national talent is central to the development of a sustainable healthcare sector and to meet the community’s healthcare needs now and in the future. By partnering with KIC, we are creating dynamic new education and employment opportunities, as well as ensuring the availability of the human resources required to expand and enhance the range of treatment options in the UAE.” 

The unique sponsorship program is open to all Emirati nationals who have worked as a Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi caregiver for a minimum of one year. 

Successful applicants will receive holistic training in Respiratory Care, a clinical field that aids patients with cardiopulmonary diseases such as asthma and emphysema. The program spans the full spectrum of respiratory care procedures, from diagnosing conditions to selecting appropriate treatment plans and educating patients. It also prepares students for accreditation by international certification bodies.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Respiratory Institute​ has introduced a number of cutting-edge treatments to the Middle East for conditions such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Institute is modeled on best practice from the US-based Cleveland Clinic, ranked among the top-three US hospitals for pulmonary care.