Emirates Health Services (EHS), represented by Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, celebrated the winners of the second edition of the Al Amal Award for Scientific Research during a ceremony held at Al Amal Hospital in Dubai. Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, this year’s award aimed to foster a comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care ecosystem, strengthened by specialized research and studies.
The award attracted distinguished participants, including doctors, technicians, nurses, students, and researchers from prominent local and international universities such as the University of Sharjah, Dubai University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Zayed University, and Fatima College of Health Sciences. This collaboration highlighted the strong partnership between EHS and the academic sector, with a goal to enhance scientific research and innovation in mental health.
This year’s award saw significant growth, with over 100 nominations, 30 published studies in peer-reviewed journals, and more than 60 scientific posters—a 45% increase in participation compared to 2023.
Dr. Noor AlMheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at EHS, emphasized that the award supports the development of mental health research systems and promotes innovation to provide sustainable solutions to societal mental health challenges. She stated, “This initiative aligns with the UAE’s leadership vision to create an environment conducive to scientific research through policies, strategies, and programs aimed at achieving sustainable development.”
Dr. Ammar Humaid Albanna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, noted the growing interest in the award, reflecting an increasing awareness of the importance of scientific research in advancing mental health care and the value of innovation in finding sustainable solutions to psychological challenges. He highlighted that organizing this award demonstrates EHS’s commitment to improving mental health care by encouraging research as a cornerstone for enhancing clinical practices and patient outcomes.
Dr. Albanna also pointed out that academic partnerships are central to these advancements. This year’s activities included strong participation from universities, reflecting the integration between the healthcare and academic sectors. Al Amal Hospital, he added, has trained more than 900 individuals across various specialties this year, underlining its dedication to preparing a new generation of mental health professionals.
The Al Amal Award for Scientific Research continues to serve as a platform for fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement based on scientific evidence, contributing to the enhancement of community well-being and the overall quality of life.