The UAE continues to reinforce its position as a regional hub for advanced healthcare, as Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City has reported the performance of more than 400 cardiac procedures using catheter-based and modern interventional techniques during 2025. The procedures include nearly 100 complex ablation operations for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, one of the most common and serious heart rhythm disorders.
Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid and irregular heartbeats and is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure if not properly managed. It remains one of the leading challenges in cardiac electrophysiology due to its complexity and potential complications.
Pulsed Field Ablation Technology
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City has adopted pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology to treat these cases, one of the latest global advances in cardiac electrophysiology. The technique uses precise electrical pulses to target and disable abnormal electrical signals in the heart while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
To enhance procedural accuracy and safety, the hospital has integrated PFA with three-dimensional cardiac mapping systems. This allows physicians to visualise heart rhythm disorders in greater detail, improving treatment precision while reducing procedure time and lowering radiation exposure for both patients and medical teams.
This development reflects the rapid expansion of the hospital’s capabilities in managing complex cardiac arrhythmias, aligning with the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading regional and global centre for advanced cardiac care.
Dr Abdulqader Al Musabi, Executive Medical Director at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, said the continuous growth in electrophysiology procedures—particularly atrial fibrillation ablations—demonstrates the institution’s advanced clinical capabilities and its ambition to place the UAE among global leaders in complex cardiac care.
He added that medical teams remain focused on improving patient outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and compassionate, patient-centred care.
The hospital’s electrophysiology programme is led by Dr Omar Al Falasi, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist. The programme provides advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services for a wide range of cardiac rhythm disorders, supported by state-of-the-art mapping systems, image-integrated guidance technologies, specialised clinical teams, and a fully equipped electrophysiology laboratory.
The early adoption of pulsed field ablation places Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City among a select group of international medical centres offering this advanced form of cardiac intervention, further strengthening the UAE’s presence on the global map of medical innovation.
