Geneva: Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer at Dubai Health and Vice Provost for Clinical Affairs at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), has concluded her term as President of the International Hospital Federation (IHF). She made history by becoming the first Arab woman to assume this position since the Federation’s founding in 1929, and her presidency concluded during the 48th World Hospital Congress in Geneva.

According to Emirates News Agency, the congress, held from November 10-13, 2025, at the Geneva International Conference Center in collaboration with the Geneva University Hospitals, gathered healthcare leaders and experts globally. The aim was to exchange insights and explore healthcare’s future. Dr. Tahlak’s leadership saw the IHF through a period of growth, enhancing collaboration with global health organizations and advancing healthcare management and quality worldwide.

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority, praised Dr. Tahlak’s leadership as a milestone for Emirati women, emphasizing their role in shaping global healthcare. He highlighted the UAE leadership’s support in empowering national talent to impact both local and international levels. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, expressed pride in Dr. Tahlak’s achievements, stating that as the first Emirati and Arab woman in this role, she set an inspiring example of leadership and enhanced the UAE’s global representation.

In his remarks at the IHF General Assembly, Dr. Sharif appreciated Dr. Tahlak’s efforts, which strengthened the Federation’s international presence and supported the development of healthcare quality programs. Dr. Tahlak reflected on her term, acknowledging the support from UAE leadership and the IHF team, which was crucial in advancing the Federation’s global impact.

During the congress, Dr. Alsheikh-Ali and Dr. Sharif conducted an interactive workshop with young healthcare executives, focusing on leadership development and career progression. This session, part of the ‘Young Executive Leaders’ programme, included 48 participants from 33 countries, fostering a platform for exchanging knowledge and discussing best practices shaping healthcare’s future.