A street in Abu Dhabi now bears the name of Dr. George Matthew, an 84-year-old UAE citizen of Indian origin, recognizing his six-decade contribution to the emirate’s healthcare sector.
Dr. George Matthew, an 84-year-old doctor of Indian origin, has been honored by having a street in Abu Dhabi named after him. This tribute recognizes his nearly six decades of service in the emirate’s healthcare sector. Dr. Matthew first arrived in the UAE in 1967, well before the unification of the country, and has since been a significant figure in shaping Abu Dhabi’s medical landscape.
Pioneering Contributions
Dr. Matthew was the first doctor to work in a government hospital in Al Ain. His dedication and pioneering work in the healthcare sector have been commemorated by naming the road near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Al Mafraq as George Matthew Street. This initiative 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 impacted the nation’s development.
“When Dr. Matthew moved to the country, there were no roads or proper medical facilities,” a DMT representative noted. “His contributions have been pivotal in transforming healthcare in the region.”
Early Challenges and Achievements
“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 recognised,” Dr. Matthew shared.
Originally, Dr. Matthew planned to move to the US but was persuaded by a missionary friend’s description of Al Ain’s beauty. Successfully applying for the position of Al Ain’s first government doctor, he opened the first clinic with Sheikh Zayed’s blessing. Dr. Matthew, known affectionately as ‘Matyous’ by the locals, held several key positions, including medical director of the Al Ain region in 1972 and health authority consultant in 2001.
Personal and Professional Milestones
Dr. Matthew, a native of Kerala, India, graduated from Trivandrum Medical College and moved to the UAE with his wife Valsa. Their daughter, Maryam (Priya), works in the government sector. Recalling his early days, Dr. Matthew mentioned a memorable encounter from 1969:
“One night, a local resident attending the Majlis in Al Ain was injured. I treated him with the materials I had in a temporary setup, and he was healed. He shared this experience with Sheikh Zayed. After checking his injury, Sheikh Zayed said: ‘He is a good doctor’, and his words gave me great inspiration.”
With Sheikh Zayed’s support, Dr. Matthew pursued further studies in England and Harvard, specializing in tropical diseases and hospital management. He has served the royal family and has been instrumental in training healthcare workers in Al Ain.
Recognition and Ongoing Service
In 2004, the UAE granted Dr. Matthew and his family citizenship. He was also honored with the Abu Dhabi Awards in 2018 for his dedicated service. Currently, he continues to work in the private health department under the Presidential Affairs.
“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,” Dr. Matthew said.
He advises others working in the UAE to, “Work with 100 per cent sincerity, and you will succeed.”
