Preliminary Schedule of Activities– updated 4/28/2022
American College of Nurse Midwives to the United Arab Emirates
November 12-18, 2022
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 6 (Monday) Abu Dhabi: Professional Day
Dr. Sumaya Mohamed AlBlooshi, the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, will officially welcome the delegation and provide an overview of role of Emirates midwives and nurses, international nurses, and the plans around the UAE National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery.
Visit the Fatima College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and meet with Midwifery Educators. 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 degree programs. Discuss how midwives are educated and regulated and how they interact with nurses, physicians, and community/traditional birth workers.
Later spend time with midwifery students to understand their perspective on the current role of midwives in the Emirates.
Day 4 (Tuesday) Abu Dhabi: Professional Day
Visit the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital – Women and Children in Ajman, this facility has 128 beds including 14 beds for Delivery, 17 beds for NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), 4 beds for MPICU (Maternity and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), 4 beds for VIP, Maternity ward 40 beds, Pediatric Ward 25 beds and WBU (Well Baby Unit) 24 beds. Meet with the staff midwives and tour the facilities. Discuss best practices for common midwifery issues such as nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, fetal malpresentation at term, protracted labor, management of postpartum hemorrhage.
Visit a local Birthing Center and meet with the community midwives. Discuss the process for escalation and access to facilities. Discuss the role of families during the birth process.
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 Latifa Women and Children Hospital. Latifa Hospital was conferred ‘Baby Friendly’ hospital status in February 2011 by UNICEF for its effective implementation of practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Meet with the midwives and lactation specialists.
Later, meet with Midwives at Rashid Hospital. The 786-bed general medical/surgical is a part of the Dubai Health Authority. Built in 1973, it is the city’s second oldest hospital in Dubai. Discuss methods for supporting women during labor and birth, as well as models of prenatal care such as individualized care and group prenatal care.
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.