Our History

When the founders of Kanad Hospital (formerly known as Oasis Hospital), Christian missionaries Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy, first arrived in November 1960 at the invitation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Sheikh Shakhbut, the infant and maternal mortality rate in Al Ain was unusually high. Because of this and other endemic diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, the population of Al Ain was declining, and the city was in desperate need of quality healthcare.

By the grace of God, the Kennedys and their small team were able to provide the first modern healthcare in the region. In 1964, they constructed the first cement block building in Al Ain which included 20 patient rooms, a nurses’ station, a nursery, and a utility room. The hospital was the sole source of medical treatment for the people of Al Ain and surrounding areas. Soon after opening, the staff was seeing nearly 200 patients per day. You are welcome to visit our public majlis, opposite the main reception, to see photos of those early years.

Kanad Hospital is privileged to have been the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as many more of the royal family. Some of their pictures are also in the majlis.

Later developments included a delivery suite, X-ray facilities, additional patient rooms, and staff housing in the early 1970s. Obstetrics, surgery and children’s health facilities were built in 1985, and even now the hospital continues to expand.

During a visit to Kanad Hospital in April 2006, His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on behalf of the late President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced the gift of a development grant from the Abu Dhabi government, enabling us to build the new hospital building in Al Ain.

Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy served here until 1975 and are still remembered with great love for their efforts to bring hope to the community of Al Ain. Other long-term staff members of Kanad Hospital who left a legacy of compassion and excellent medical care include the late Gertrude Dyck, Janice Shafer, Margaret Paisley, Bernita Missal, Nancy Brock, Dr Larry Liddle and his wife Marilyn Liddle, and Ruth Feldmann.*

Today we continue to seek people who are passionate about providing excellent healthcare and will contribute to the legacy of medical advancement while bringing life-changing hope through daily, Christ-centered compassion.