Dubai: Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), the governing body of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), has announced a significant milestone of sustainable growth, characterized by a 27 percent increase in existing business partners expanding their operations within the ecosystem. Nearly one in three partners opted to enhance their presence during the year.
According to Emirates News Agency, over the past year, the number of active facilities operating across DHCC rose to 487, with the workforce expanding by 30 percent to reach 12,941 professionals. Investor-led momentum also gained traction, with new projects increasing by 26 percent year-on-year. This growth underscores DHCC's pivotal role as a key contributor to Dubai's ambition of becoming a world-class healthcare hub, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
The announcement coincides with DHCC's participation in the World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai 2026, showcasing the depth and maturity of its ecosystem amid rising global demand for integrated healthcare destinations. Issam Galadari, CEO of DHCA, emphasized the confidence in DHCC's ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects sustained demand and long-term commitment to its integrated healthcare destination value proposition.
As part of the AED1.3 billion development plan for Phase 1, DHCA is advancing the next stage of development with the launch of two integrated clusters. The first cluster, spanning 21,110 square meters, introduces a residential-led environment with standard and branded residences, co-living spaces, and retail amenities fostering a vibrant community-focused setting.
The second cluster, covering 15,150 square meters, forms the commercial and healthcare core, integrating medical offices, clinics, and corporate spaces with retail offerings tailored to healthcare professionals, patients, and visitors. Phase 1 also features anchor projects like Pixel DHCC, the first LEED Platinum-certified office building in DHCC, and Ibn Sina+ DHCC, a futuristic extension to the existing medical complex.
Integral to Phase 1 are multi-storey car parks with electric vehicle charging, Salik-integrated smart parking, and full accessibility features, supporting efficient mobility. Development across DHCC Phase 2 continues with 58 percent of projects committed, representing an investment of AED5.4 billion. As of January 2026, infrastructure progress across Phase 2 has reached up to 80 percent, reflecting strong delivery momentum.
Projects include Ketura by Ritz-Carlton, Kempinski Residence, and Dubai Creek Garden by Global Partners, a landmark residential masterplan spanning 127,000 square meters. Other developments include specialized hospitals and the expansion of the Swiss Scientific School. As Phase 2 progresses towards completion in 2026, DHCC remains committed to fostering investment, advancing medical innovation, and supporting Dubai's vision for a resilient, diversified, and knowledge-based economy.
