UAE and Children’s National Hospital establish distinguished professorships in prenatal pediatrics and bioengineering

The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), represented by Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, recently dedicated two endowed professorships at Children’s National Hospital to drive innovation and improve outcomes for children and families worldwide. The installation of these distinguished professors marks the latest milestone in nearly 40 years of partnership between the UAE and Children’s National.

Adré Jacques du Plessis, MBChB, MPH, a global leader in prenatal and neonatal neuroscience, became the inaugural holder of The People of the United Arab Emirates Distinguished Professorship in Prenatal Pediatrics. Dr. du Plessis directs the Children’s National Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute and leads prenatal and transitional pediatrics.

Kevin Cleary, PhD, one of the world’s top pediatric robotic innovators, became the first holder of the Sheikh Zayed Professorship in Bioengineering. Dr. Cleary serves as associate director and engineering lead at the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation.

“These endowed professorships reflect three core values of the UAE,” Ambassador Al Otaiba said at the dedication. “A commitment to medical innovation, a dedication to international collaboration and a belief in our shared humanity — ensuring mothers, infants and families receive hope and care when they need it most. Every time I meet an Emirati family whose child has received lifesaving treatment here, I am reminded of the profound impact of our enduring partnership.”

The People of the United Arab Emirates Distinguished Professorship in Prenatal Pediatrics is part of the UAE’s latest investment in Children’s National, supporting pioneering research in prenatal, neonatal and maternal health. More than 100 Emirati families travel to Children’s National each year for advanced pediatric care and pioneering treatments.

“We are deeply grateful for the UAE’s visionary philanthropy, which strengthens our global partnership and advances our shared mission,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Children’s National. “Together, we are building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. This investment from the UAE is a powerful step toward lifelong health and well-being for children and families around the world.”

The UAE’s commitment has helped fuel transformative initiatives at Children’s National. These include the 2010 founding of the Sheikh Zayed Institute, the 2021 launch of the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus and the achievement of 82 U.S. patents. Together, the UAE and Children’s National have forged a partnership that continually advances pediatric medicine and delivers hope to families around the world.

Visit the UAE Embassy website to learn more about the UAE’s community outreach and hospital partnerships.