News DeskDubai: Aster DM Healthcare has announced a major AED 1 billion investment pipeline aimed at strengthening the UAE’s healthcare infrastructure and supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The expansion includes new hospitals, advanced treatment centres, robotic rehabilitation facilities, and digital healthcare innovations designed to enhance access to world-class medical services across the country.
One of the fastest-growing integrated healthcare providers in the GCC, Aster DM Healthcare currently operates 15 hospitals, 126 clinics, and 338 pharmacies across the Middle East. Through its integrated healthcare model and digital platform, myAster, the group aims to expand its reach from 17.6 million patients annually to 75 million over the next five years. The company is also expanding operations in Saudi Arabia through a planned investment of USD 250 million across hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and digital health services.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said the expansion reflects the group’s long-standing mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all communities. He highlighted the UAE’s leadership in innovation and patient-centric healthcare, noting that the new projects will strengthen local medical capabilities while supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global healthcare hub.
Speaking at the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026, Managing Director and Group CEO Alisha Moopen emphasized that the investment is focused on advanced clinical capability and digital integration. She noted that the projects will introduce specialized talent, modern treatment technologies, and enhanced patient care pathways across the UAE.
As part of its expansion, Aster announced plans to open two new multi-specialty hospitals in Dubai’s Studio City and Discovery Gardens, adding more than 250 beds to its current UAE capacity of approximately 920 beds. The facilities are expected to serve more than 560,000 additional patients annually and generate over 675 healthcare jobs.
The group also plans to expand Aster Hospital in Al Qusais through a new annex building that will add 122 operational beds, strengthening its oncology and specialty treatment services. The AED 300 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
In Sharjah, Medcare Hospital will establish the first private multi-organ transplant centre in the Northern Emirates. The facility will bring together international experts and advanced medical infrastructure to provide complex transplant procedures locally, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
Aster also announced the launch of an advanced robotic rehabilitation centre in Dubai, featuring 18 specialized robotic devices, including US FDA-approved technologies such as robotic exoskeletons, neuromodulation therapies, and brain-computer interface systems. The centre will support patients with neurological, spinal, stroke-related, and mobility conditions. It will also include a dedicated paediatric neurorehabilitation facility offering advanced therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
The group continues to expand its advanced treatment capabilities, including robotic surgeries using the latest Da Vinci platforms. Medcare recently became the first hospital globally to treat an international patient with Itvisma, a gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
In preventive healthcare, myAster is introducing “Thrive,” a comprehensive 100-biomarker health assessment programme that enables early detection of potential health risks through advanced analytics and doctor-reviewed insights delivered digitally.
Aster is also enhancing AI-driven diagnostics and exploring the implementation of a unified hospital information system across its regional operations to ensure seamless patient experiences.
During WHX 2026, Aster Pharmacy showcased 38 brands from 15 countries and launched seven new brands in the UAE, including NDL, a premium sports nutrition brand backed by tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The company also recently introduced a wellness destination at The Point in Dubai Marina, offering integrated health product experiences.
With continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and preventive care, Aster DM Healthcare aims to strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading regional healthcare destination while building a future-ready healthcare ecosystem across the GCC.
