# UAE healthcare development and global health initiatives > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uae-healthcare-development-and-global-health-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-29T08:48:56.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The United Arab Emirates is expanding its healthcare footprint through both specialized research and digital transformation. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has partnered with Merck to establish a Fertility and IVF Centre of Excellence and Academy, aiming to advance reproductive medicine and workforce development across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. On a global scale, UAE-led programs have contributed significantly to disease eradication, including the delivery of over 850 million polio vaccine doses in Pakistan since 2014 and support for immunization drives in Nigeria. The UAE has also provided $525 million toward international polio eradication efforts since 2011. Domestically, the healthcare sector is increasingly adopting digital technologies. Trellis Health is integrating the InterSystems IntelliCare platform to incorporate artificial intelligence into clinical workflows. Additionally, several facilities operated by Aster DM Healthcare in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been recognized on Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2027 list for their use of AI, robotics, and automation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: Healthcare providers in UAE and Saudi Arabia advance digital technology adoption Healthcare groups Trellis Health and Aster DM Healthcare are expanding their digital and AI capabilities across the UAE and Saudi Arabia to enhance patient care and hospital efficiency. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/healthcare-providers-in-uae-and-saudi-arabia-advance-digital-technology-adoption ### 2026-10-23: UAE advances global health through fertility research and polio eradication The UAE is expanding its healthcare footprint through a new fertility research partnership with Merck and significant contributions to global polio eradication efforts in Pakistan and Africa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uae-advances-global-health-through-fertility-research-and-polio-eradication --- Cite as: UAE healthcare development and global health initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uae-healthcare-development-and-global-health-initiatives