News2017-10-17

Al Jalila Children’s gets its own ‘Miracle Garden’

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment launches unique project in UAE’s only children’s hospital

Dubai Miracle Garden to transform 50,000 square metres of green space at Al Jalila Children’s

Al Jalila Children’s – UAE’s only children’s hospital, is about to get a makeover of its green spaces with the launch of its very own ‘Miracle Garden’. The unique initiative was launched on Monday, October 16, by His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, along with Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Chief Operating Officer of Al Jalila Children’s, through a symbolic planting of the ghaf tree, also known as the evergreen tree which is indigenous to the UAE.

The planting of the ghaf tree heralds the transformation of over 50,000 square metres of green space at Al Jalila Children’s in partnership with Dubai Miracle Garden – a prominent landmark and tourist destination in the UAE. The initiative is one of several endeavours that Al jalila Children’s is undertaking in its relentless strive to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to have Al Jalila Children’s as one among the ten renowned paediatric hospitals in the world.

As part of the project, designated areas across the hospital will feature a butterfly garden that will have several varieties of colourful butterflies, themed flower sculptures, and children-inspired landscaping throughout.

His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi also toured the hospital and was briefed on the several speciality departments and the latest technology employed across the state of the art medical facility. H.E. was also briefed on some of the most advanced and innovative systems that the facility incorporates to reduce carbon footprint across the hospital, such as solar panels and an Intelligent Building Management System that automatically switches off unnecessary lighting during specified times to save energy. During the tour, H.E. made sure to visit some of the patients and distributed gifts and toys for hospitalized children, which drew smiles from them.

H.E. Dr. Al-Zeyoudi hailed Al Jalila Children’s cutting-edge technology that ensures the best quality of paediatric care for children, in addition to the hospital’s eco-friendly strive through the launch of the unique ‘Al Jalila Medical Garden’.

Dr. Mohamad Al Awadhi, COO of Al Jalila Children’s said, “We are honoured to have His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi launch the Al Jalila Children’s Miracle Garden initiative. We are also thankful to our partners, Dubai Miracle Garden, for their great support towards this project. This step comes in line with our strong belief in the importance of creating an exceptional patient journey for all our young patients and their families. As the only paediatric hospital in the country, we fully recognize that besides the world-class medical expertise and technology, children require an environment that will aid in their healing. This project is just one of several initiatives in our endeavour to elevate the standards of healthcare across the region and the world, thus stressing our concept of lifecare which looks at all aspects of a patient’s well-being.”

Eng. Abdel Naser Rahhal, MD of Dubai Miracle Garden Landscaping said, “We are pleased that Al Jalila Children’s chose Miracle Garden Landscaping to participate in this project. Our experience in children landscaping design and entertainment activities made us the right choice for this project. The design is chosen to help the children not to fear their hospital experience. The floral children character structures that are proposed shall psychologically help to reduce a patient’s stress and accordingly help in the healing process. We are also constructing an indoor butterfly garden to give patients an atmosphere they can relax in and enjoy away from the usual hospital routine. The main challenge of this project is to work without disturbing the daily operational schedule of the hospital. We will deliver a high-standard children landscape project to the satisfaction of Al Jalila Children’s management.”