Abu Dhabi’s public healthcare system is among the most advanced in the UAE, with government hospitals in Abu Dhabi delivering comprehensive medical services to residents and citizens alike. Managed primarily under the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), these hospitals provide specialised and general care across the emirate, including acute care, emergency services, maternity and paediatric care, rehabilitation, kidney treatment, and regional facilities for Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Overview of Public Healthcare in Abu Dhabi
- Key Public Hospitals: Corniche, Tawam, and More
- Regional Coverage: Al Dhafra Region Hospitals
- Comparative Table: Key Public Hospitals Attributes
- Access and Insurance
- Speciality/Referral Centres and Accreditation
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview of Public Healthcare in Abu Dhabi
Public hospitals in Abu Dhabi are primarily operated by SEHA, the emirate’s official healthcare provider network. SEHA oversees a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and specialised medical centres, ensuring that residents have access to both routine and advanced care.
These hospitals cater to diverse medical needs, including:
- Acute and emergency care for life-threatening conditions.
- Paediatric and maternity services, including neonatal intensive care.
- Specialist treatments such as oncology, neurosurgery, fertility, and urology.
- Rehabilitation services for post-operative and long-term care.
- Regional hospitals serving Al Ain and Al Dhafra communities.
By integrating modern facilities and highly qualified staff, Abu Dhabi’s government hospitals aim to maintain international standards while improving accessibility for residents across the emirate.
Key Public Hospitals: Corniche, Tawam, and More
The emirate’s healthcare landscape features a number of major government hospitals, each with specialised services and unique capabilities. Below is a detailed look at the key hospitals in Abu Dhabi:
1. Corniche Hospital
Corniche Hospital is renowned for its comprehensive maternity services and high-standard neonatal care, making it the first choice for families seeking specialised care for mothers and infants.
Speciality: Corniche Hospital is a tertiary referral centre dedicated to women and newborns. It is the trusted destination for maternity and neonatal care across the emirate.
Key Services:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Maternal and fetal medicine
- Urogynecology
- Diagnostic breast imaging
Capacity and Staff:
- Approximately 254 beds
- Around 145 doctors
- Over 20 outpatient specialities
Location
It is located in Al Zahiyah – E 12 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: 02 811 7777
2. Tawam Hospital
Tawam Hospital serves as a major referral centre for complex medical cases and tertiary care, drawing patients from across Abu Dhabi and beyond. Its comprehensive services and high-capacity facilities place it at the forefront of advanced healthcare in the emirate.
Type: Premier tertiary care facility, one of the UAE’s largest hospitals
Services:
- Oncology and cancer treatment
- Neonatal care and paediatrics
- Emergency medicine and intensive care units
- Surgery, neurosurgery, and urology
- Fertility and reproductive health
Capacity:
- Approximately 561 beds
- An extensive range of specialities and a large professional staff
Location
It is located near Abela Supermarket – Al Maqam – Twam – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: 03 767 7444
3. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC)
SKMC is a flagship teaching hospital that operates 24/7, offering a wide spectrum of medical services. It combines clinical excellence with medical education, playing a key role in training healthcare professionals while providing advanced patient care.
Key Services:
- Multiple specialities in paediatrics, cardiology, oncology, and critical care
- Teaching and research facilities
- Emergency and acute care
Capacity:
- Approximately 567 beds
Location
It is located in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi city
Contact Information
Phone: 02 819 0000
4. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
SSMC represents Abu Dhabi’s commitment to expanding modern healthcare infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art facilities to meet the growing demands of residents. The hospital is the newest large-scale government hospital, built under the Economic Vision 2030 strategy.
Key Services:
- High-standard tertiary care
- Comprehensive medical specialties including surgery, ICU, and emergency services
- Advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities
Location
It is located in Ghweifat International Highway – next to Mafraq Hospital – Shakhbout City – Mafraq Industrial Area- Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +971 800 7762
5. Al Ain Hospital
Al Ain Hospital ensures that residents in the city and surrounding areas receive timely and effective healthcare without the need to travel to the capital. Serving the Al Ain region, this hospital delivers both general and acute care.
Key Services:
- Stroke unit and neurological care
- Acute and emergency services
- Paediatrics and maternity care
Capacity:
- Approximately 402 beds
Location
It is located in Shakhboot Bin Sultan St – Al Mu’tarid – Ugdat Al Muwaiji – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: 03 767 7444
Regional Coverage: Al Dhafra Region Hospitals
Abu Dhabi also maintains a network of regional hospitals to provide healthcare access in remote areas. Known collectively as Al Dhafra Hospitals, these facilities are located in:
- Madinat Zayed
- Liwa
- Mirfa
- Delma Island
- Sila
- Al Marfa
- Ghayathi
Services:
- Essential inpatient care
- Emergency services
- Outpatient consultations
These hospitals are strategically distributed to ensure that even residents in remote communities receive timely medical attention, highlighting SEHA’s commitment to inclusive healthcare coverage.
Comparative Table: Key Public Hospitals Attributes
| Hospital | Location | Bed Capacity | Specialisations / Unique Services |
| Corniche Hospital | Abu Dhabi city (Corniche area) | ~254 beds | Women & newborn care, NICU, maternal-fetal medicine |
| Tawam Hospital | Abu Dhabi | ~561 beds | Tertiary care, oncology, neonatal, neurosurgery, and emergency services |
| Al Ain Hospital | Abu Dhabi | ~402 beds | Stroke unit, acute & emergency care |
| SKMC | Abu Dhabi city | ~567 beds | Teaching hospital, multiple specialities across paediatrics, critical care |
| SSMC | Abu Dhabi city | Large-scale | Tertiary care, ICU, emergency, and advanced diagnostics |
Access and Insurance
Access to government hospitals in Abu Dhabi has improved significantly over recent years. Most SEHA hospitals now accept a wide range of medical insurance for both UAE nationals and residents. Previously, some facilities, including SKMC and Tawam, were limited to the Thiqa plan for Emiratis.
Key points:
- Referrals may be required depending on the type of care and insurance coverage.
- Advanced or specialised treatments often need a formal referral to the relevant department.
- Tawam Hospital and SKMC now accept multiple insurance types, increasing accessibility for residents beyond the national healthcare plan.
Speciality and Referral Centres
Several government hospitals in Abu Dhabi serve as referral centres for specialised care, ensuring that patients receive advanced treatment where needed.
Examples:
- Corniche Hospital: Maternity and neonatal care referral centre
- Tawam Hospital: Oncology, tertiary care, and complex surgical cases
Accreditation:
- Many public hospitals, including Corniche and Al Ain Hospital, are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), affirming adherence to global healthcare standards.
Key Takeaways
Abu Dhabi’s public healthcare system is organised under SEHA, encompassing city, rural, and regional hospitals that provide a wide range of services. Corniche Hospital specialises in women and newborn care, featuring a robust neonatal service profile, while Tawam Hospital serves as a major tertiary care and referral centre with a high bed capacity and extensive specialist services. Accessibility has improved significantly over the years, with most public hospitals now accepting a broader range of insurance plans for various treatments. Additionally, regional hospitals play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare provision for residents in more remote areas, such as Al Dhafra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Corniche Hospital is the leading referral centre for women and newborn care, featuring a well-equipped NICU and specialist services in maternal and fetal medicine.
Yes. Tawam Hospital and SKMC now accept medical insurance for UAE citizens and residents beyond just the Thiqa plan.
Al Dhafra Hospitals include facilities in Madinat Zayed, Liwa, Mirfa, Delma Island, Sila, Al Marfa, and Ghayathi, offering inpatient, emergency, and outpatient services.
SKMC has approximately 567 beds, covering a wide range of specialities and functioning as a teaching hospital.
Yes. Several hospitals, including Corniche Hospital and Al Ain Hospital, are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
