Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Abu Dhabi's largest hospital delivering quaternary care with Mayo Clinic expertise
732
Beds
5
Departments
1
Accreditations
2019
Founded
Overview of SSMC
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a 732-bed tertiary and quaternary care hospital in Abu Dhabi, established in 2019 through a partnership between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic. It is one of the largest hospitals in the UAE and serves as a national referral centre for complex medical and surgical cases.
SSMC integrates Mayo Clinic's knowledge-sharing model into its clinical operations, applying evidence-based protocols and multidisciplinary care pathways. The hospital covers virtually every medical specialty and is equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging, hybrid operating theatres, and a comprehensive oncology centre.
As a semi-government facility under SEHA, SSMC plays a critical role in Abu Dhabi's healthcare vision. It treats a diverse patient population including UAE nationals, residents, and medical tourists seeking advanced procedures not widely available elsewhere in the region.
Healthcare professionals interested in working at SSMC can explore opportunities through Neelim's career placement service. We assist with licensing, Dataflow verification, and exam preparation for UAE.
Departments at SSMC
SSMC operates 5 major departments. Each department hires healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines — from physicians and nurses to pharmacists and allied health specialists.
Oncology Centre
A comprehensive cancer centre offering medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. It provides haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and participates in international clinical trials.
Cardiac Sciences
Delivers a full range of cardiac care from preventive cardiology to complex interventions. The department operates catheterisation labs and a hybrid cardiac surgical suite.
Neurosciences
Covers neurology, neurosurgery, and neurorehabilitation with capabilities for stroke intervention, tumour resection, and functional neurosurgery.
Women's Health
Provides obstetric, gynaecological, and reproductive medicine services. The department includes a high-risk pregnancy unit and a level III neonatal intensive care unit.
Transplant Programme
One of the few centres in the UAE performing solid organ transplants, including kidney, liver, and bone marrow transplantation under strict international protocols.
Accreditations & Awards
Accreditations like JCI demonstrate a hospital's commitment to international patient safety and quality standards — a key consideration for healthcare professionals evaluating career moves.
Accreditations
- JCI (since 2020)
Awards
- SEHA Excellence Award 2023
Key Leadership
Dr. Adel Algahtani
CEO
MD, MBA
Careers at SSMC (2026)
SSMC offers a unique working environment shaped by the Mayo Clinic partnership, emphasising teamwork, continuous learning, and clinical excellence. Employees benefit from SEHA's government-backed employment framework, which includes housing allowances, education grants, annual leave, and end-of-service benefits.
To work at SSMC, healthcare professionals typically need a valid UAE license from Department of Health Abu Dhabi. Neelim's licensing service handles the entire application process, including Dataflow PSV and Prometric exam registration.
Typical Roles
Hiring Process
SSMC recruits through the SEHA careers portal and attends international healthcare recruitment fairs. The process includes an online application, HR phone screen, departmental interview, and credential verification through the DOH dataflow process. Physicians must hold or obtain a DOH licence.
Neelim's career placement team can help you navigate this process and prepare for interviews.
Salaries at SSMC (2026)
Estimated monthly salary ranges by profession. All salaries in UAE are 100% tax-free. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and contract terms. For a personalised salary estimate, get a free assessment from Neelim.
Patient Reviews Summary
Strengths
- Comprehensive specialty coverage
- Modern facility with advanced equipment
- Mayo Clinic-guided clinical protocols
Common Concerns
- Some appointment delays for non-urgent referrals
- Complex navigation within the large facility
Source: Google Reviews aggregate
Licensing Requirements for SSMC
To practise at SSMC, healthcare professionals need a valid license from Department of Health Abu Dhabi. The licensing process typically involves credential verification through Dataflow PSV, passing the Prometric exam, and submitting an application to the authority.
Typical Licensing Steps
Read the complete UAE licensing guide for detailed requirements, timelines, and costs.
How Neelim Gets You Into SSMC
Neelim Healthcare Consulting provides end-to-end support for healthcare professionals seeking positions at SSMC and other leading UAE hospitals. We've helped 1,000+ professionals successfully navigate the licensing and placement process.
Free Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your qualifications against SSMC's requirements and UAE licensing standards.
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Healthcare Licensing
Complete licensing support for Department of Health Abu Dhabi, including documentation and application management.
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Dataflow & Exams
We handle your Dataflow PSV submission and Prometric exam registration end to end.
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Career Placement
CV optimisation, interview prep, and direct connections to hiring managers at SSMC.
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Exam Preparation
Comprehensive study materials and coaching for your Prometric or licensing exam.
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Relocation Guidance
Visa processing, housing advice, and settling-in support for your move to UAE.
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Location & Contact
Address
Al Mafraq Area, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Phone
+971 2 819 0000
Website
https://www.ssmc.ae
Planning to relocate to Abu Dhabi? Neelim's relocation guidance helps with visa processing, housing, and settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSMC
Common questions about working at SSMC. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact Neelim for personalised guidance.
SSMC operates under a clinical affiliation with Mayo Clinic, which provides knowledge sharing, clinical protocols, and quality assurance frameworks. Staff have access to Mayo Clinic's educational resources and consultation networks.
Nurses at SSMC earn between AED 11,000 and 32,000 per month depending on experience and specialty. ICU and oncology nurses tend to receive higher compensation.
Yes, SSMC sponsors employment visas for international hires. The hospital's HR team assists with visa processing, DOH licensing, and relocation logistics.
SEHA employees receive housing allowance, annual flights, medical insurance, education allowance for dependents, 30 days annual leave, and end-of-service gratuity.
With 732 beds, SSMC is one of the largest hospitals in the UAE and the biggest in the SEHA network, serving as a quaternary referral centre for complex cases.
Explore Careers at SSMC by Profession
Each healthcare profession has unique licensing requirements, salary ranges, and demand patterns in UAE. Explore our detailed guides to understand what it takes to work at SSMC.
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Want to Work at SSMC?
Neelim Healthcare Consulting has helped 1,000+ professionals secure positions at top GCC hospitals. Our experts handle everything — from licensing and Dataflow verification to job placement.