Dubai advances cancer care with first proton therapy centre

The UAE’s first proton therapy centre will be built in Dubai, marking a major step forward in cancer treatment in the region.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has given initial approval for Yas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Das Holding, to build the facility.

Construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion planned by late 2028.

The centre will offer proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation treatment that targets tumours with high precision, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This treatment is especially beneficial for children and for tumours near sensitive organs.

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the DHA, emphasised the importance of this project, highlighting Dubai’s vision to become a global leader in healthcare and improve patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology.

"This groundbreaking technology will advance cancer treatment options for our community and reinforce Dubai’s goal of ranking among the top 10 cities globally for healthy life expectancy," he added.

The Yas Proton Therapy Centre will be developed in partnership with Singapore’s National Cancer Centre, bringing world-class expertise to the project.

The new facility will allow patients in the UAE and the region to access this advanced cancer treatment without having to travel abroad, making care more accessible and affordable.

This initiative supports Dubai’s broader goals for healthcare innovation and wellbeing as outlined in its strategies for 2031 and beyond.

It will be the first dedicated centre in the UAE to offer proton therapy — a highly advanced and precise form of radiation therapy that targets tumours with exceptional accuracy while sparing healthy tissue. The treatment is especially effective for paediatric cancers and tumours… pic.twitter.com/VJRIpYvKvs

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 12, 2025