Together

Throughout our conversation, Al Khoori couldn’t seem to help but make frequent mention to the importance of collaboration, engaging with people on a human level, and fostering a sense of cooperation.

“We have to work together to create one team… There’s nothing more gratifying than knowing you and your team are contributing to a sustainable future for all citizens and residents,” he says.

As the Executive Director and Member of the Board of Directors at Burjeel Holdings and Chairman of Response Plus Holding (RPM), Al Khoori knows a thing or two about bringing people together – indeed it seems to have coloured his own strategy and vision.

“You have to train people to always give to the community… You always have to be working with the community.”

Al Khoori has witnessed over 15 years of development in the healthcare sector. Now, he sits as a board member at healthcare giant Burjeel, and Chairman at RPM – one of the largest service providers of onsite healthcare management, occupational medicine and emergency medical services.

Throughout his time in healthcare, Al Khoori has seen the sector evolve rapidly in the UAE, with the industry undergoing major transformation. In this, his first public interview, Al Khoori was quick to note the importance that technology has played in these developments.

“The healthcare sector globally has witnessed massive disruption over the past couple of years. Innovation in the sector has blurred traditional boundaries and new business models driven by emerging technologies have evolved,” he says.

On artificial intelligence (AI), currently the in-vogue topic for many economic sectors, Al Khoori simply stated it’s already having a “big impact.” “It’s exciting to watch and I love to learn more about it,” he adds.

In another note on digitalisation, Al Khoori explains that adapting to transformations is essential. RPM’s recent 5G ambulance rollout “promises faster response times and a redefined standard for emergency care,” he says. This ground-breaking innovation will allow real-time data streaming between ambulances and hospitals, improving care continuity.
Al Khoori is eagerly anticipating further technological applications.

“We are working towards a future, where traditional silos are broken, where technology and multi-stakeholder collaboration across traditional borders, becomes the norm.” He envisions convergence revolutionising healthcare accessibility and delivery models industry wide.

When asked what he attributes the success of his own firms in the healthcare space, Al Khoori has a relatively simple answer: A relentless focus on patients.

“Our growth and success are all through patient focus. We make sure they are happy. We make sure when they enter the hospital they get what they need,” he says.

Al Khoori’s leadership draws from years of managing varied businesses. On experiences shaping his vision, he once again pointed to the power of community, noting that he believes “in working among people, interacting with them, and helping them on their journey.”

Beyond Burjeel Holdings and RPM, Al Khoori serves on boards including Al Maryah Bank and Aman Insurance – a testament to his diverse community focus.

Focusing on the talent

Programmes cultivating Emirati talent hold special significance for Al Khoori. When asked on his thoughts, he comments: “These initiatives are making a significant change within the community. The young generation is seeing healthcare as a sector with great potential.”

Initiatives such as Tawteen and Nafis have brought over 1,200 Emiratis into the field in under six months, he notes, underscoring committed efforts. With many respected Emirati professionals already contributing, ongoing support will strengthen national participation.

“As I am actively involved in attracting Emirati talents to the healthcare sector, I can surely say that these initiatives are making a significant change within the community. The young generation is seeing healthcare as a sector with great potential,” he says.

Al Khoori took on the role as chairman of RPM earlier this year, and his priority thus far has been on sustaining the company’s impressive trajectory. He outlines regional and international expansion targets, stating: “One of our key strategic priorities is to become a global player in pre-hospital care.”

The acquisition of UK-based Prometheus Medical in January will advance these ambitions through expertise and new market access. On synergies with RPM, Al Khoori states the move “solidifies our position as the preferred pre-hospital healthcare provider and our global expansion strategy.”

When asked about navigating evolving landscapes, he replies: “Innovation is the buzzword in healthcare and at RPM, we are committed to implementing the latest technologies across our businesses.” Constant improvements ensure the group maintains leading standards as health technologies progress.

Emphasising the role of preventive strategies, Al Khoori says: “There is a strong shift towards holistic, personalised, and preventive care, using innovative technologies to provide integrated, value-based care and help in improving clinical outcomes and health indicators.”

The UAE vision prioritises this approach through initiatives such as reducing lifestyle disease prevalence. This is a vision that fits squarely with Al Khoori’s own initiatives, noting that, “We can teach [patients] the culture of living longer… we have to give training on how to live longer. Your life depends on your lifestyle,” he explains.

For sustainable growth, Al Khoori also notes healthcare groups are additionally focused on reducing carbon footprints and contributing to green initiatives – demonstrating multifaceted commitments.

A global player

When asked how the UAE draws prominent international organisations and practitioners, Al Khoori lists competitive incentives and regulatory ease. He further credits the focus on “healthcare excellence, which makes the UAE an appealing destination.”

Burjeel Holdings exemplifies these successes. According to Al Khoori, “top global experts like Dr. Dror Paley, Prof. Kypros Nicolaides, Dr. Souhel Najjar are brought to the UAE to set up their centres, making them the regional hub for both local and international patients.”
Backed by specialised free zones and investment friendly policies, the skilled experts were drawn to establish world-leading facilities within the UAE’s borders – a testament to the country’s rise as a regional medical powerhouse.

“This is our ambition – to make the UAE a hub of medical tourism and the destination of the Middle East and GCC. Already, patients are coming from all around the world to the UAE, and to Burjeel Holdings, and we are making sure that we’re also bringing the best doctors from all over the world.”

On the potential of medical tourism, he simply notes that it’s “rising year on year with an increasing number of international patients.”

Realising broader ambitions

In terms of what he believes will help further grow the UAE’s burgeoning healthcare ecosystem, Al Khoori underscored improvements to reduce regulatory fragmentation and increased competition among insurance companies to enhance cost efficiency as key. Enhanced collaboration will also bolster frameworks, according to Al Khoori, and supporting sustainability targets integral to the UAE’s vision.

“I am proud to have played a part in this amazing journey to support the creation of a world-class healthcare system in the country and help realise the goals of a future-ready, knowledge-based, sustainable, and innovation-focused economy,” he says.

With diverse roles allowing him to effect change, Al Khoori remains committed to the UAE’s progressive healthcare journey. As one of the nation’s prominent private sector leaders, he will play an integral part in realising ever more ambitious aims through cooperative progress.

For all the impact he has affected so far though, Al Khoori remains humble in his success: “I am personally indebted to the futuristic vision of the UAE’s leadership, which has not only shaped the advancement of the community but also enabled each one of us to play our roles effectively and with confidence. We learn from our country’s leaders to turn challenges into chances for growth. We aim to look ahead and lead with new ideas.”