DUBAI, Oct 28, (Agencies): In a groundbreaking achievement for both Emirati women and the global healthcare community, Dr. Muna Tahlak, a prominent healthcare official in Dubai, has been elected as the first Arab woman to serve as the president of the International Hospital Federation (IHF). Dr. Tahlak holds several high-ranking positions in the healthcare sector in Dubai and has long been a key figure in advancing medical excellence in the emirate.

Her election to this prestigious global role was met with warm congratulations from Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who expressed his pride in Emirati women's continued accomplishments in national and global leadership roles. He extended his best wishes to Dr. Muna Tahlak on her new journey.

Dr. Muna Tahlak currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), Vice-Provost for Clinical Practice at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and as the CEO of the Latifa Hospital for Women and Children.

This historic election of Dr. Tahlak as the IHF president represents a significant milestone for the UAE on the global healthcare stage. It underscores the country's dedication to advancing women's roles across diverse fields and promoting excellence in the healthcare sector.

In response to her election, Dr. Tahlak expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the UAE leadership for empowering women, stating, "Emirati women have consistently excelled in diverse high-ranking roles across various domains. Our nation has also consistently offered abundant opportunities to foster the progress and specialization of Emirati women, particularly within the medical field. This win highlights not only Emirati women's progress but also reflects the leading position of UAE’s health sector. I am honored to represent the UAE and fellow Emirati women on such an important global platform."

Dr. Tahlak also highlighted her work over the past seven years with the IHF, which provided her with a platform to showcase the exemplary work of UAE hospitals and the invaluable contributions of Emirati women on a global scale.

Her election as the new IHF president, succeeding Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, president, and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives, marks the beginning of her two-year term.

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation, commended Dr. Tahlak for her exceptional leadership, expertise, and remarkable contributions to the healthcare system in Dubai and beyond. He emphasized the pride of the entire healthcare sector in the UAE, noting the consistent excellence of Emirati women across various domains, particularly in the medical field, contributing significantly to the nation's growth and development.