Dh15 Million Fund Awarded to UAE Healthcare Workers as Nursing Prospects Strengthen

Thousands of frontline healthcare workers in the UAE were surprised with a Dh15 million recognition fund after Burjeel Holdings announced the initiative during a company-wide town hall at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. The unexpected announcement was made by Chairman and CEO Dr Shamsheer Vayalil in front of more than 8,500 employees, drawing an emotional response from staff.
The initiative, branded “BurjeelProud,” benefits nearly 10,000 employees, including nurses, allied health professionals, patient care teams, and support staff. Eligible workers received a bonus equivalent to half to one month of basic salary, communicated instantly via SMS during the event. Burjeel said the reward was not linked to individual performance but intended as a collective expression of gratitude for sustained commitment under pressure.
Dr Shamsheer described the fund as a way of giving back to the UAE, which has played a central role in the group’s growth. The announcement coincided with Burjeel’s long-term plans to expand Burjeel Medical City through to 2030, transforming it into a next-generation healthcare ecosystem integrating treatment, research, and medical education.
Industry observers note that such initiatives reflect a broader trend in the UAE and the wider Middle East, where continued investment in healthcare infrastructure is driving strong demand for qualified and licensed nurses. As the region positions itself as a global healthcare hub, career prospects for nurses are expanding in terms of stability, compensation, and professional development.
For nurses aspiring to build a sustainable and rewarding career in the UAE, the path is clear. The region is investing in healthcare, institutions are investing in people, and with the right licensing partner, nurses can invest in their future.
Access to these opportunities, however, depends on meeting licensing and regulatory requirements. NEAC supports nurses through the full licensing process in the UAE, offering guidance on exams, credential evaluation, and compliance. By streamlining these pathways, NEAC enables nurses to enter and grow within the UAE healthcare system, aligning individual career goals with the region’s long-term healthcare ambitions.