Born in the city of Nasserah in Palestine in 1945, the late Dr. Ahmad Yazbak studied medicine at the University of Alexandria Bin Egypt ultimately specializing in tropical medicine in  Britain. He joined the Department of Health and Medical Services in Dubai in 1974 commencing his career as a doctor at Rashid Hospital. He was then promoted to general practitioner in 1976.

It was during this period that he left for the United Kingdom to pursue graduate studies, and eventually obtained a higher diploma in Cardio-Thoracic diseases from the University of Wales in 1976. In 1981, he was promoted to the position of senior medical officer, then to the rank of consultant in internal medicine in 1991. Thus, he was one of those pioneering doctors who witnessed and contributed to the development of the hospital in its early stages.

 

Dr. Yazbak worked at the Internal Medicine Department as consultant, and participated in several committees. He became Acting Director of Rashid Hospital and maintained that position for several years until he was named Assistant Director of the said hospital for medical affairs.

 

The late Dr. Yazbak had a firm belief that medicine was a humanitarian and scientific mission, and therefore he was keen on monitoring developments and innovations in his field of specialization. He also participated in numerous medical conferences within the UAE and abroad, and was a regular reader of medical journals and bulletins making full use of the opportunities afforded by the Department of Health and Medical Services for its staff, together with his recognition of the importance of developing knowledge, skills and capabilities.

 

He also believed in using advanced medical technologies for the alleviation of patients' suffering, and achieved scientific and practical success in the medical field. He dealt with all his patients similarly and with great care regardless of their social class, ethnic origins or religions, therefore earning the respect of all who came in contact with him for his excellent manners, high reputation and diligence in the discharge of his duties.

 

Dr. Yazbak published several papers on diseases prevailing in the region, particularly tropical diseases, in several local and international journals. He also gave numerous lectures on topics related to his field of specialization at local and international scientific gatherings and forums. Moreover, he acted as tutor to many doctors graduating from the Dubai Medical College, and continued to play that role to the end of his life.

 

Dr. Yazbak was the special physician of the Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Al-Maktoum, and accompanied him during his treatment journeys abroad. He remained close to him until HH passed away. Dr. Yazbak's career lasted for 27 years during which he rendered valuable services to the people of Dubai.

 

He was courteous with all who dealt with him, whether colleagues at medical departments, bosses or subordinates. He possessed medical, technical and humanitarian skills which stood him in good stead in all situations and in all cases as testified by his annual appraisal records.

 

Behind his conspicuous success as a consultant at both the professional and personal levels was his strong desire to serve the community and offer the best possible medical care. For this, he is always remembered by his colleagues.

 

For these reasons, Dr. Ahmad Yazbak has been posthumously selected as winner of the Sheikh Harridan Award for Distinguished Figures in the field of medicine in the United Arab Emirates.