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Profiles of Doctorate Dissertations
Research Relevance and Potential Impact
This thesis will make a contribution to the health system research and reform debate in the
UAE. By describing the system in detail using the HiT format and exposing some of the current
challenges; it has filled an important knowledge gap and through its recommendations it
will help to focus future debate and decision making at a high level within national and local
government and health authorities.
Furthermore this study will provide a platform for future health systems research in the UAE.
It will set the scene for an objective approach to better understand the UAE health system. It
will allow researchers to identify challenges through academic research and make evidence-
based policy recommendations supporting health reform activities in the UAE. In particular, the
Institute of Public Health at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAE University can
lead the development of a comprehensive UAE HiT document in collaboration with the Health
Authorities in the UAE and provide recommendations to policy makers based on the findings. In
addition, future research, which is based on this document, can be presented to policy makers
at national and international meetings. In conclusion, the study offers a valuable contribution
to health systems research in the UAE and allows international comparisons and benchmarking
with other countries.
Relevant Publications
• Sharif AA, Blair I. The role of the hospital in the changing landscape of UAE health care: a
focus on Dubai. World Hosp Health Serv. 2011;47(3):113-.
• Sharif AA, Blair I. Teaching about health systems in the UAE. Med Teach. 2012;34(2):1767-.
• Blair I, Sharif AA. Population structure and the burden of disease in the United Arab Emirates.
J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2012 Jun;2(2):6171-.
• Loney T, Aw TC, Handysides DG, Ali R, Blair I, Grivna M, Shah SM, Sheek-Hussein M, El-Sadig
M, Sharif AA, El-Obaid Y. An analysis of the health status of the United Arab Emirates: the ‹Big
4› public health issues. Glob Health Action. 2013 Feb 5;6:20100.
• Taha NF, Sharif AA, Blair I. Financing health care in the United Arab Emirates. World Hosp
Health Serv. 2013;49(2):339-. PubMed PMID: 24228347.
• Sharif AA, Blair I, Taha NF, Loney T. (2013). Health systems in the United Arab Emirates:
progression, challenges and future directions. International Journal of Behavioural and
Healthcare Research 4(3282-270 ;)4/.
• Blair I. Sharif AA Health and health systems performance in the United Arab Emirates. World
Hosp Health Serv 2014; 49(4): 1217-.
• Blair I, Grivna M and Sharif AA (2014) The “Arab World” is not a useful concept when
addressing challenges to public health, public health education, and research in the Middle
East. Front. Public Health 2:30.
Career Aspirations
To continue to develop in a senior leadership role in health and academic settings in the UAE.