Press Release
As healthcare for women and children continues to evolve across the Arab world, Dr. Summia Zaher is helping drive that transformation. As CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, she is guiding the hospital toward more advanced, accessible, and patient-focused care. Having a strong background in obstetrics, gynaecology, and medical education, she brings both clinical insight and steady leadership to a sector that urgently needs progress. During her tenure, the hospital has introduced pioneering treatments, improved safety and quality standards, and expanded services that support women at every stage of life. Dr. Zaher’s approach is rooted in innovation, cultural understanding, and a commitment to meaningful patient experience. Her leadership is playing a key role in shaping a more modern, inclusive, and forward-thinking future for women’s healthcare across the region.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Can you tell us about your journey to become the CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital and what inspired you to pursue a career in women and children’s health?
I was born in Manchester into a family of doctors, so the path to medicine came naturally. Even though I once considered business and teaching, my father, a retired obstetrician and gynaecologist, told me, “You can be a doctor and a teacher, but not the other way around.” His words shaped my decision to pursue medicine. Alongside my twin sister, I graduated from Dundee Medical School with the Margaret Fairlie prize in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, inspired by an undergraduate professor who sparked my passion for women’s health and medical education.
Early in my career I mentored students, became an honorary senior lecturer, and secured a research grant in maternal sepsis and low-risk maternity pathways. Challenging the status quo eventually moved me into leadership roles in the UK and now in the UAE, where I am driven by a commitment to improving healthcare for women and children.
At Danat Al Emarat, I lead a team that shares my vision of comprehensive women’s healthcare beyond maternity. We integrate innovation, advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and a strong patient-centred approach. As a hospital led by women, we also prioritise mentorship and leadership development. Through community engagement and awareness initiatives, we continue to strengthen women’s health across the region.
What is your vision for Danat Al Emarat Hospital, and how do you work to bring that vision to life?
My vision is to redefine women’s healthcare in the Middle East. Women’s health spans all life stages, not just childbirth, and we aim to be a hospital for women led by women that delivers truly comprehensive care.
To bring this to life, we focus on holistic services beyond maternity, integrating advanced technology, ensuring a supportive and respectful patient experience, empowering women leaders within our teams, and engaging actively with the community through education and outreach. These pillars guide us in building a model of care that addresses women’s needs with excellence and compassion.
How is Danat Al Emarat integrating innovation to stay at the forefront of healthcare for women and children?
Innovation is transforming maternal and reproductive care, and being part of M42 drives our commitment to continuous advancement. Technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and wearables allow earlier intervention and more personalised care.
These achievements demonstrate how innovation improves access, outcomes, and long-term health for women and children.
As a female leader in the Arab world’s healthcare sector, what challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your leadership approach?
Working in a male-dominated field meant navigating expectations and proving capability, but these challenges strengthened my resilience and helped shape an empathetic leadership style. Balancing motherhood and executive responsibilities also made me more understanding toward my team.
The UAE’s strong commitment to gender equality has been vital. With over 70% of the healthcare workforce being women, this environment supports female leadership and growth. I remain committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation, ensuring that opportunities continue to expand for women entering healthcare.
How does the hospital address the unique cultural and healthcare needs of Emirati women and families?
Over 70% of our patients are Emirati, so cultural sensitivity is central to our care model. We ensure privacy, comfort, and services that respect cultural preferences, and we train our staff to understand the nuances of Emirati families. We also prioritise hiring and developing Emirati clinicians, building a team that is deeply connected to the community.
In parallel, we integrate medical innovations relevant to regional health challenges such as diabetes. Our patient-centred approach ensures every woman feels valued, respected, and supported throughout her care journey.
What are some key milestones or achievements under your leadership that you are particularly proud of?
I am proud of several milestones achieved by our teams. Introducing tepluzimab-immunotherapy and ovarian tissue cryopreservation were regional firsts. We reduced the episiotomy rate to 17% through a quality improvement project recognised internationally.
Establishing a midwifery-led model has improved safety and experience, with over 70% of normal deliveries now led by midwives. We are also among the few hospitals in Abu Dhabi offering water birth, expanding birth choices for women.
What advice would you offer to young women in the Arab world aspiring to lead in healthcare or other traditionally male-dominated fields?
Believe in your abilities and stay resilient. Seek mentors who champion your growth and invest in continuous learning. Balance your personal and professional roles with intention, as this builds empathy and strong leadership.
Lead by example, uplift other women, and create opportunities for those who follow. Leadership is not just about achieving positions but about shaping meaningful change and opening doors for the next generation.
We partner with prominent health insurers to offer healthcare coverage for our patients.
Conveniently located in Rabdan, Abu Dhabi, offers a welcoming environment for women and children seeking exceptional healthcare.
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