Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, located in Abu Dhabi, is a pioneering institution in the field of women’s and children’s healthcare and opened its doors in August 2015. This private, state-of-the-art hospital is dedicated to addressing the unique medical needs of women and children, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the highest standards of care. With an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and patient-centered services, Danat Al Emarat is shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE and beyond.

Leadership and vision for the future

Danat Al Emarat’s success is driven by strong leadership, particularly under the guidance of Dr. Summia Zaher, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital. Dr. Zaher has played a pivotal role in the development of Danat Al Emarat, particularly in the realm of maternal and reproductive healthcare. With over two decades of experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Zaher has worked tirelessly to elevate the quality of care and improve operational efficiency at the hospital. Her focus on integrating cutting-edge technology and ensuring high standards of patient care has played an integral role in the hospital’s growth and success.

Dr. Summia, you’ve had an impressive career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. What inspired you to pursue this field in the first place?

Born in Manchester to a family of doctors, it was a matter of time before I was recruited into the family business. Despite having initial childhood interests of being a business owner and teacher, it was my father who is now a retired obstetrician and gynaecologist who told me, you can be a doctor and a teacher, but you cannot be a teacher and a doctor! With that, along with my twin sister, we ‘discovered’ Dundee, the city of discovery (East of Scotland) and became the youngest medical students in our cohort. I graduated with the Margaret Fairlie prize in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and a strong impression left by my undergraduate professor of O&G, who surely is to be credited for helping me on my path to a career in O&G and igniting my interest and passion for medical education. A strong believer in the power that a good teacher can have on the lifelong future of a young student, from very early on in my career, I took an interest in teaching junior colleagues and students.

Having served as both Medical Director and now CEO at Danat Al Emarat Hospital, how do you see leadership in healthcare evolving in the coming years?

As we enter 2025, leadership continues to evolve in response to a world that is dynamic, diverse, and increasingly interconnected. Here are five leadership trends I believe will define the year ahead:

• Empathetic Leadership: Empathy is no longer a ‘nice to have’-it’s a necessity. Leaders who prioritize understanding and supporting their teams will foster stronger engagement and collaboration.
• Data-Driven Decisions: In an era of rapid digital transformation, leveraging data insights will empower leaders to make more informed, strategic decisions that drive impact.
• Sustainability-Focused Strategy: Leadership in 2025 will require a commitment to sustainability-not just in environmental terms, but in creating lasting, meaningful outcomes for communities and organizations.
• Inclusive Leadership: Diverse teams are powerful teams. Inclusive leadership will ensure everyone has a voice, driving innovation and equity in the workplace.
• Future-Ready Skills: The pace of change demands continuous learning. Leaders will need to model curiosity and adaptability to inspire their teams to grow with the times.

The future of leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo-it’s about leading with purpose, flexibility, and a commitment to positive change.

What are the biggest challenges you face as CEO in managing a specialty hospital like Danat Al Emarat, and how do you approach overcoming them?

As CEO of Danat Al Emarat, one of the biggest challenges we face is maintaining a balance between delivering exceptional healthcare while also navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the healthcare industry. This includes managing the complexities of patient care, staying ahead of technological advancements, adhering to regulations, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the hospital.

What truly fuels my ability to face these challenges head-on is the strength and brilliance of my incredible all-female executive leadership team. Their expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to our mission inspire me every day.  However, it is not only limited to them; the entire team at Danat Al Emarat brings in a wealth of talent, dedication, and professionalism that drives our success and shapes our future.

Through their unique perspectives and collaborative mindsets, they ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.

Together, we approach every obstacle with a shared vision of excellence, compassion, and innovation.

This shared vision has allowed us to position Danat Al Emarat as a premier destination for international patients seeking world-class care. By combining our cutting-edge technology, patient-centered approach, and deep cultural understanding, we not only address the medical needs of women and children but also create a welcoming and seamless experience for patients traveling from abroad. Each member of our team plays a vital role in elevating UAE’s reputation as a leader in medical tourism. 

By fostering a culture of open communication, empowerment, and continuous learning, we are able to create a resilient and adaptive organization. We approach problem-solving not only with data and strategy but with the belief that our collective intelligence and diverse perspectives will always lead us to the best solutions. The trust and respect within our leadership team are the foundation that enables us to innovate, adapt, and thrive, ultimately ensuring that Danat Al Emarat remains at the forefront of specialized healthcare for the community we serve.

With such an extraordinary team by my side, I am confident that no challenge is too great to overcome, and together, we will continue to elevate the standards of healthcare and improve lives in every possible way.  

With your extensive experience in both clinical practice and medical leadership, what do you believe is the most important factor in providing high-quality care to women and children?

The most important factor in providing high-quality care to women and children is fostering a compassionate, patient-centered approach. It’s about seeing each woman and child as an individual, listening to their needs, and empowering them to be active participants in their own healthcare journey. At the heart of this is building trust—between the patient, their family, and the healthcare team.

Additionally, creating an environment where collaboration thrives, where clinical expertise is combined with empathy and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that women and children face, can lead to truly transformative care. It’s not just about treating illness; it’s about supporting the whole person—their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

When we approach healthcare with a holistic perspective and a focus on equity, we lay the foundation for not only healing, but for lasting positive impact in the lives of women and children.