A street in Abu Dhabi has been named in honour of Dr. George Matthew, an 84-year-old UAE citizen of Indian origin, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the emirate’s healthcare sector over nearly 60 years. Dr. Matthew first arrived in the UAE in 1967 as a 26-year-old, well before the country’s unification. Over the decades, he has been instrumental in shaping Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, witnessing its transformation from its early days to its current state.
Dr. Matthew was the first doctor to work in a government hospital in Al Ain, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s medical landscape. To acknowledge his pioneering contributions, a road near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in the Al Mafraq area has been named George Matthew Street. This gesture is part of the ‘Honouring UAE’s Visionaries: Commemorative Streets’ project by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), which aims to appreciate individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s development.
When Dr. Matthew first arrived in the UAE, the country was still in its early stages of development, lacking proper roads and medical facilities. Inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the nation, Dr. Matthew dedicated himself to improving the healthcare system. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “The infrastructure was still evolving at that time. Inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed, the father of the nation, I dedicated myself to helping the people. I am deeply grateful that my efforts have been recognized.”
In recognition of his service, the UAE granted Dr. Matthew and his family citizenship 10 years ago. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Matthew said, “I am ready to do whatever I can for the country and its citizens as long as I live. I pray that God will give me more time to serve.”
