Dubai Diabetes Centre

For more than a decade, the Dubai Diabetes Centre (DDC) has served as a leading institution for specialized diabetes care in the UAE. In response to the nation’s high prevalence of diabetes, Dubai Health has initiated an ambitious expansion project aimed at addressing the growing needs of future generations and consolidating comprehensive diabetes management, education, and research efforts within a single, purpose-built environment. Located on the Latifa Hospital Campus in central Dubai, the new 60,000-square-foot facility will double the current capacity of the DDC. The expanded centre will house five dedicated diabetes clinics and 60 examination rooms, alongside multidisciplinary specialist services in pediatrics, endocrinology, podiatry, cardiology, nephrology, and ophthalmology. The architectural vision for the clinic reimagines it as a “walled garden”—a single-storey, low-profile structure defined by a robust, opaque exterior that gradually gives way to an open, transparent, and light-filled interior. This intentional contrast fosters a sense of privacy and protection, aligning with the clinic’s mission of delivering holistic care, education, and research. The inward-focused design orients the building around a series of expansive, landscaped courtyards, creating an environment that is both introspective and restorative. These interior courtyards serve as vital sources of natural light and visual relief, infusing the circulation spaces with a sense of openness and tranquility. They provide patients and staff with opportunities for therapeutic engagement with nature, symbolizing health, renewal, and well-being. The spatial arrangement encourages a contemplative atmosphere while maintaining a buffer from the surrounding urban landscape. Environmental comfort is further enhanced through thoughtful architectural elements such as deep roof overhangs, lush vegetation, and integrated water features, which collectively contribute to stable microclimates. These design strategies aim to ensure the year-round usability of the outdoor spaces. Central to the DDC’s mission is the empowerment of patients to actively manage their condition through education and lifestyle adaptation. Reflecting this commitment, the facility will incorporate a learning centre, gymnasium, and demonstration kitchen—spaces designed to equip patients with practical skills for long-term diabetes management. These communal functions are strategically co-located to foster a sense of shared experience and mutual support within the heart of the clinic. At the centre of this configuration is the Majlis, or “sitting room,” envisioned as a gathering place for patients between appointments, classes, or seminars—a space for solidarity, resilience, and connection. The DDC expansion is targeting LEED Gold certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. The building incorporates a high-performance envelope, integrated photovoltaic systems, and a deeply recessed façade designed to minimize solar gain and glare through passive strategies. The new facility is expected to open its doors to patients in 2026.