As part of the UAE’s Year of Giving

UAE delegation visits Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, Minister of State for Higher Education from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accompanied by Consul-General HE Saeed Alqemzi and Cultural Attaches Mrs. Rawdha Almansoori led a delegation to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), as part of the UAE’s Year of Giving.

The delegation, which included Emirati medical students studying in Australia, interacted with patients and their families, gave educational toys and exchanged stories about future aspirations.

The Year of Giving is inspired by the values of hospitality and generosity which lie at the heart of the UAE’s Arab identity and the example of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

HE Dr. Ahmad stated: “As part of the UAE’s Year of Giving efforts, we are extremely grateful to the Royal Children’s Hospital for the opportunity to visit your impressive facilities and meet with your delightful patients, whose personal and professional ambitions are truly inspiring.”

“What I found most remarkable is how RCH brings together innovative research with high-quality healthcare delivery while keeping its patients front and centre. I am appreciative that a group of our students also had the opportunity to join me on this visit and invite other medical students to see what RCH has to offer, as the experience is extremely fulfilling both on scientific and humane level.”

The minister also visited laboratories at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and met with Dr. David Elliott, a stem cell researcher leading ground-breaking international research into  heart muscles for transplanting into children undergoing chemotherapy. 

His Excellency also toured Curve 4, a joint venture between MCRI researchers and a commercial technology company that has resulted in over 10 technological solutions to assist clinicians in delivering specialised treatment.

At the University of Melbourne's Department of Paediatrics, the Minister met medical and physiotherapy students who presented the University's Teddy Bear Hospital, a worldwide initiative to reduce childhood fear of the healthcare system. His Excellency also met with Prof. Julie Bines, Deputy Head of School and Dr. Anthea Leonard, a specialist paediatrician. 

His Excellency’s visit to RCH in Melbourne was part of a broader trip that included participation in the second annual Sons of Zayed forum, which convenes Emirati students studying at universities in  Australia.

Close to 300 Emirati students attended this year’s event, which also included participation by HE Dr. Obaid Al Hairi Al Ketbi, UAE Ambassador to Australia.