The path to leadership is rarely a straight line, and for Arif Durrani, CEO of MEDIC, it was a journey shaped by diverse experiences across FMCG, QSR, and Retail sectors before stepping into the healthcare industry. His transition began at the family office of Mr. Abdulrahman Falaknaz—MEDIC’s Chairman and co-owner of Dubai Sports City—where he took on the responsibility of leading MEDIC.
Fueled by passion and determination, Arif committed to making healthcare more equitable and accessible. Seeing MEDIC’s potential to innovate and transform patient care, he embraced the challenge of driving strategic growth, building sustainable solutions, and shaping the future of diagnostics.
Today, under his leadership, MEDIC is not just a healthcare provider but a visionary force, bridging gaps in the industry and redefining patient-centered care in the UAE. His journey is a testament to bold leadership, big ideas, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
As the CEO of MEDIC, what core values and vision guide your leadership decisions and the company’s overall mission?
Our core values—patient-centricity, innovation, integrity, transparency, collaboration, empowerment, and accessibility—serve as the guiding principles in our leadership and shape the way we approach challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Vision: Our vision at MEDIC is to be a regional leader in transforming healthcare as a group and grow not just vertically in diagnostics but also horizontally by creating new verticals (super specializations – geriatrics, wellness, gastroenterology, and oncology are our focus areas). We strive to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation (technology), continuously evolving to meet the growing demands of the global population while ensuring that the highest standards of ethics, care, and service are maintained.
What are the most significant challenges you’ve encountered in the healthcare industry, particularly in the UAE, and how have you overcome them?
The UAE’s healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, bringing unique challenges that require strategic solutions.
At MEDIC, we prioritize cutting-edge technologies and continuous workforce upskilling, collaborating with local and international innovators to stay ahead in diagnostics and AI.
Navigating regulatory and compliance challenges, we invest time in understanding DHA regulations, ensuring our solutions meet global standards, preventing operational disruptions.
Talent acquisition and retention is key—we foster a dynamic, rewarding environment, emphasizing work-life balance, teamwork, and well-being to keep employees motivated.
With the growing demand for healthcare services, we optimize operational efficiency, embrace automation, and leverage experience to manage higher patient volumes without compromising quality.
MEDIC has made a remarkable impact in the healthcare sector. Could you tell us about some of the key initiatives that have contributed to the company’s success?
MEDIC, one of Dubai’s oldest diagnostic centers (since 1995), pioneered the private-sector MRI machine, shaping its journey through standout initiatives.
With an early mover advantage, we integrated cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. Our skilled radiologists ensure high-quality services, with shorter TAT and precision reporting, playing a vital role during COVID-19.
A strong focus on patient-centered care has improved accessibility and trust, optimizing the patient experience from booking to results. Strategic partnerships with clinics, insurers, and corporates expanded our reach.
Our commitment to quality and compliance drives strict internal protocols, JCI accreditation, and adherence to MOHAP standards. We prioritize employee training, fostering innovation, satisfaction, and retention.
A robust marketing and business development strategy positioned MEDIC as a premier choice for top talent. Lastly, our investment in world-class equipment from Siemens and Philips ensures uncompromised quality, instilling confidence in doctors, clients, and patients.
How has technology and innovation shaped MEDIC’s approach to healthcare delivery, and what role do you see it playing in the future of the industry?
Technology and innovation have been central to MEDIC’s approach to healthcare delivery, driving both the efficiency and quality of our services. The entire journey of the patient experience and care is fully mapped and automated at all touch points. We have always focused on being process driven and not people driven, resulting in improved TAT, accuracy, convenience, visibility, data privacy and compliance / regulatory. We are committed to the country’s vison of being technologically relevant.
MEDIC is already exploring international partnerships to secure; state of the art and best in class technologies that will address the gaps and pain areas of the existing healthcare space.
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest trends currently shaping the healthcare landscape in the UAE, and how is MEDIC positioned to stay ahead of these trends?
Healthcare in the UAE is changing fast, and MEDIC is making sure we stay ahead.
With telemedicine and digital health growing, we’ve teamed up with a Singapore-based company to bring in mobile apps and remote diagnostics. We also focus on preventative care, offering health screenings for early disease detection and running awareness programs.
Keeping patient data safe is a top priority, so we’re working on ISO 27001 certification for stronger security. As medical tourism grows, we’re partnering with international organizations to welcome patients from around the world.
We don’t just diagnose—we care about wellness, offering lifestyle advice alongside test results. We’re also expanding into home healthcare, with a new license and plans for a dedicated service. Plus, we’re filling gaps in geriatrics, gastroenterology, and oncology by bringing in top global specialists.
At MEDIC, our goal is simple: better care, better health, and a better future for all.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the healthcare industry, particularly in the UAE?
The healthcare industry is exciting but challenging, especially in the UAE. To succeed, stay innovative by using AI, telemedicine, and new technologies. Always put patients first—better care means better success. Build strong networks with doctors, investors, and regulators to grow. Follow the rules to avoid fines and problems. Be resilient—challenges will come, but learning from them makes you stronger. Hire the right team because great healthcare needs teamwork. Think long-term—focus on impact, not just profit. Understand local needs to serve the UAE’s diverse population better. Keep improving, stay patient-centered, and make a real difference in healthcare!
Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional goals for the next five years, and how do you see MEDIC evolving during this time?
Over the next five years, my goal is to grow MEDIC and help improve healthcare in the UAE.
Personally, I want to keep learning, growing as a leader, and mentoring others. Meeting experienced healthcare professionals will help me gain new insights and build a stronger team.
For MEDIC, I plan to expand services by adding telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and specialized care in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology, and Oncology. We also aim to grow internationally, bringing MEDIC to new markets.
Improving efficiency and sustainability is key—we’ll invest in employee wellness and ensure long-term success. Stronger partnerships with hospitals, universities, and tech companies will help us innovate and deliver better care.
We’ll focus on preventative healthcare, offering screenings and wellness programs to keep people healthier. Using data and analytics, we’ll improve diagnosis and personalize patient care.
In five years, I see MEDIC as a leading healthcare provider, known for innovation, patient care, and world-class partnerships.
