As the demographic landscape of the UAE continues to evolve, the demand for specialized geriatric care has become a critical priority for the regional healthcare sector. Addressing this need requires targeted education that equips clinical staff with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Recently, Middlesex University Dubai took a significant step in this direction by hosting the BRIDGE Dementia Care Training Programme, an intensive three-day initiative designed to elevate the standard of dementia care provided by healthcare professionals across the country.
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Understanding the BRIDGE Dementia Care Training Programme
The BRIDGE Dementia Care Training Programme stands out as an evidence-informed and culturally tailored educational initiative. Unlike generic medical courses, BRIDGE is specifically structured to address the nuances of dementia care within the local context of the UAE. Held from June 12 to 14, 2026, the programme was developed to strengthen the foundational knowledge of dementia among medical staff while simultaneously improving the quality of life for individuals living with the condition.
Healthcare professionals participating in the programme represented a wide spectrum of the industry. The cohort included physicians, registered nurses, dedicated dementia care practitioners, and individuals who provide daily support to family members living with dementia. These participants were drawn from private hospitals, long-term care facilities, and homecare service providers operating throughout the UAE. This diverse mix of attendees fostered a collaborative learning environment where participants could share distinct perspectives and real-world experiences from various care settings.
Curriculum Focus: Person-Centred Care and Practical Application
A core component of the BRIDGE programme is its strict adherence to person-centred care models. The curriculum moved beyond basic medical definitions to explore how dementia affects individuals uniquely, emphasizing the need to tailor care plans to each person’s history, preferences, and current abilities.
Core Competencies Developed
Throughout the three days, participants engaged with several critical areas of dementia care, including:
- The Fundamentals of Dementia: Understanding the neurological progression of the condition, differentiating between various types of dementia, and recognizing early warning signs.
- Effective Communication Strategies: Learning how to adjust communication styles to accommodate cognitive decline, utilizing non-verbal cues, and employing de-escalation techniques during periods of confusion or distress.
- Enhancing Wellbeing: Implementing practical, non-pharmacological interventions that support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients, alongside their physical health.
- Family Support Dynamics: Developing strategies to educate, support, and communicate effectively with the families and caregivers who form the primary support network for individuals living at home.
The training format deliberately combined evidence-based academic learning with interactive group discussions. Rather than relying solely on lectures, the programme encouraged participants to reflect on actual challenges they face in their daily practice. This approach ensures that the knowledge gained is not just theoretical but can be immediately applied in hospitals, clinics, and private residences across the UAE.
The Importance of Continuing Medical Education (CME) Accreditation
For healthcare professionals, maintaining licensure and staying current with medical advancements requires a dedicated commitment to Continuing Medical Education (CME). The BRIDGE programme directly supports this professional requirement. It is fully accredited by both CPD UK and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), offering 14 CME credits upon successful completion.
This accreditation is highly valuable for physicians and nurses practicing in the UAE, as these credits can be directly applied toward their professional license renewals. By integrating DHA-accredited CME credits into specialized dementia care training, Middlesex University Dubai provides a highly efficient pathway for healthcare professionals to fulfill regulatory requirements while simultaneously acquiring vital new skills. This dual benefit removes the common barrier of having to choose between mandatory administrative tasks and meaningful professional development.
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Interdisciplinary Learning and Expert Insights
One of the most significant outcomes of the BRIDGE training was the demonstration of interdisciplinary learning. In traditional healthcare settings, physicians, care facility staff, and family caregivers often operate in silos. The BRIDGE programme broke down these barriers by placing all these groups in the same room, learning from the same material, and working through case studies together.
This cross-sector approach allowed clinicians to understand the practical limitations faced by homecare providers, while family carers gained insight into the clinical reasoning behind certain medical decisions. Building this mutual understanding is essential for creating a seamless continuum of care for dementia patients as they transition between home care, hospital visits, and long-term residential facilities.
Local Expertise: Dr. Salwa Alsuwaidi
A highlight of the programme was a specialized guest lecture delivered by Dr. Salwa Alsuwaidi, a pivotal figure in the UAE’s healthcare landscape. As the first female Emirati geriatrician and the Director of the Seniors’ Happiness Centre, Dr. Alsuwaidi brought a wealth of localized clinical experience to the training. Her session focused heavily on the importance of compassionate, culturally appropriate support for older adults. Attendees noted that her practical insights into the specific needs of the aging population in the UAE provided a highly relevant context that international textbooks often lack.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Specialized Dementia Education in the UAE
The strong engagement and positive feedback generated by the BRIDGE programme underscore a broader trend within the UAE’s healthcare system: a growing, unmet demand for specialized dementia education. As life expectancy increases and the prevalence of cognitive decline rises, healthcare facilities are actively seeking staff who are formally trained in geriatric care.
Seada Kassie, the Senior Lecturer in Psychology who led the programme, noted that the primary goal of BRIDGE is to provide practical, culturally relevant training that empowers those on the front lines of dementia care. The fact that professionals from diverse backgrounds voluntarily dedicated three days to this intensive training demonstrates a genuine, sector-wide commitment to raising the standard of care. Middlesex University Dubai continues to support this momentum by developing and delivering professional learning opportunities that respond directly to the evolving needs of the local healthcare industry.
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Next Steps for Healthcare Professionals
Specialized training programmes like BRIDGE represent a critical shift in how the UAE approaches geriatric care. For healthcare professionals, investing time in accredited, evidence-based dementia care training yields tangible benefits: improved patient outcomes, more effective communication with families, and the attainment of necessary CME credits for career advancement.
As the healthcare sector continues to recognize the importance of specialized geriatric knowledge, professionals who proactively seek out this training will position themselves as valuable assets to their organizations. Whether you are a physician looking to refine your diagnostic approach, a nurse seeking better patient management strategies, or a care provider aiming to improve daily quality of life for your clients, continuing education in dementia care is a necessary professional step.
