Dubai to open UAE’s first Proton Therapy Center by 2028

The UAE’s first proton therapy center will be built in Dubai, marking a major advancement in cancer care in the region.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has given initial approval to Yas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Das Holding, to establish the new facility. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2028.

Precision cancer treatment comes to Dubai

The center will offer proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation treatment that targets tumors with high precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is particularly effective for pediatric cancers and tumors located near sensitive organs.

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director-General of the DHA, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s vision to become a global leader in healthcare.

“This groundbreaking technology will advance cancer treatment options for our community and reinforce Dubai’s goal of ranking among the top 10 cities globally for healthy life expectancy,” he said.

Global partnership for regional impact

The project will be developed in partnership with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), one of Asia’s top oncology institutions. NCCS will serve as the project consultant, contributing clinical and technical expertise to the design and implementation of the facility.

Dr. Michael Wang, Chair of the Division of Radiation Oncology at NCCS, said, “This milestone collaboration with Yas Healthcare reflects our leadership in radiation oncology. We are excited to contribute our expertise as this technology is introduced to the GCC.”

Dr. Mohamad Zaki, Medical Director and General Manager of Yas Healthcare, added that the center will help address rising cancer diagnoses, especially among younger patients, by providing care closer to home and reducing treatment costs.

Supporting Dubai’s broader health goals

The project supports several key national strategies, including the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. These initiatives aim to improve health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and position Dubai as a hub for advanced medical care and tourism.

With the new facility, patients in the UAE and across the region will no longer need to travel abroad for this specialized treatment.

Yas Healthcare plans to share updates on the project’s progress and future patient programs through its official platforms.