Emirates Hospitals Group, Nice University Hospital forge strategic Franco-Emirati alliance

UAE—Emirates Hospitals Group (EHG), one of the UAE’s leading integrated healthcare providers, has entered into a landmark strategic collaboration with Nice University Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice) in France.

The French institution is one of Europe’s most respected academic and tertiary care centers, known for its leadership in specialized medicine, research, and innovation.

This newly formed partnership represents an important step forward in advancing clinical excellence, medical training, and research across the UAE and wider region.

Both organizations plan to develop a long-term framework that facilitates knowledge exchange, clinical cooperation, and the joint development of physician training programs.

The collaboration will also support the creation of academic and research initiatives that draw upon Nice University Hospital’s internationally recognized expertise and Emirates Hospitals Group’s rapidly expanding clinical network in the UAE.

A milestone for the Emirates Hospitals Group

Speaking during the announcement, Mr. Christian Schuhmacher, Executive Chairman of the Board at Emirates Hospitals Group, described the partnership as a major milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to raise clinical standards.

He emphasized that working closely with an established European university hospital allows EHG to enhance knowledge transfer and support professional development for physicians across multiple specialties.

According to Mr. Schuhmacher, the initiative will ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes by integrating world-class expertise into the group’s existing healthcare ecosystem.

Focus on growth and global expertise

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Prosenjit Bhattacharya, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Hospitals Group, stated that the partnership underscores EHG’s long-term commitment to elevating the quality of care in the region.

He explained that by aligning with globally recognized centers of excellence such as Nice University Hospital, the group aims to bring international clinical experience closer to patients in the UAE.

Mr. Bhattacharya added that this partnership complements EHG’s broader strategy to expand global collaborations, strengthen specialist medical services, and position Emirates Hospitals Group as a regional leader in advanced healthcare delivery, education, and research.

Strengthening Europe–Middle East academic ties

On behalf of the French institution, Mr. Rodolphe Bourret, Chief Executive Officer of Nice University Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

He highlighted that this partnership provides new opportunities for meaningful clinical and academic cooperation while strengthening the ties between European and Middle Eastern healthcare institutions.

He also noted that such partnerships serve as valuable models for fostering cross-border innovation and excellence in medical education and service delivery.

Diplomatic support and distinguished attendees

The signing ceremony brought together several high-profile dignitaries and representatives from both nations.

Among those in attendance was Dr. Lateefa Al Sada, Head of Consular Services and National Affairs Section, who remarked that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation between the UAE and France.

She also acknowledged the strong support of His Excellency Fahad Saeed Mohamed Abdulla Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the UAE to the French Republic, for this important bilateral initiative.

The ceremony also featured the participation of Mr. Hervé Cael, municipal councillor, delegate for digital affairs and the simplification of user procedures, and vice-chairman of the supervisory board of CHU; Mrs. Christiane Amiel, deputy mayor of Nice and delegate for international relations; and Mrs. Johanna Lerfel, health advisor for the Middle East region at the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Senior representatives from the Faculty of Medicine at Nice University Hospital were also present, reflecting the high level of institutional engagement on both sides.