Seoul National University Hospital Renews Management Contract with UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital

Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), led by President Kim Young-tae, announced on the 21st that it has extended its management contract with the Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital (SKSH) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an additional two years.

This renewal marks the third contract since the initial agreement in August 2014, followed by a renewal in 2019. The extended contract period will span two years from August 14, 2024.

This contract extension is a resounding testament to the global recognition of SNUH's exceptional medical expertise. Notably, SNUH has become the first international medical institution to continue managing a hospital in the UAE for over ten years, a feat that underscores the unwavering trust and confidence in Korean healthcare.

This accomplishment sets SNUH apart from renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic, which have yet to achieve such long-term regional partnerships. It reflects the trust SNUH has built over time.

The renewed contract is expected to solidify SNUH’s role as a strategic hub for expanding Korea's health-related industries—including hospital information systems (HIS), pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and clinical trials—into the Middle East.

SNUH’s management of SKSH represents Korea’s first case of overseeing a large-scale tertiary medical institution abroad and has played a pivotal role in strengthening the "Special Strategic Partnership" between Korea and the UAE.

SKSH, led by Dr. Lee Jeong-yeol, is a 246-bed hospital in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE. It is staffed by 664 medical personnel, including 99 dispatched from SNUH.

In 2023, SKSH handled 84,859 outpatient cases, with over 7,000 patients visiting the hospital monthly.

SKSH is renowned for its specialized centers, including the Cancer Center, Neuroscience Center, and Cardiovascular Center, which provide advanced medical services for high-incidence and complex diseases in the UAE. SKSH has established a strong reputation for high satisfaction and trust in Korean healthcare through these services.

As a result, SKSH has been accredited three times by the Joint Commission International (JCI) between 2016 and 2022, positioning it as a globally recognized medical institution.

In 2020, SKSH further solidified its reputation by receiving the UAE Innovation in Healthcare Award, affirming its status as a leader in delivering innovative healthcare services in the Middle East.

SNUH has also introduced the Unit-based Performance Innovation Aid (UTOPIA) system at SKSH to enhance operational efficiency and improve interdepartmental communication. This system has strengthened the hospital’s management of key performance indicators (KPIs) and safety metrics, leading to significant improvements in these areas.

In particular, SKSH achieved the highest patient satisfaction among Sheikh Khalifa Royal Hospitals, as evidenced by its top ratings in the ‘Press Ganey’ patient satisfaction survey.

Dr. Lee Jeong-yeol, Director of SKSH, stated that the hospital plans to continue collaborating with SNUH to enhance patient care, education, and research capabilities. He highlighted future plans to expand the services of the Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, and Cancer Centers while also pursuing initiatives in AI-driven clinical and research innovations to improve patient outcomes and hospital efficiency.

Additionally, SKSH aims to promote localization through internship and residency programs for UAE medical students while implementing SNUH’s educational programs to enhance the expertise of local medical staff further.

SNUH President Kim Young-tae remarked, "This contract renewal is a result of the remarkable achievements and deep trust built over the past decade in the UAE. It reaffirms the global recognition of SNUH’s exceptional medical technology and expertise."

He added, "Through continued close cooperation with SKSH, we aim to promote the excellence of Korean healthcare further globally and contribute to advancing healthcare in the Middle East by strengthening the healthcare partnership between Korea and the UAE."