In the fall of 2022, The Citizen Ambassador Program, in cooperation with the Emirates Health Services and Dr. Sumaya AlBlooshi, Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health and Prevention, United Arab Emirates, launched a series of bilateral professional exchanges  between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The inaugural exchanges programs were led by the most senior leadership from:

• ENA Delegation Leaders: Vanessa Gorman, ENA  International Committee Advisory Board Chair, and Ron Kraus, ENA Immediate Past President
• ACNM Delegation Leader: Dr. Catherine Collins-FuleaCatherine Collins-Fulea, ACNM President
• AWHONN Delegation Leader: Dr. Sandra Cesario, AWHONN President

Each of these distinguished nursing leaders, provided guidance into the focus and discussions held throughout the exchange.  Over 100 US nurses participated in the individual exchange programs.  The US nurses were welcomed by the Ministry of Health, provided with an overview of the healthcare system and the role of both international and emirates nurses in the UAE, by UAE Nursing leaders, academics and government officials.  The delegates had an opportunity to shadow counterpart nurses, tour facilities, and have in-depth discussions on the unique challenges of providing care in a multi-national environment, with both cultural and religious practices, influencing standards of care.

2023 Exchanges

We anticipate over 300 US nurses will continue to participate in the upcoming programs in development for 2023.  Delegations will convene in Abu Dhabi throughout 2023.  The initial programs  for 2023 will include delegations from:

Each program will be led by the US Association Leadership.  Each Association will invite members of their associations to participate as delegation members.

UAE Nurses to Visit the United States

As part of this first bilateral exchange initiative, USA Nurses will participate in reciprocal delegations visiting the US.  The initial teams visiting in groups of 10-15 will include Emirates Healthcare System nursing leaders,  nurses and nursing students.