Dr. Suhail Abdulla AlRukn is a prominent figure in neurology, serving as Consultant Neurologist and Head of the Stroke Program at Rashid Hospital, Dubai. He is also the current President of the Emirates Neurology Society and the MENA Stroke Organization. A graduate of UAE University, Dr. AlRukn completed his neurology residency at McGill University and obtained certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He further specialized with a fellowship in Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke at Montreal General Hospital.
Dr. AlRukn is best known for his pioneering efforts in stroke care in the UAE, having established the country’s first certified stroke unit. His professional focus spans acute stroke management, stroke unit development, and post-stroke rehabilitation. An internationally recognized speaker and researcher, he has numerous publications in the field of stroke.
In addition to his clinical and academic contributions, Dr. AlRukn is the founder and chairman of the Neurology Residency Program in Dubai since 2013 and chairs the Dubai Scientific & Research Ethical Committee. He also manages the Movement Disorders Clinic at Rashid Hospital and has keen interests in headache and movement disorder management. His leadership extends to serving on multiple scientific, advisory, and steering committees globally, making him a key contributor to neurological advancements in the region and beyond.
In an exclusive interview with Mediworld Middle East, Dr. Suhail Abdulla AlRukn, Consultant Neurology and Head of the Stroke Program at Rashid Hospital, and President of the Emirates Neurology Society, sheds light on the significant strides the UAE has made in stroke care and public awareness.
Despite stroke being a leading cause of death in the country, public knowledge of symptoms and risks remains limited. To bridge this gap, initiatives such as the Stroke Media Academy and collaborative public campaigns are empowering citizens with life-saving information.
Dr. AlRukn highlights transformative achievements, including the establishment of over 16 advanced stroke centers since 2012, making the UAE a regional leader in stroke care. He emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms using the BE-FAST acronym and acting quickly by calling 998.
Under his leadership, Rashid Hospital has earned international recognition, including certifications from the AHA and German Stroke Criteria. He further underscores preventable risk factors—such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking—and promotes early detection and lifestyle changes.
Through education, early response, and a united healthcare effort, Dr. AlRukn envisions a future where stroke outcomes continue to improve and lives are saved across the UAE.
Dr. AlRukn, how would you describe the current state of stroke awareness and prevention in the UAE?
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death in the UAE, affecting over 10,000 people each year. While the country leads the region in advanced healthcare infrastructure and stroke care capabilities, a key barrier continues to be low public awareness around stroke symptoms, risk factors, and management guidelines.
On May 29, 2025, we proudly launched the Stroke Media Academy to raise public awareness of stroke in the UAE. I’m pleased to see stronger collaboration between hospitals, patients, and the media, which helps make meaningful progress in reaching the public with life-saving information about stroke.
Through initiatives like this campaign, we hope to empower the public with the knowledge necessary to act quickly and seek timely medical attention.
What are some of the most significant advancements or milestones achieved under your leadership at the Rashid Hospital Stroke Center?
When I returned from McGill University in 2012, stroke care was not yet a national priority. There were no dedicated stroke centers in the UAE. Today, we have more than 16 advanced stroke centers across the UAE, including six in Dubai alone. This shift marks a significant transformation in our healthcare system.
Stroke is now recognized as a major public health concern by key partners, including healthcare authorities and medical experts. We’ve seen a fundamental change in how stroke is prioritized and addressed – from prevention to emergency response and rehabilitation.
Across the UAE, government bodies, private healthcare providers, and public institutions are collaborating to ensure that stroke is no longer seen as an untreatable condition. Our collective efforts aim to provide timely intervention, advanced treatment options, and better outcomes for patients affected by stroke.
There’s often confusion between “heart attack” and “stroke”. Can you explain the difference and how often are these terms misunderstood by the general public?
Many people are familiar with the symptoms of a heart attack—commonly referred to as a “heart stroke.” These typically include chest pain, pain radiating to the left shoulder, and shortness of breath. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, leading to damage.
In contrast, a brain stroke—commonly known simply as a “stroke”—is quite different. It happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Stroke symptoms are often painless and subtle, which is why they are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Stroke symptoms can be remembered using the acronym BE-FAST, which stands for:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
- Face: Facial drooping on one side
- Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
- Speech: Slurred or confused speech
- Time: Time to act fast—seek emergency medical attention immediately
If any of these symptoms appear, people must call 998 right away. In the UAE, ambulance teams are trained to identify stroke cases and ensure patients are transported directly to the nearest designated stroke center. Do not attempt to drive the patient yourself to a general hospital, as not all facilities are equipped to handle strokes promptly.
Rapid response is critical—every minute counts in saving a life and reducing long-term damage.
Could you elaborate on the Emirates Neurology Society’s role in raising awareness and improving stroke care across the UAE?
Over the past 10 years, the Emirates Neurology Society has played a vital role in increasing stroke awareness and improving stroke care across the UAE.
We have led numerous public awareness campaigns, both within communities and hospitals, in collaboration with journalists, newspapers, and social media platforms. We’ve also made regular appearances on national television to educate the public about stroke prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early intervention.
In addition to local efforts, we have brought international expertise to the UAE by hosting global conferences focused on stroke care and advancements. In 2024, we hosted the 24th World Stroke Congress in Abu Dhabi – the largest stroke-focused event ever held in the region, bringing together over 3,500 participants—including doctors, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, and patients—from around the world.
We’ve also supported the first-ever Stroke Media Academy in the UAE in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, to recognize the vital role of media in shaping public awareness and understanding of stroke.
How does Rashid Hospital ensure rapid response and treatment for stroke cases, and what makes its Stroke Center one of the leading centers in the region?
I’m extremely proud to say that, under the guidance of our government’s leadership, the UAE has become a beacon—what I like to call the “diamond”—of stroke care in the Middle East.
Rashid Hospital was the first facility outside of Germany to receive accreditation as a certified Stroke Center under German Stroke Criteria and the first in the Middle East to be certified by the American Heart Association (AHA). This milestone reflects our commitment to international best practices in stroke management.
Since 2019, several UAE hospitals have also received AHA certification. Our success is the result of collaboration among local healthcare professionals, international partners, and the strong support of the Ministry of Health and various health authorities. I’m also proud to note that the Middle East North Africa Stroke Organization (MENASO)—the largest regional stroke network—is based in Dubai, further emphasizing our leadership in this field.
All of these efforts reflect the UAE’s commitment to delivering world-class stroke care and ensuring that patients receive rapid, effective treatment when every second counts.
Are there specific lifestyle changes or risk factors in the UAE population that contribute to higher stroke incidence, and how are you addressing these trends?
This is an extremely important message that needs to reach everyone—men and women alike. There are several treatable risk factors for stroke, and by managing them properly, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of experiencing a brain stroke. The most critical risk factors we must address include:
Blood pressure: I strongly encourage everyone over the age of 35 to check their blood pressure at least twice a year. You can do this at your GP’s clinic, a family doctor, or even at a nearby pharmacy. If your reading is above 120/80, please consult a doctor. Early detection and management of high blood pressure can prevent a stroke.
Blood sugar: Around 25% of the UAE population is either pre-diabetic or diabetic. Many are unaware they have elevated blood sugar levels. It’s essential to get tested—either with a fasting blood sugar test or an HbA1c test—at least once a year. If the results show abnormal levels, consult your doctor and begin appropriate treatment.
High cholesterol: A silent threat affecting people even in their 30s. Many individuals are completely unaware they have it. Regular screening can help detect and manage this silent risk factor before it leads to serious consequences.
Physical inactivity: Multiple international and local studies have shown that just 30 minutes of brisk walking three times a week can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stroke by up to 50%. You don’t need to jog—just a fast-paced walk is enough. Of course, more vigorous exercise is even better if you’re able to do it.
Smoking: A significant contributor to high blood pressure and stroke, especially among youth. My strong advice is to quit smoking. Reducing or eliminating this habit can make a tremendous difference not only for your health but also for your loved ones.
These are manageable risks. Through better education, early screening, and lifestyle changes, we can collectively reduce the burden of stroke in the UAE. Prevention truly is the best cure.
Can you share an example of how timely treatment has saved a patient’s life?
One particular case that stands out involved a 29-year-old man who suffered a stroke while caring for his child. Suddenly, he developed facial drooping and slurred speech before collapsing to the ground.
The wife recognized something was seriously wrong and immediately called 998. Within just 10 minutes, the emergency team arrived. Because of their specialized training in stroke response, they quickly assessed his condition and rushed him to the nearest certified Stroke Center—Rashid Hospital.
Also Read: Boehringer Ingelheim Hosts Stroke Media Academy to Boost Stroke Awareness and Care.
What made all the difference was that he arrived at the right place, at the right time, and received the right treatment. When he first came in, he was completely incapacitated—unable to speak, walk, or care for himself. Today, that same man is fully recovered. He’s back at work, actively engaged in his family’s life, and now a father of three.
This story is a powerful reminder that stroke can strike anyone, at any age—but if recognized early and treated promptly, lives can not only be saved but fully restored. It’s the difference between lifelong disability and complete recovery. At Rashid Hospital, we strive to turn stroke victims into stroke survivors—and ultimately, stroke heroes.
