Aster DM Healthcare has announced a series of new developments worth AED 1 billion as part of its growth plans in the UAE, describing the pipeline as a major step toward expanding local access to advanced medical services in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
The integrated healthcare provider said the new projects are aimed at bringing more specialised treatments closer to residents, while strengthening the country’s ability to deliver complex care without requiring patients to seek services abroad.
Commenting on the expansion strategy, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “For nearly four decades, Aster has been guided by a single purpose — to make quality healthcare accessible to every community we serve. Today’s announcement reflects our deep commitment to the UAE, a country that has consistently championed innovation, excellence and patient-centricity in healthcare. Through these projects, we are strengthening local capacity, bringing advanced treatments closer to patients, and contributing to the UAE’s long-term vision of being a global hub for healthcare. We are thankful to our partners like Fajr Capital and consortium of investors who believed in our vision and have been supporting us in our journey across the region.”
Speaking during the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026, Aster DM Healthcare Managing Director and Group CEO Ms. Alisha Moopen outlined the company’s focus on clinical innovation and technology-driven care delivery.
“The future of healthcare will be defined by advanced clinical capability and intelligent digital integration — and the UAE is setting the pace for this transformation. Our AED 1 billion pipeline is not only about adding beds or infrastructure; it is about enabling world-class care pathways locally, supported by technology, specialized talent and a connected patient experience. The new hospitals, three new robotic surgery platforms being added to the existing network, advanced robotic rehabilitation centre bringing in 18 super specialized robots and Sharjah’s first private multi-organ transplant centre, are few of the projects that will help us stay ahead of the curve in meeting fast evolving patient needs and enhance outcomes; while we continue working with the government and partners to redefine industry standards.”
As part of its major UAE expansion, Aster confirmed plans to open two new multi-specialty hospitals in Dubai, which will be located in Studio City and Discovery Gardens. The two facilities are expected to contribute more than 250 beds, adding to the group’s existing UAE bed capacity of around 920.
Aster said the new hospitals are projected to serve more than 560,000 additional patients every year and generate over 675 new healthcare jobs once operational.
The company also announced an expansion project for Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, through the construction of a new annex building. The expansion is set to add 122 operational beds, supporting the hospital’s oncology-focused Centre of Excellence and other in-demand specialties. Aster estimated the investment for the project at AED 300 million, with completion targeted by the end of 2028.
Aster also confirmed it has received approval to establish its first multi-organ transplant centre in the UAE, to be operated through Medcare Hospital in Sharjah. The centre will be the first private multi-organ transplant facility in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, with plans to deliver advanced tertiary and quaternary transplant services supported by international specialists and multidisciplinary clinical teams.
In another major initiative, the group announced it will bring its advanced robotic rehabilitation centre concept to Dubai, following the launch of the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre in Muscat.
The planned UAE facility will include 18 robotic devices and treatment systems, including US FDA-approved technologies such as robotic exoskeletons, brain–computer interface systems, neuromodulation therapies, and advanced gait and upper-limb rehabilitation tools. Aster said the centre will focus on patients recovering from neurological disorders, spinal injuries, stroke-related conditions, and mobility impairments, with a goal of improving access to specialised rehabilitation within the UAE.
The facility will also include an Advanced Paediatric Neurorehabilitation Centre designed for children with ASD, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The paediatric unit will introduce AI-based cognitive mapping, VR learning tools, digital brain-training platforms, and neuromodulation-supported technologies alongside structured developmental therapy programmes.
On advanced treatment services, Aster highlighted that Medcare became the first hospital globally to treat an international patient using Itvisma, an intrathecal gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The group also confirmed it will further expand robotic surgery services across its network by adding the latest model of robotic surgery platforms, building on existing systems such as Da Vinci already introduced in earlier years.
The company said its Centers of Excellence across key specialties—including Cardiac Sciences, Gastroenterology, Urology, Orthopaedics and Spine, Pediatrics, Ob-Gyn, and NICU—continue to deliver clinical outcomes supported by specialised infrastructure and senior medical teams.
In the preventive health segment, myAster is introducing a new assessment package called Thrive, powered by a 100-biomarker test. Aster said the programme is designed to provide early health insights by analysing biomarkers linked to blood health, cardiac function, metabolism, hormones, inflammation, and nutrition. The results will be reviewed by qualified doctors and delivered to individuals through the myAster platform.
Aster also said it is strengthening its digital transformation strategy by introducing more AI-enabled diagnostic tools across its healthcare network. Among the examples cited were Medcare’s Cardio Explorer and Air doc machine, which are intended to support earlier disease detection and preventive interventions.
The group added that it is exploring the introduction of a unified Hospital Information System (HIS) across its facilities in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia to improve continuity and patient experience.
During WHX 2026, Aster Pharmacy showcased 38 brands from 15 countries alongside business units including Medcare, Aster Hospitals and Clinics, Aster Opticals, and myAster. The company also launched seven new brands in the UAE, including NDL, a premium sports nutrition brand associated with Rafael Nadal, marking its first entry from Spain into the UAE market.
Aster said the WHX participation follows the recent opening of Aster Pharmacy’s new wellness destination at The Point in Marina, positioned as a space where customers can shop, consult, and explore wellness products before purchase.
Aster DM Healthcare currently operates 15 hospitals, 126 clinics, and 338 pharmacies across the Middle East, supported by the myAster omnichannel healthcare app. The company said it aims to scale its annual patient reach to 75 million people within the next five years, up from its current 17.6 million.
Beyond the UAE, Aster also confirmed it is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia through a committed investment of USD 250 million across hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and digital health initiatives.
Aster DM Healthcare is the second largest healthcare delivery company in the UAE as per HBI, while Aster DM Healthcare India has emerged as the third largest company in India following its merger with Blackstone-led Quality Care group.
