Emirates Health Services Becomes First Health System Worldwide to Earn JCI Sustainability Certification

Emirates Health Services has become the first health system worldwide to achieve international Healthcare Sustainability Certification, developed by Joint Commission International in collaboration with the International Hospital Federation's Geneva Sustainability Centre, covering all 17 EHS hospitals. Gulf Today reported the certification on October 20, 2026.

Emirates Health Services' JCI Certification Across 17 Hospitals

Dr. Yousef Mohamed AlSerkal, Director-General of EHS, said the achievement reflected the priority EHS and the UAE place on building a sustainable, resilient and future-ready healthcare sector. He added that integrating environmental responsibility, health equity and effective governance into EHS operations translates national sustainability ambitions into measurable action, supports the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement and international sustainability standards.

The achievement builds on EHS's data-driven approach, innovation and service efficiency, supporting the UAE's sustainability agenda, the momentum generated by COP28 and the objectives of UAE Centennial 2071.

Recently, EHS received the Global Patient Safety Award 2026 in its inaugural edition, winning the National Health Authority category. EHS was recognised for its project, "The Future of Medical Imaging: Detection to Prediction," which employs artificial intelligence technologies to elevate medical imaging services and enhance diagnostic accuracy, speed, and patient safety.

Dr. Abdullah Al Naqbi, Executive Director of Supporting Health Services at EHS, affirmed that this win embodies the advanced position the UAE has achieved in developing healthcare models based on innovation and future-oriented technologies. He noted that EHS being the sole global winner in the National Health Authority category reflects the maturity of its approach in transforming artificial intelligence from a promising technology into practical solutions with real-life impact on healthcare quality and patient safety. Al Naqbi affirmed that EHS continues to build a more proactive, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system, where innovation serves as a tool to strengthen the capabilities of healthcare professionals, support clinical decision-making, and achieve better health outcomes.

EHS accepted the award during UNIFY 2026, the Joint Commission's annual conference, held in Washington DC, USA, represented by Dr Amina Al Jasmi, Director of the Radiology Department at EHS, heading the official EHS delegation to the award ceremony. The recognition celebrates the remarkable efforts that led to the development and implementation of the innovative model, recognising its significant impact in terms of enhancing patient safety, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating the efficiency and quality of diagnostic services.

What Comes Next for EHS

EHS said the certification and award support the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the objectives of UAE Centennial 2071. The company's own announcement is available on its website.