Abu Dhabi has named a street after Dr George Matthew, an Indian-origin doctor who has dedicated more than six decades of his life to building the UAE's healthcare system. The Abu Dhabi street named after the Indian doctor forms part of the "Honouring UAE's Visionaries: Commemorative Streets" project run by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). George Matthew Street sits near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in the Al Mafraq area.
A Pioneer Who Arrived Before the UAE Was Founded
Dr Matthew arrived in the UAE in 1967 at the age of 26 — four years before the federation was officially established. He went on to become the first government doctor in Al Ain, where he opened the emirate's first clinic with the direct patronage of Sheikh Zayed.
His career spanned major leadership milestones: he headed medical services in Al Ain in 1972 and was appointed consultant to the Health Authority in 2001. With Sheikh Zayed's support, he travelled to England to study tropical disease management and later to Harvard for specialised training in hospital administration.
Six Decades of Impact on UAE Healthcare
Dr Matthew's contributions reshaped the country's medical landscape. He introduced new treatment methods, helped develop a trained healthcare workforce, and earned deep trust among the population. Known affectionately by locals as "Matyous," he was granted UAE citizenship — along with his family — in recognition of his extraordinary dedication and hard work.
Now 86 years old, Dr Matthew continues to work in the private health department alongside Dr Abdul Rahim Jaafar. His commitment to service remains absolute: "For as long as I am alive, I want to be able to work for the country and its citizens."
George Matthew Street: A Permanent Tribute
The street naming is a permanent tribute embedded in Abu Dhabi's urban fabric. The DMT's Commemorative Streets project was designed to honour individuals whose service shaped the nation — and few figures embody that spirit more than Dr Matthew.
The honour underscores how the UAE recognises long-serving expatriate contributors who played foundational roles in the country's development, well before the modern infrastructure of today's world-class healthcare system existed.
