Abu dhabi: The UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC) has convened its inaugural meeting in Abu Dhabi under the chairpersonship of Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. The meeting approved the strategic directions of the Council for a new era of evidence-based, holistic healthcare in the UAE, integrating traditional and complementary medicine into conventional treatment pathways.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Council's mandate is to embed integrative medicine within the national healthcare system. Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE's commitment to blending its rich heritage with modern scientific precision to establish integrative medicine as a key component of healthcare. The approach aims to provide the community with greater choice and promote healthier lives.
The UAEIMC's roadmap is defined by seven strategic pillars aimed at transforming the nation's healthcare landscape. Central to this is establishing strong governance to support the integrative medicine ecosystem. This involves merging traditional and complementary healthcare services with modern treatment pathways, ensuring equitable access through expanded insurance coverage and coordinated guidelines.
The Council is also focused on education and capacity building to support a future-ready workforce. Research and innovation are priorities, with a commitment to evidence-based practices and fostering local and international collaborations to scale the sector.
The strategy includes promoting public awareness and participation to build trust in integrative medicine practices. Leaders from various sectors attended the meeting, including Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; Dr. AbdulRahman bin AbdulManan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation; and Khaled Mohamed Salem Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, among others.
Established by the UAE Cabinet in September 2025, the Council is responsible for integrating traditional and complementary practices with conventional treatments, reviving and regulating 13 key practice areas, including Emirati Traditional Medicine. It aims to ensure clinical safety and standardisation through dedicated working groups focused on policy, research, and talent development.
The UAEIMC's efforts will be highlighted globally at the World Health Expo in Dubai in February 2026, where it will participate in WHX Labs. This presence aims to position the UAE as a leader in preventative healthcare and attract international investment and collaboration.