<a href="https://jordangazette.com/emirati-ai-experts-lead-discussions-in-abu-dhabi-and-dubai-during-nep-ai-roadshows/”>Dubai Health has announced the launch of the ‘Unified Health Screening’ initiative, combining medical fitness examinations for residency and occupational health into a single application and unified customer journey, a significant milestone in the emirate’s push to streamline procedures and enhance government service delivery.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with several government entities, marks a new phase in digital integration and inter-agency cooperation. It is implemented in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, Dubai Municipality, the Supreme Legislation Committee, and the Department of Finance.
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The project falls under the ‘City Makers’ initiative of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai, aimed at strengthening collaboration between government entities and delivering exceptional shared services. The move aligns with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, according to a Dubai Media Office report.
One unified digital journey
The newly launched service allows professionals across various sectors to apply for required health screenings through a smart digital platform. The integrated process merges medical fitness examinations and occupational health screenings into a single automated application, tailored according to the selected profession.
Under the new system, all necessary examinations can be completed in a single visit. Once medical results are finalised, residency permits are issued automatically, eliminating duplication of steps and significantly reducing processing time.
The initiative also links databases across relevant authorities, enabling faster, more accurate procedures and secure data exchange among government entities.
Officials say the streamlined model represents a major leap in enhancing efficiency, improving customer experience, and reducing administrative burdens.
Strengthening government integration
Dr Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, director general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said the launch reflects Dubai’s commitment to unified digital governance.
“The launch of the Unified Health Screening reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening joint government work through a single digital pathway that streamlines medical fitness examinations for residency and occupational health,” he said.
Dr Alsheikh Ali emphasised that the initiative automates processes while standardizing and accelerating data exchange between entities. He added that this supports preventive planning and ensures the system keeps pace with population growth and expanding economic activity.
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, described the new service as a reflection of Dubai’s integrated government model.
“The ‘Unified Medical Screening’ service embodies Dubai’s integrated government model, founded on institutional connectivity and seamless system integration among the concerned entities,” Al Marri stated.
He explained that GDRFA Dubai’s primary role centers on linking databases and enabling automated and secure information exchange with strategic partners.
“This ensures the availability of accurate data across all entities involved in delivering the service,” he said. “It contributes to accelerating procedures and issuing residency permits smoothly upon completion of requirements, directly enhancing the customer experience and the overall efficiency of the government ecosystem.”
Al Marri added that the integration strengthens data reliability, reduces duplication of procedures, and improves overall performance efficiency.
“It reflects GDRFA Dubai’s commitment to supporting joint initiatives that elevate the customer journey and align with the Emirate’s aspirations for smarter and more proactive services,” he said.
Boosting inspection and regulatory efficiency
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, described the initiative as a strategic advancement in strengthening the emirate’s inspection and regulatory framework.
He said the launch underscores the commitment of Dubai’s government entities to delivering innovative services that enhance global competitiveness while ensuring safe and healthy working environments aligned with international best practices.
“The service marks a qualitative leap in advancing integration between government systems through unified processes and smartly connected databases,” he said.
Bin Ghalita noted that the system enables Dubai Municipality’s inspection teams to access accurate, real-time information during inspections. This, he said, ensures compliance with occupational health and safety standards, strengthens proactive prevention measures, and enhances emergency response readiness.
Elevating healthcare and service excellence
Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), highlighted the broader impact of the initiative on healthcare system readiness.
“The Unified Health Screening service marks a qualitative leap in the development of joint government services by unifying procedures and integrating systems of relevant entities,” Dr Sharif said. “This contributes to simplifying the customer journey and elevating the quality of services.”
He added that the initiative reflects collaboration under the ‘City Makers’ program and aligns with Dubai’s vision to deliver smart, proactive services.
“It contributes to strengthening the readiness of the healthcare system and reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading model in the development of integrated government services,” he said.
Service centres and expansion plans
The ‘Unified Health Screening’ service will initially be available at Dubai Health medical fitness centres across the emirate, including the Garhoud Centre, Al Nahda Centre, Al Karama Centre, Al Yalayis Centre, Bur Dubai Centre, Jebel Ali Free Zone Centre, Zabeel Centre, and Smart Salem Centres.
Authorities confirmed that additional centres will be added in the coming phase. Capacity at existing locations will also be expanded to accommodate growing demand and ensure a seamless customer experience.
The City Makers initiative was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, in 2014.
The program aims to enhance cooperation among government entities and establish cross-government task forces to design and implement exceptional shared services.