Abu Dhabi expands 24-hour primary care services across 12 centres with urgent care rollout
Phased rollout to introduce urgent care services by Q2 2026
ABU DHABI – The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), in collaboration with SEHA Clinics, has announced a major expansion of healthcare access across the emirate, with 12 primary care centres now operating on a 24-hour basis.
The move, which includes the phased introduction of urgent care services, aims to ensure timely, integrated and patient-focused care for residents across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It reflects a broader effort to strengthen the healthcare system’s capacity while improving accessibility and service efficiency.
The initiative has been rolled out in partnership with SEHA Clinics, a subsidiary of PureHealth, and is designed to enhance the delivery of care closer to communities. By extending operating hours, authorities aim to better manage urgent cases at the primary care level and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.
Wider access
Two primary care centres in Mazyad and Sweihan are already operating round the clock with urgent care services in place. In addition, ten centres across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain have now transitioned to 24-hour operations. These include facilities in Al Hili, Al Aamerah, Al Hayer, Neima, Al Quaa, Al Bateen, Al Zafaranah, Al Bahia, Madinat Mohammed Bin Zayed and Baniyas.
Urgent care services are set to be introduced at these additional centres in the second quarter of 2026, as part of a phased expansion strategy. The rollout is intended to strengthen geographic coverage and respond to increasing demand for accessible healthcare services across the emirate.
System efficiency
According to DoH, the expansion is expected to play a key role in managing non-critical emergency cases more effectively. By diverting such cases to primary care centres equipped with urgent care capabilities, the initiative is designed to ease congestion in hospital emergency departments and optimise healthcare resource utilisation.
Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said that extending access to around-the-clock care represents a significant milestone in building a more responsive and resilient healthcare system. She noted that timely and convenient access to services remains central to quality healthcare delivery, with the initiative supporting improved patient outcomes and overall experience.
Care integration
The introduction of urgent care services is aligned with updated regulatory standards for Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centres, announced in October and November last year. These standards are intended to ensure seamless integration of services, while maintaining high levels of quality, safety and operational sustainability.
Rashed Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, highlighted that the expansion reflects SEHA Clinics’ commitment to patient-centred care. He noted that the integration of urgent care into selected centres reinforces efforts to deliver world-class healthcare services while supporting long-term community health.
Primary care centres across the network continue to provide a wide range of services, including chronic and acute disease management, vaccinations, mental health support, health education and specialist coordination where required. The expanded 24-hour operations are expected to further strengthen their role as a first point of contact for individuals and families, ensuring continuous access to essential healthcare services at all stages of life.