Preliminary Schedule of Activities
National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Delegation to the United Arab Emirates January 28- February 3, 2023
Please note- Specific meetings and facility visits will be determined based on the goals and topics of discussion defined by the delegation leader and the UAE organizing committee. Delegation members will be asked to complete a Professional profile and offer suggested topics of discussion. The final schedule of activities will reflect the composition of the delegation.
Day 1 (Saturday) Arrival Abu Dhabi
Welcome to United Arab Emirates. On arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will be meet and greeted by your National Guide outside the baggage hall area at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates and the Federal capital of the United Arab Emirates. A well-planned modern city with several high-rise buildings, impressive palaces, beautiful corniches, and architectural mosques.
Day 2 (Sunday) Abu Dhabi: Cultural day
Today tour the historic sites of Abu Dhabi. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. Then a panoramic tour of the Emirates Palace, President’s Palace, the Old Fort, built in the late 19th century, making it the oldest buildings in town. Then explore the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. At the eastern end of the Corniche, near the port, lies Abu Dhabi’s fish market and dhow wharf, offering an excellent view of the city’s skyline.
In the evening, program opening and orientation.
Day 3 (Monday) Abu Dhabi: Professional Day
Dr. Sumaya Mohamed AlBlooshi, the Director of Nursing, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, will officially welcome the delegation and provide an overview of role of Emirates nurses, international nurses, the need for Advanced Practice Nursing, and the plans around the UAE National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery.
Later meet with nursing faculty at Fatima College of Health Sciences. Established in 2006, the Fatima College of Health Sciences aims to meet the United Arab Emirates growing need for skilled healthcare professionals. The college started by offering the BSc. in Nursing program in 2006 and has, since then expanded to offer more than ten advanced degree programs.
Later spend time with nursing students to understand their perspective on the current role of Emirates nurses and discuss career advancements for Neonatal nurses.
Day 4 (Tuesday) Abu Dhabi: Professional Day
Visit, Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital, the center of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City consists of a 586-bed acute care hospital, 14 outpatient specialty clinics and a blood bank, all accredited by Joint Commission International. Start with a tour the advanced level 3 NICU.
Meet with the Neonatal nurses and administrators to discuss:
- Role of the parents in care of their infant, such as visitation, kangaroo care, rooming in, etc.
- Professional services offered in the NICU (Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech Therapy)
- Advance Practice Registered Nurses roles in the NICU
- Long term follow-up care and community resources to support NICU patients
Later, meet with the Neonatal Nurse consultants who following infant development for births outside of the hospital.
Day 5 (Wednesday) Abu Dhabi-Dubai: Cultural Day
This morning Drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and then tour the city of Dubai. Start with a photo stop at the Dubai Creek, the lifeblood of Dubai. Then we will drive through the Bastakiya, Al Fahidi Fort, Ruler’s Court, Old Mosque, Textile Street, Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and the Heritage Village.
Later we will head towards Jumeirah Road, passing by the Dry Docks Dubai & the Historical Union House with photo stops at the beautiful and famous Jumeirah Mosque, the world’s tallest 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab. We will then enter the Palm Jumeirah, an archipelago of artificial islands, which extends into the Persian Gulf. The Palm View Observatory gives an eagle eye view or the land reclamation project. From there, travel to City Side & pass by the Tallest Building in the whole world, Burj Khalifa as you head to the Sheikh Palace area. Finish with a visit to the Gold souq and spice souq.
Day 6 (Thursday) Dubai: Professional Day
Start the day at The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Hospital, which began admitting patients in 1983. Visit the NICU and meet with the nursing staff. This NICU is one of the highest funded departments Under the health authority.
End your professional experiences in the UAE with a wrap up meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Emirates Nursing Association. Share observations, unexpected surprises, plans for future collaborations.
Day 7 (Friday) Dubai – Departure
Today transfer to the airport to connect your flight back home.