First Lady of Ukraine visits rehab hospital in Abu Dhabi

Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital had the honour of welcoming the First Lady of Ukraine, Mrs. Olena Zelenska, during her official visit to the facility in Abu Dhabi.

Mrs. Zelenska was received by Dr. Mishal Al Qasimi, CEO of Capital Health, along with the hospital’s senior management team.

The visit aimed to explore avenues for collaboration and exchange expertise in the healthcare and rehabilitation sector, reinforcing international partnerships that contribute to the advancement of medical services and the enhancement of patient care. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in specialised rehabilitation, integrating advanced medical technologies, and sharing best practices to improve patient outcomes.

“We are privileged to welcome Her Excellency, Mrs. Olena Zelenska, to Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital. This visit highlights the importance of global cooperation in advancing rehabilitation services and ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care,” said Dr. Mishal Al Qasimi, CEO of Capital Health. “Through partnerships and knowledge exchange, we continue to drive innovation in medical rehabilitation and enhance patient recovery journeys.”

Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital, established in 2019 under Capital Health Group, is a leading healthcare facility dedicated to providing exceptional rehabilitation and long-term medical care. As an affiliate of The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, the hospital integrates world-class medical expertise with cutting-edge technologies, including advanced bionics and robotics, to deliver innovative and effective treatment solutions.

As part of its unwavering and continuous commitment to support international humanitarian efforts, the UAE Aid Agency has signed a cooperation agreement with the Olena Zelenska Foundation to provide additional centres for foster families and orphanages with a contribution of $4.5 million (Dhs16.5 million).

The initiative is the second phase of the project, with the initial phase consisting of the UAE constructing several fully equipped centres for Ukrainian foster families, to provide a safe and stable environment for children who have lost their parents.

The second phase of the project aims to support foster families and provide suitable residence for children.

Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed that the UAE is steadfast in its commitment to support the most vulnerable communities worldwide, highlighting that this project reflects the UAE’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine, particularly women and children who require special care.

She said, “The aid extended reflects the UAE’s extensive and continuous efforts to alleviate the humanitarian repercussions as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has dispatched several relief aircraft carrying more than 1,015 tonnes of medical, food, and relief aid, in addition to 50 ambulances, and more than 4,500 electric generators to address the harsh winter conditions.”

'Furthermore, the UAE supported the educational sector by providing 7,500 laptops, and 10,000 school bags. The UAE has also dispatched two relief ships to Romania. These endeavours have benefited over 1.2 million people, including one million women and children,” the Minister added.

Al Hashimy further underlined the UAE’s continuous diplomatic and successful mediations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine.

The UAE has successfully completed 12 mediations, bringing the overall number of captives exchanged between the two countries through UAE mediation to 2,883.

Moreover, she emphasised the UAE’s commitment to continuous endeavours aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, reaffirming the country’s position in calling for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation.

Earlier, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, hosted a business roundtable that brought together UAE government officials, leading UAE businesses, and investment groups with a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation led by Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy.

The meeting focused on exploring promising investment opportunities in Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure projects, under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations.

The UAE-Ukraine CEPA, signed in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations and investment flows between the two nations and is expected to add approximately US$369 million to the UAE's GDP and US$874 million to Ukraine's GDP by 2031.