In a landmark move for Middle Eastern healthcare, Emirates Hospitals Group (EHG) has forged a strategic alliance with France’s prestigious Nice University Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice). This collaboration, formalized on February 3, 2026, establishes a comprehensive framework for clinical advancement, medical education, and research innovation across the United Arab Emirates and broader region.
The partnership strategically combines Nice University Hospital’s internationally acclaimed expertise in specialized tertiary care and medical innovation with EHG’s extensive clinical network and growing healthcare ecosystem in the UAE. The collaboration will focus on multidimensional knowledge exchange, clinical cooperation programs, advanced physician training initiatives, and joint academic partnerships designed to elevate regional healthcare standards.
Christian Schuhmacher, Executive Chairman of EHG’s Board, emphasized the significance of this European partnership: “This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in our continuous journey to enhance clinical standards and expand our academic capabilities. Aligning with a leading European academic medical center enables us to accelerate knowledge transfer, advance physician development, and ultimately achieve superior patient outcomes.”
Prosenjit Bhattacharya, Chief Operating Officer of EHG, further elaborated: “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to improving patient care through associations with globally recognized centers of excellence. By bringing international clinical expertise directly to UAE patients, we reinforce our strategic vision to establish EHG as the region’s premier platform for advanced healthcare delivery, medical education, and innovative research.”
Rodolphe Bourret, Chief Executive Officer of Nice University Hospital, expressed enthusiasm for the transcontinental partnership: “We are delighted to collaborate with Emirates Hospitals Group. This alliance creates substantial opportunities for clinical and academic synergy while strengthening the healthcare bridge between European and Middle Eastern medical institutions.”
The signing ceremony witnessed high-level diplomatic participation, including Dr. Lateefa Al Sada, Head of Consular Services and National Affairs Section, who highlighted the collaboration’s role in strengthening UAE-France bilateral relations. The event was also attended by Hervé Cael, Municipal Councillor and Vice-Chairman of CHU’s Supervisory Board; Christiane Amiel, Deputy Mayor of Nice for International Relations; and Johanna Lerfel, Health Advisor for the Middle East region based at the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia, alongside senior representatives from CHU’s Faculty of Medicine.