Visiting Dubai was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting impression. The scale and organisation of the event were remarkable, reflecting the city’s commitment to excellence. High Hopes was impressively well-equipped, with a thoughtful setup that underscored the high standards of care. Dubai stood out for its modern infrastructure, cleanliness, and strong sense of safety. The sheer scale of development, innovation, and opportunity was evident at every turn—from cutting-edge healthcare facilities to dynamic investment prospects. While there are notable differences between the UK and the Emirates, these distinctions do not pose insurmountable barriers. Instead, they highlight opportunities for meaningful contributions, particularly in the realm of children’s mental health services. Resicare Alliance is well-positioned to explore and support initiatives that align with this progressive landscape.
The main purpose of our visit was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Arab Health Conference as well as the Public Health Conference which ran alongside. With over 250 speakers, the conference was described as “Where the world of healthcare meets”
During our visit, we toured a variety of facilities, each excelling in its specialised field. The contrast between private and state-funded services was apparent, with privately funded institutions demonstrating significant investment and cutting-edge resources. Despite these differences, a common theme emerged: a growing need for enhanced mental health services for children and young people.
Culturally, the UAE operates within a different framework from the UK, particularly regarding educational and safeguarding practices. Understanding these distinctions is critical for any organisation looking to establish a presence in the region. However, rather than viewing these cultural nuances as obstacles, we see them as areas for learning and adaptation that will help shape an effective and respectful approach to service delivery.
At the conference, we met with Al Khayyat Investments to discuss the potential implementation of Neural Tracker technology. This AI-driven tool is designed to help children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other mental health challenges by promoting regulation and calmness. If incorporated into Resicare’s services, it could provide a unique selling point, setting us apart from other providers in the UK. Discussions regarding partnership opportunities are ongoing, and we plan to present findings to our Senior Management Team.
Special Needs Future Development Centre
This non-profit organisation supports young people aged 14 and above, particularly those excluded from mainstream education. Heavily reliant on sponsorship and donations, the centre reflects some of the financial challenges faced by underfunded services in the UK. One notable cultural difference is the terminology used: individuals with learning disabilities are referred to as “Persons of Determination”— a shift in language that emphasises empowerment over limitation.
High Hopes Pediatric Therapy Centre
A state-of-the-art paediatric therapy centre, High Hopes offers an extensive range of therapies, from speech and language support to hydrotherapy. We explored opportunities to expand its reach, potentially positioning it as a teaching centre in collaboration with universities. The high calibre of international staff, many of whom speak multiple languages, enhances the centre’s ability to serve Dubai’s diverse population.
Lighthouse Arabia
Lighthouse Arabia provides psychological and psychiatric support primarily to Dubai’s expatriate community. Our discussions revealed significant gaps in the region’s safeguarding infrastructure. Unlike the UK, the UAE lacks a dedicated social services department, meaning safeguarding concerns are typically escalated to the police. Additionally, conversations around LGBTQ+ issues remain restricted, requiring careful navigation. Any potential involvement in the region must include specialised training to ensure cultural sensitivity and compliance with local regulations.
Knight Frank Investors. We explored the feasibility of Resicare entering the Dubai market with Knight Frank’s Head of Global Healthcare. Initial insights suggest that our services could fill a critical gap in children’s mental health provision. A feasibility study is now underway to determine the best route for establishing a presence in the region.
Clemenceau Medical Centre
A meeting with the Head of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services confirmed the urgent need for step-down mental health provisions. Currently, young people discharged from hospitals lack structured follow-up care, often leading to readmission. Our expertise in step-down care and family reintegration aligns perfectly with this need, presenting a significant opportunity for collaboration.
Saudi German Hospital
Before our visit, we engaged with the CEO of the Saudi German Hospital, who expressed interest in establishing clinical services for children and young people by March 2025. A formal proposal has been submitted, with further discussions planned.
Emirates Health Authority Service
Discussions with the Head of Finance, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Zarooni, emphasised the importance of securing appropriate licensing through the Dubai Health Authority and Minister of Health. Establishing these connections will be crucial for appropriately implementing and adapting Resicare’s model for Emirate legislation and families for our long-term success in the region.
Key Takeaways
Future Plans
Looking ahead, we are eager to continue exploring opportunities in Dubai and the wider Emirates region. We aim to attend conferences in 2025 focusing on mental health and complex trauma. As we deepen our understanding of the region’s needs, we aim to build strategic partnerships that will enable us to bring Resicare’s integrated care model to children and families who need it most.
At Resicare Alliance, we are committed to providing compassionate, secure, and personalised care that empowers vulnerable children, teenagers, and young adults. By bridging health trusts, local authorities, and family environments, we ensure holistic, long-term support. As we expand our reach, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care while adapting to the unique needs of the communities we serve.