The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulatory and supervisory body for the healthcare sector in the emirate, announced the results of the inspection and audit system implemented from January to December 2025. These results reflect the Department's firm commitment to protecting public health, enhancing service quality, and ensuring the safety and security of the emirate's healthcare system.
During this period, the Department continued to conduct licensing-related audits for healthcare facilities, totaling 4,540 audits. There was also a significant increase in the number of compliance audit rounds, which rose from 2,401 in the previous year to 3,485 in 2025, a growth rate of 31%. Additionally, compliance audits for home healthcare service providers were conducted, covering 100% of them. This reflects the broad scope of regulatory monitoring to identify opportunities for early improvement and enhance service quality to ensure patient safety and provide patient-centered care.
The Department also carried out specialized regulatory campaigns in high-priority areas such as medication safety and dispensing, laboratory operations, operational compliance requirements, and the localization of the healthcare sector.
The majority of healthcare facilities demonstrated a high level of commitment to accredited standards, particularly regarding service safety and the consistent application of operational controls. Conversely, laboratory audits revealed opportunities for improvement in a limited number of small and medium-sized laboratories, for which corrective plans are being developed to enhance their efficiency. Localization audits also showed the need for further improvements in some facilities, leading to supportive follow-up and sector-wide efforts for sustainable compliance.
On this occasion, Dr. Noura Al Kaabi, Deputy Executive Director of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated: "Our audit and supervision efforts reflect a healthcare system that evolves through monitoring, transparency, and shared responsibility. They reaffirm our commitment to ensuring all members of the community have access to safe, high-quality healthcare. By deepening regulatory oversight, working with service providers on continuous improvement, and listening to the community's feedback, we continue to build trust and promote a healthcare approach centered on patient health and safety."
During the same period, the Department recorded 1,831 requests submitted through customer relationship management channels, with a closure rate of 98%, reflecting a strong focus on transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. These efforts are bolstered by the 'Community Voice' initiative, which allows individuals to share their suggestions, feedback, and appreciation, contributing to service development and regulatory prioritization.
Based on the results of compliance audits, the Department issued 223 violations across various areas, including operational compliance, service quality, and patient-centered care. This led to regulatory actions, including the closure of 7 healthcare facilities.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Quality Sector at the Department of Health, stated: "This year's results show tangible progress in the performance of healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi. Our priority is to ensure every facility provides high-quality services with strict safety standards. We work closely with facilities to support corrective actions and enhance service quality, with continuous improvement remaining a fundamental principle in the sector's culture."
The Department continued to issue and update regulatory standards throughout 2025, including the release of a standard for medical waste management to ensure safe and sustainable practices across all healthcare facilities.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi urges healthcare providers to continue adhering to regulatory standards and encourages the public to engage through 'Community Voice' channels, emphasizing that the integration between the regulatory body, service providers, and the community is essential for building a reliable, future-ready healthcare system.
