Latest news with #DrAhmadBelhoulAlFalasi
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Growth Fund announces first investment in healthcare pioneer Tarmeem Healthcare Holding LTD
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), the UAE's dedicated growth equity platform for scaling national SMEs backed by Emirates Development Bank (EDB), has announced its inaugural investment with a strategic minority stake in Tarmeem Healthcare Holding LTD, a rapidly growing healthcare provider transforming patient mobility and quality of life. The announcement was made at Make it in the Emirates 2025 and aligns with the UAE's industrial strategy to accelerate the growth of national priority sectors. The investment marks a strategic milestone for EGF, which was launched to back founder-led SMEs in sectors vital to the UAE's economic future, including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Security, Sustainability and Advanced Technology. Tarmeem Healthcare Holding, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, owns Tarmeem Orthopedic and Spine Specialty Hospital LLC in addition to Tarmeem Medical Centre LLC in Khalifa City A and Al-Ain. Tarmeen Healthcare Holding entities currentely serves more than 20,000 patients annually and is on track to double its footprint over the next 18 months. Its integrated model provides diagnosis, management, and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries while offering premium, patient-centric services delivered by top-tier orthopaedic experts and cutting-edge technologies. Commenting on the transaction, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Emirates Growth Fund, said: 'This investment in Tarmeem Healthcare exemplifies the Emirates Growth Fund's mission to close the growth equity gap for UAE-based SMEs. Tarmeem represents the 'missing middle' often overlooked by traditional investors. It's not a start up but also not served by traditional SME funding platforms. Yet, they have great growth potential and by supporting companies with strong fundamentals and national relevance, we are advancing the UAE's long-term industrial and economic goals.' H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chair & Managing Director of Emirates Growth Fund, commented: "We're proud to back Tarmeem as our first investment. They represent the next generation of UAE businesses. They are mission-driven and deeply attuned to the country's evolving needs. As the UAE invests in healthcare sovereignty and resilience, Tarmeem is well-positioned to lead and set new standards of excellence in specialized healthcare." Founded in 2019 by Dr. Ali Al Suwaidi, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with more than two decades of international experience, Tarmeem was established to meet the growing regional demand for high-quality, specialized orthopedic and physiotherapy services. Dr. Al Suwaidi's leadership, shaped by prominent roles across major UAE healthcare institutions, anchors Tarmeem's clinical excellence. This capital investment from EGF will accelerate Tarmeem's strategic expansion, increasing operational capacity and enabling the development for Tarmeem Orthopedic and Spine Specialty Hospital as well as the two state-of-the-art Medical Centers in Khalifa City A and Al Ain. The Hospital and the two new facilities aim to broaden access to expert musculoskeletal care while reinforcing Tarmeem's commitment to innovation and patient-centred outcomes. Dr. Ali Suwaidi, Founder and CEO of Tarmeem, added: 'This partnership with Emirates Growth Fund is about more than just capital. It's about purposeful growth. Their deep understanding of building enduring institutions, combined with strategic insight, provides us with a powerful platform to expand our reach and elevate the standard of orthopedic care across the UAE and beyond. Together, we're not just growing, we're shaping the future of specialized healthcare.' As part of the investment, EGF will provide Tarmeem with strategic guidance in governance, growth strategy, and long-term institutionalization, supporting the company's ambition to become a national leader in specialized healthcare services. The UAE has made healthcare localization a national priority, investing heavily in specialist services under Vision 2031. While significant progress has been made, opportunities remain to strengthen access to premium orthopaedic and physiotherapy care across the country. Tarmeem is directly addressing this gap, aligning with national efforts to build a resilient, world-class healthcare ecosystem. About Emirates Growth Fund Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) is a dedicated AED 1 billion growth equity fund established to accelerate the scale and impact of UAE-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in critical sectors. Backed by Emirates Development Bank (EDB), EGF provides flexible, patient capital and active strategic support to help high-potential businesses grow sustainably, innovate with purpose, and contribute to the UAE's long-term economic resilience and diversification. EGF focuses exclusively on UAE-headquartered SMEs in priority sectors, including manufacturing, food security, healthcare, and advanced technology. For more details, visit [ About Tarmeem Tarmeem Healthcare Holding is a leading UAE-based specialty healthcare provider headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Co-founded by esteemed Emirati orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ali Al Suwaidi and healthcare entrepreneur Dr. Omar Al Suwaidi, Tarmeem is dedicated to delivering world-class orthopaedic, spine, and rehabilitation services through a fully integrated, patient-focused model. As a locally founded and led initiative, Tarmeem reflects a strong commitment to raising healthcare standards within the UAE. The organization blends clinical innovation, multidisciplinary expertise, and compassionate care to deliver the best possible outcomes. In addition to its team of highly qualified local specialists & consultants, Tarmeem collaborates with internationally renowned visiting doctors, bringing global expertise directly to patients in the UAE. With a growing network of advanced facilities, Tarmeem is expanding access to specialized musculoskeletal care across the country. Guided by visionary leadership and a commitment to clinical excellence, Tarmeem is redefining orthopaedic care and shaping the future of specialty healthcare in the region.
Gulf Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Emirates Development Bank launches Dhs1bn growth fund to boost UAE SMEs
Image: Supplied Emirates Development Bank ( Announced during the fourth edition of the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) will target UAE-based SMEs operating in priority sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, food security, and advanced technology. The fund is designed to address a critical financing gap for companies that have moved beyond the early stage but are not yet large enough to attract traditional private equity. Investments will range from Dhs10m to Dhs50m per company, typically those generating at least Dhs10m in annual revenue. Strategic goals The initiative supports the UAE's national Operation 'EGF is a bold, future-focused step that provides growth-stage companies with the capital, expertise, and support needed to scale,' said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of EDB. 'It enhances industrial competitiveness and strengthens supply chain resilience.' Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and chairman of EGF, said the fund is designed to address the 'missing middle' of SME funding. 'These are companies that are too advanced for venture capital, too entrepreneurial for private equity, but too important to ignore,' he said. Governance and structure The fund will be governed by a board chaired by Al Falasi, with Najla Ahmed Al Midfa as vice chair and MD. Other board members include Mariam Saeed Ghobash, Mohammed Huraimel Al Shamsi, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Hassan AlSayegh, and Stephen Welton. According to Al Midfa, EGF's approach goes beyond capital. 'We are not just writing cheques, we are helping build the next generation of UAE economic champions,' she said. First investment in healthcare The bank also announced EGF's first investment in the healthcare sector through a partnership with Tarmeem Healthcare Holding. The deal marks the start of a portfolio expected to deliver long-term national value across strategic industries. The fund will operate through active minority investments, allowing founders to maintain operational control while benefiting from strategic support in areas such as governance, operations, and expansion. By supporting high-potential SMEs in line with the UAE's diversification agenda, EGF aims to enhance industrial capacity, stimulate job creation, and contribute to the country's long-term economic resilience.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ministry of Sports launches ‘Sportifai' platform
In the presence of Ministry of Sports officials, heads of Sports Federations, and technical and administrative staff H.E. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: 'The 'Sportifai' platform paves the way for a transformative shift in the UAE's sports landscape by strengthening smart governance, enhancing performance, and fostering collaboration among National Sports Councils, Federations, and Clubs to boost the competitiveness of national sports.' The Ministry of Sports hosted leaders from UAE Sports Federations at the 'Driving Digital Transformation in the UAE Sports Sector' workshop to introduce them on using the new Sportifai platform. Sportifai offers an integrated suite of digital services powered by AI and advanced technologies, enabling various stakeholders in the sports ecosystem to collaborate under a unified talent development vision. The workshop emphasized the importance of strategic collaborations with national and private sports institutions to enhance governance and support elite and emerging athlete development. UAE - The UAE Ministry of Sports today introduced Sportifai digital platform that will provide the foundation of a fully integrated and interconnected system for enhancing sports Governance and identifying, supporting and developing athletes across the country and accelerating efforts to realize the goals of National Sports Strategy 2031. The launch was marked by a workshop for leaders of national Sports Federations titled 'Driving Digital Transformation in the UAE Sports Sector', aimed at equipping Federation leaders and technical staff with the knowledge to effectively use Sportifai to benefit athletes and align with national goals. During the workshop, H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness, unveiled the platform's brand identity and its official name: ' Sportifai '. Sportifai aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the development of the national sports sector by establishing a specialized entity chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. This entity will lead the digital transformation journey by adopting artificial intelligence applications to support athletes, sports federations, and clubs. H.E. Dr. Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized that Sportifai represents a major leap forward for the UAE sports sector. It provides a comprehensive digital ecosystem to enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation. By harnessing AI and data analytics, the platform enables early identification and development of athletes. H.E. added: 'Sportifai simplifies access to services for sports Federations in line with the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, further supporting performance improvement and smart governance.' H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasized that Sportifai enables seamless integration across national sports organizations, providing real-time access to accurate data that supports evidence-based decision-making. He highlighted the platform's role as a foundational element of the broader digital transformation of the UAE's sports sector, in alignment with the National Sports Strategy 2031. H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, said: ' Sportifai is designed as a technological partner for use across all Federations and Sports clubs, through developing an integrated digital infrastructure including advanced systems for athlete data management, modern talent identification solutions, and performance analysis tools. H.E. affirmed that the next phase will empower sports professionals with digital analytics and data governance capabilities and support entrepreneurship and innovation through the development of startups in sports technology. Also, H.E. urged federations to leverage this innovative ecosystem and collaborate to enhance the transformation, aligning with national goals. H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum extended his appreciation to the Federation leaders for their active engagement in the workshop. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among sports entities to ensure the successful implementation of the digital transformation strategy. H.E. Sheikh Suhail said, 'The launch of Sportifai marks the beginning of a comprehensive development journey for our national sports community built on the latest technologies using the most advanced available digital tools for performance analysis, readiness assessment, and support for decision-making within sports Federations.' 'It stands as one of the most important mechanisms to empower these Federations by alleviating administrative burdens and providing accurate, analyzable data. This allows officials and specialists within the Federations to focus on technical and competitive aspects, contributing to improved athletic performance of teams and players, and enhancing the mechanisms for talent identification and sustainability within the sports sector,' H.E. added. The workshop was divided into two sessions. The first session, dedicated to the presidents of Sports Federations, featured a detailed presentation by the Ministry on the Sportifai platform. The session underscored the importance of involving Federations in achieving digital transformation as a critical component of developing the national sports ecosystem. It outlined the platform's objectives and its role in providing sports entities with effective and comprehensive capabilities, while positioning the platform as a center of excellence for unifying efforts and driving innovation across disciplines. The second session, attended by technical and administrative staff from the Sports Federations, focused on priority projects within the Ministry's digital transformation strategy, foremost among them, the 'Talent Identification Platform'. This platform is designed to track athletes' development from early stages through to professional and Olympic levels using a unified digital record. This approach enhances the creation of a reliable national database and supports talent development through strengthened partnerships between government institutions and Federations. The Ministry also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the technical departments of Federations and the platform to activate these initiatives and ensure their long-term success. The Digital Transformation and Sports Innovation Platform was first introduced in March 2025 through a cooperation agreement between the Ministry and the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE NOC and H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. The platform will operate through strategic partnerships with key sports entities to support the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031. These partnerships include: The National Olympic Committee, to ensure alignment with Olympic standards. The UAE Committee for Elite Sports, to enhance the development of competitive sports and improve athlete performance. The UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support, to establish pathways for identifying and nurturing athletic talent. Additionally, the platform will be supported by various Ministry of Sports committees, Federations, clubs, and academies at both the grassroots and professional levels. Private sector institutions and technology companies will also play a vital role by contributing innovative digital solutions and advancing sports data analytics.
