Eight Abu Dhabi hospitals named among Middle East’s best in Newsweek rankings

Eight hospitals in Abu Dhabi have been recognized in Newsweek’s Best Specialized Hospitals in the Middle East 2026 rankings, reinforcing the emirate’s growing reputation as a regional hub for advanced medical care. Five of the facilities secured places among the top 10 hospitals across multiple specialties.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi emerged as the strongest performer, topping the Middle East rankings in cardiology, gastroenterology and neurology, while also placing second in oncology. Its performance positioned it as the leading specialized care provider in the region, according to a WAM report.

The rankings also highlighted four other Abu Dhabi-based institutions among the region’s top 10: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Burjeel Hospital and Tawam Hospital, reflecting the breadth of high-performing healthcare providers operating in the emirate.

In addition, three more facilities from Abu Dhabi were included in Newsweek’s wider regional list - Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, and NMC Specialty Hospital - further expanding the emirate’s presence across key medical disciplines.

Collectively, the recognition underscores Abu Dhabi’s strengths in delivering specialized care across critical fields such as cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedics and pediatrics. It also highlights consistently strong clinical outcomes and the application of advanced medical practices across its healthcare network.

Officials said the results reflect a coordinated healthcare ecosystem built around patient safety, innovation and clinical excellence. “The Newsweek rankings recognize the depth and capability of Abu Dhabi’s specialized care ecosystem,” said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH).

“This achievement reflects the excellence demonstrated by our leading healthcare facilities, and we commend their commitment to innovation and improved clinical outcomes.”

Compiled in partnership with global data and intelligence firm Statista, the Newsweek rankings are widely regarded as a trusted international benchmark for hospital quality. The assessment is based on a rigorous methodology that includes peer recommendations from healthcare professionals, internationally recognized accreditations, and the use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).

By evaluating hospitals across multiple dimensions - ranging from quality and safety to patient experience - the rankings serve as a global reference for identifying leading centers of specialized care.

Dr Fayeza Saif Alyafei, Executive Director of the Healthcare Quality Sector at DoH, said the strong showing in high-impact specialties reflected the maturity of Abu Dhabi’s integrated health system. “The exceptional performance of our hospitals, particularly in cardiology and neurology, demonstrates the depth of clinical expertise and the effectiveness of our coordinated approach to care,” she said.

The Department of Health also pointed to the expanding role of its designated Centers of Excellence, which continue to raise standards in areas such as adult and pediatric cardiovascular surgery, stroke care, burn treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These centers are seen as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s specialized healthcare framework, serving patients both locally and internationally.

Looking ahead, the DoH said it will continue working closely with healthcare providers to expand specialized care capacity, invest in talent development, accelerate innovation and ensure comprehensive well-being for communities across the emirate.