Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City: A Practical Abu Dhabi Patient Guide
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, commonly called SSMC, is a major hospital in Abu Dhabi serving specialist, tertiary, emergency, surgical, inpatient and complex-care needs. Its official information covers a wide range of departments and more than 46 specialties.
This independent guide focuses on the information patients and families need before travelling: appointments, doctors and departments, outpatient hours, emergency care, insurance, parking, documents, pharmacy, visitor rules, international patients and the correct route for different types of visits.
Independent guide: UAEMedicalCentres.org is not Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, SEHA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, an insurer or an emergency provider. Hospital services, doctors, insurance networks, hours, parking and visitor rules can change. Confirm important details directly with SSMC before your visit.
What is Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City best used for?
Specialist and tertiary care
SSMC is designed for hospital-level care, specialist consultations, complex cases, referrals, surgery, inpatient treatment, diagnostics and multidisciplinary care.
Emergency, trauma and burns
SSMC operates emergency services 24/7 and provides emergency medicine for acute and urgent medical and surgical conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Multiple specialties
SSMC states that it provides care across 10 clinical departments, 30 divisions and more than 46 specialties, making the correct department and referral route especially important.
How to book an appointment at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
SSMC states that appointments can be booked through its website or by calling the toll-free number 800 7762. For specialist care, it is useful to identify the department, doctor or clinical service before calling.
Decide whether you need outpatient or emergency care
Routine specialist reviews, planned tests and follow-up appointments normally use an outpatient route. Serious or rapidly worsening symptoms should not wait for an appointment.
Identify the correct specialty
SSMC has many departments and specialties. Tell the call centre what condition, referral or service you are coming for rather than simply requesting “a doctor.”
Ask whether a referral is needed
If another hospital or doctor referred you, ask whether the referral letter, reports, imaging files or insurance approval must be submitted before the appointment.
Confirm the doctor’s actual clinic time
Hospital outpatient operating hours are not the same thing as every doctor’s schedule. Confirm the exact appointment date, time, department and building.
Check insurance before planned treatment
Ask whether your exact insurance plan covers the doctor, department, diagnostic service or procedure and whether pre-authorisation is required.
Confirm arrival instructions
Ask which building, entrance, parking area and registration desk you should use. This is especially important for first-time visitors.
Useful call script: “I need to visit Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City for [condition/service]. Which department should I book, do I need a referral, what documents should I bring, is my insurance accepted, does it require approval, and which building or entrance should I use?”
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City outpatient timings
SSMC’s current contact information publishes different outpatient schedules by day. The hospital also has evening clinics and individual department schedules, so patients should verify their exact appointment rather than relying only on the general outpatient hours.
| Day / service | Published information | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM for outpatient clinics. | Doctor and department availability. |
| Monday–Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM for outpatient clinics. | Exact specialist clinic and appointment slot. |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–5 PM for outpatient clinics. | Department-specific schedule. |
| Evening clinics | SSMC publishes evening clinic schedules for selected services. | Whether your specialty and doctor are included. |
| Emergency | Emergency Services operate 24/7. | For emergencies, seek immediate care rather than waiting for an outpatient slot. |
Important: “Hospital open” and “my doctor is available” are not the same thing. Confirm the exact appointment before making a long journey.
SSMC doctors: how to find the right specialist
SSMC has a large multidisciplinary medical team. Instead of relying on an old doctor list, use the current official doctor and department directory to confirm the consultant, specialty, current appointment availability and location.
Cardiology
For heart-related specialist assessment, testing and treatment pathways. Ask whether you need a cardiology consultation or a specific diagnostic test.
Neurology and neuroscience
SSMC provides neurological and neuroscience services, including specialist care for complex neurological conditions.
Pulmonary and respiratory medicine
Useful for specialist respiratory evaluation. Ask whether previous imaging, pulmonary testing or referral documents are required.
Oncology and haematology
For cancer-related and blood-disorder pathways, bring previous pathology, imaging and treatment records when requested.
Orthopaedics
For bone, joint, musculoskeletal and surgical assessment. Ask whether existing X-rays, MRI files or other imaging should be carried.
Paediatrics
SSMC provides general and specialist paediatric services, including paediatric cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and other areas.
Doctor availability changes: a consultant appearing on the official website does not guarantee a slot on your preferred date. Confirm the current appointment schedule directly with SSMC.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City departments and specialties
SSMC states that it provides interdisciplinary care across 10 clinical departments, 30 divisions and more than 46 specialties. The following areas are useful starting points when deciding which department to contact.
For acute medical and surgical conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Ask about MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, preparation, referral and approval requirements.
Includes areas such as cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology and neurology.
Includes general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology, vascular surgery and other surgical divisions.
Includes general paediatrics and multiple paediatric subspecialties.
Confirm the appropriate clinic, consultant, pregnancy pathway and any referral requirements.
For patients requiring intensive monitoring and complex critical-care support.
Ask whether a referral, appointment, fasting or insurance approval is required for your test.
For patients following an appropriate oncology treatment pathway.
Includes rehabilitation-related care, physiotherapy and other therapy services.
Useful for patients whose treatment or condition requires clinical nutrition input.
Relevant to surgical and procedural care where anaesthesia services are required.
Best booking approach: tell SSMC your reason for care, previous diagnosis or referral and any existing specialist recommendation. The team can then direct you toward the appropriate department rather than guessing from the hospital’s large specialty list.
When should you use SSMC Emergency instead of booking an appointment?
SSMC states that its Emergency Services operate 24/7. Its emergency department is designed for acute and urgent medical and surgical conditions that require immediate intervention.
Serious symptoms
Examples include chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke-like symptoms, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, severe allergic reactions and rapidly worsening illness.
Major burns or trauma
SSMC provides specialist trauma and burn care. Serious injury or major burns should not be managed as a routine outpatient booking.
Do not wait for online replies
If symptoms may be life-threatening, do not wait for an appointment confirmation, insurance response, email reply or website form response.
Emergency principle: if you believe you or another person is experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate emergency medical assistance. Do not use this article to decide whether a symptom is safe to wait for.
SSMC insurance: network, approval and payment questions
SSMC publishes an insurance network covering a range of insurers and healthcare plans. However, the fact that an insurer appears on a hospital list does not automatically mean every service, doctor or plan is covered for every patient.
| Before treatment | Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Network | “Is my exact insurance plan accepted at SSMC?” | Insurer acceptance can depend on the plan and network tier. |
| Doctor | “Is this specific consultant covered?” | Provider-level coverage can differ. |
| Referral | “Do I need a referral before the consultation?” | Some insurance policies or specialist pathways require one. |
| Pre-authorisation | “Does the test, procedure, admission or surgery need approval?” | Major services may have separate approval requirements. |
| Co-pay | “What amount will I have to pay?” | Accepted insurance does not necessarily mean zero patient payment. |
| Self-pay | “Can I get a written estimate?” | Consultation, diagnostics, procedures and hospital services can have separate charges. |
What should you bring to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City?
Identity and booking
Bring Emirates ID or the requested identification, appointment confirmation, insurance card and a payment method.
Medical records
Carry previous reports, imaging files, prescriptions, medication list, allergy information and discharge summaries when relevant.
Referral documents
If another doctor referred you, ask whether the referral letter, lab results, imaging or approval must be uploaded or brought physically.
| Visit type | Useful documents | Extra question |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist consultation | ID, insurance, appointment, referral, previous reports. | Does the doctor need previous imaging or lab results? |
| Imaging | ID, referral/test request, insurance approval if required. | Is fasting or other preparation required? |
| Surgery discussion | Specialist referral, scans, lab results, medication list and insurance information. | Is a pre-operative assessment needed? |
| Inpatient admission | Admission instructions, ID, insurance approval and relevant medical records. | What should the patient and caregiver bring? |
| International patient | Passport, medical summary, reports, imaging, insurance or guarantee documents. | Has the international patient coordinator confirmed the appointment and required records? |
SSMC parking: outpatient, inpatient and emergency routes
SSMC’s official parking guide provides different parking options and validation points depending on why you are visiting. Free patient parking is available, while valet parking is also offered for selected routes.
🩺 Outpatient parking
SSMC directs outpatient visitors to the OPD welcome desk on the ground floor to validate parking by sharing the car registration number.
🏨 Inpatient parking
Inpatient visitors should use the central reception desk and provide the car registration number for the relevant parking process.
🚑 Emergency parking
Emergency department visitors should use the ED reception desk for parking validation.
🚗 Valet
SSMC also provides valet parking options. Confirm the current valet location if you need assistance with mobility, children or inpatient access.
Large-hospital tip: do not plan arrival based only on driving time. Add time for parking, validation, building navigation, registration, insurance verification and finding the correct department.
Where is Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City?
SSMC is located in the Al Mafraq area of Abu Dhabi. SSMC’s official information identifies the medical city as Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, PO Box 11001, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Its patient guidance also highlights access near major Abu Dhabi road routes.
Navigation tip: a medical city can have different entrances for outpatient clinics, inpatient services, emergency care and other departments. Confirm the correct building or entrance before leaving.
SSMC pharmacy, records and outpatient support
Pharmacy
SSMC states that it has two pharmacies. Its FAQ identifies a 24/7 pharmacy on the ground floor of Tower B in the Hospital Building and another pharmacy in the Clinics Building with separate operating hours.
Pharmacy delivery
SSMC’s outpatient guide describes pharmacy delivery and refill requests through its patient portal or pharmacy/call-centre route.
Medical records
SSMC says patients may request medical records in person, by email through the relevant records route or through the patient portal app.
| Patient need | Useful route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription refill | Patient portal or pharmacy/call-centre support. | Patient information and medication details. |
| Medical record copy | HIM/ROI, email route or patient portal. | Identification and medical record details. |
| Lab report | Medical-record or patient portal route where available. | Patient identifiers and visit information. |
| Discharge summary | Medical records service. | Patient ID and admission details. |
SSMC inpatient visiting guidelines
Visitor rules can change according to hospital policy, patient condition, care area and infection-control requirements. SSMC’s current visitor guidance states specific limits and visiting hours.
| Area | Published guidance | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient units | 10 AM–8 PM. | Maximum visitor numbers apply. |
| Critical care | 12 PM–8 PM. | Maximum 2 visitors in intensive-care areas. |
| Intensive Care Units | Specific visiting rules apply. | Visitors must be over 12 years old. |
| Emergency Department | Access is controlled according to care needs. | Maximum 2 visitors stated in current visitor guidance. |
SSMC international patient services
SSMC has a dedicated international patients hub for people travelling from outside Abu Dhabi or outside the UAE. The service information includes appointment coordination, dedicated representatives, second opinions, diagnostics and treatment planning support.
Before travelling
Ask whether your medical records, imaging, pathology results and specialist reports need to be reviewed before the appointment is confirmed.
Travel planning
Confirm appointment timing, expected visit length, caregiver arrangements, insurance or guarantee documents and payment requirements.
Second opinions
SSMC’s international patient information includes second-opinion consultations and multidisciplinary specialist support.
International patient contact
SSMC’s international patient hub publishes +971 2 314 2000 and +971 50 3716 121 for international-patient assistance.
Prepare your medical file
Keep passport details, medical summary, reports, imaging, medication information and insurance or guarantee documents together before contacting the coordinator.
How referrals to SSMC work
SSMC provides referral routes for patients and healthcare professionals. Patients can self-refer to clinics through the published call-centre/email route, while physicians and other healthcare facilities can use SSMC’s referral pathways.
Patient self-referral
SSMC states that patients can call 800 7762 or use the published email/contact route to start the clinic referral process.
Physician referral
Referring doctors can use the online referral portal and provide patient details, medical information and relevant diagnostic documentation.
Upload supporting records
SSMC’s referral instructions allow diagnostic results and relevant clinical documents to be submitted as part of the referral process.
Hospital transfer
For hospital-to-hospital transfers, SSMC publishes a separate Admission & Transfer Center route. Use the hospital transfer contact rather than the normal outpatient booking route.
Referral tip: do not arrive with only a verbal referral if your specialist or insurer requires formal documentation. Ask SSMC what must be uploaded, emailed or brought to the appointment.
How to read Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City reviews
Online reviews can be useful for practical clues such as registration, waiting time, parking, communication or visitor experience. They should not be treated as medical evidence, a diagnosis source or proof that a doctor or hospital is clinically suitable for a particular condition.
| Review topic | Potentially useful signal | How to verify safely |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting time | May help you plan an arrival buffer. | Ask the department about current appointment and registration instructions. |
| Parking | May highlight navigation difficulties. | Use the official SSMC parking guide. |
| Billing | May identify questions to ask. | Confirm coverage and payment directly with SSMC and your insurer. |
| Doctor experience | May describe communication style. | Check the current official doctor profile and specialty information. |
| Emergency department | May describe registration or visitor experience. | Do not delay emergency treatment because of an online review. |
No fake rating is published here. This guide does not claim a “best hospital” score, does not invent a review average and does not use review schema for an unsupported aggregate rating.
Who commonly travels to SSMC?
Because SSMC is a major specialist hospital rather than a small neighbourhood clinic, patients may travel from different parts of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE for specialist consultations, referrals, surgery, emergency care and complex treatment.
Al Mafraq and Shakhbout City
For nearby residents, confirm the correct building and department before leaving rather than relying only on the hospital name in a navigation app.
Abu Dhabi city
Allow additional travel time for traffic, parking, registration and navigating a large hospital campus.
Patients travelling from other emirates
Confirm the appointment, medical-record requirements, insurance approval and expected visit length before making a long journey.
Official Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City links
Use these official SSMC pages for the final check before visiting. Hospital information can change, particularly doctor availability, clinic timings, insurance networks, visitor rules and parking procedures.
🏥 Official SSMC website
Use the main website for current departments, doctors, services, patient information and hospital announcements.
☎ Contact and appointments
Use 800 7762 for appointment and general patient routing questions.
🩺 Departments
Check the current department and facility structure before selecting a specialty.
📄 Outpatient guide
Use the official outpatient guide for registration, parking, pharmacy delivery and patient journey information.
🅿️ Parking
Check the latest parking locations and validation instructions before travelling.
👪 Visitor guidelines
Check current visitor limits, hours, age rules and infection-control requirements before visiting an inpatient.
💳 Insurance
Review SSMC’s published insurance network and still confirm your personal eligibility before planned treatment.
🌍 International patients
Use the dedicated international patient route if you are travelling from outside Abu Dhabi or the UAE.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City FAQs
What is Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City?
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, commonly known as SSMC, is a major hospital in Abu Dhabi providing emergency, outpatient, inpatient, surgical, specialist and complex-care services.
Where is Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City located?
SSMC is located in the Al Mafraq area of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Its official contact information identifies the facility as Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, PO Box 11001, Abu Dhabi.
What is the Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City phone number?
The main SSMC contact and appointment number is 800 7762.
How can I book an appointment at SSMC?
SSMC states that appointments can be booked through its website or by calling 800 7762. Confirm the department, doctor, referral requirement, insurance and arrival instructions before travelling.
What are SSMC outpatient clinic timings?
SSMC’s contact page currently lists Sunday 9 AM–5 PM, Monday to Thursday 8 AM–8 PM and Friday 7:30 AM–5 PM for outpatient clinics. Individual doctors and departments may have different schedules.
Does Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes. SSMC states that its Emergency Services operate 24/7. For serious or life-threatening symptoms, do not wait for a routine appointment.
What specialties are available at SSMC?
SSMC states that it provides care across 10 clinical departments, 30 divisions and more than 46 specialties. These include emergency medicine, medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, clinical imaging, critical care, pathology and laboratory, radiation therapy, physical medicine and rehabilitation and clinical nutrition.
Does SSMC have cardiology?
Yes. Cardiology is listed among the medical specialties provided by SSMC.
Does SSMC have dermatology?
Yes. Dermatology is listed within SSMC’s Department of Medicine specialties.
Does SSMC have paediatric services?
Yes. SSMC has a Department of Paediatrics and lists multiple paediatric subspecialties, including paediatric cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, rheumatology, intensive care and neonatology.
Does SSMC accept health insurance?
Yes. SSMC publishes an insurance network containing multiple insurers and plans. Patients should still confirm eligibility for their exact plan, doctor, department and service before planned treatment.
Does SSMC accept self-pay patients?
SSMC’s referral information states that it offers care for self-paying patients. Financial counselling is also available for self-pay and non-insured patients. Ask for a current estimate before planned treatment.
What documents should I bring to SSMC?
Useful documents include Emirates ID, insurance card, appointment confirmation, referral letter where required, previous medical reports, imaging files, prescriptions, medication information, allergy information and a payment method.
How does parking work at SSMC?
SSMC provides separate parking and validation routes for outpatient, inpatient and emergency visitors. Outpatients can validate at the OPD welcome desk, inpatients at central reception and emergency visitors at the ED reception desk.
Is parking free at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City?
SSMC’s current parking guide states that free parking is available for patients. Validation procedures apply, so follow the official parking instructions for your visit type.
Does SSMC have a pharmacy?
Yes. SSMC states that it has two pharmacies, including a 24/7 pharmacy on the ground floor of Tower B in the Hospital Building and another pharmacy in the Clinics Building with separate operating hours.
Can SSMC deliver medicines to patients?
SSMC’s outpatient guide describes pharmacy delivery and refill requests through the patient portal or pharmacy/call-centre route. Confirm current eligibility and delivery details directly with SSMC.
Can I request a copy of my SSMC medical records?
Yes. SSMC states that patients can request medical records in person through its HIM/ROI service, through the relevant email route or through the patient portal app.
What medical records can I request from SSMC?
SSMC’s FAQ identifies records such as clinic visits, laboratory reports, discharge summaries, operative reports, pathology reports, radiology reports, emergency visits, inpatient notes, dietitian notes and complete medical record copies.
What are SSMC inpatient visiting hours?
SSMC’s current visitor guidance lists inpatient visiting hours as 10 AM–8 PM and critical-care visiting hours as 12 PM–8 PM. Rules and visitor limits can change, so check the current official guidance before visiting.
How many visitors are allowed at SSMC?
SSMC’s current visitor guidance states a maximum of 2 visitors in intensive-care units and the emergency department, and a maximum of 4 visitors in acute or normal care units.
Can children visit SSMC ICU patients?
SSMC’s current visitor guidance states that visitors must be over 12 years old to access intensive-care units. Always check the latest rules before travelling.
Does SSMC have international patient services?
Yes. SSMC has a dedicated international patients hub offering appointment coordination, designated representatives, second opinions, diagnostic support and other services for international patients.
Does SSMC provide second opinions?
SSMC’s international patient information states that tailored treatment plans and second-opinion consultations are available.
Can I refer a patient to SSMC?
Yes. SSMC provides self-referral routes for patients and online referral pathways for physicians and other healthcare facilities. Ask which referral route applies to your case.
Is Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City suitable for complex cases?
SSMC describes itself as providing multidisciplinary care for complex cases and offers numerous specialist and hospital-level services. The appropriate department depends on the patient’s condition and referral pathway.
Is Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City the same as a small medical clinic?
No. SSMC is a major hospital and medical city with emergency, inpatient, surgical, specialist and complex-care services. For a simple routine clinic need, a closer primary-care facility may sometimes be more convenient.
Are SSMC reviews reliable for choosing a doctor?
Reviews can provide practical experience signals but should not replace official doctor information, medical advice, department guidance or insurance confirmation. Do not treat an online rating as evidence of clinical suitability.
Is this an official Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City page?
No. This is an independent UAE healthcare information and visit-planning guide. Use the official SSMC website for final confirmation of appointments, doctors, services, insurance, parking and visitor information.
How this SSMC guide was prepared
Medical, insurance and payment disclaimer: This page is for general information and visit planning only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment advice, emergency advice, insurance advice, financial advice or a guarantee of appointment, doctor availability, price, insurance approval, admission or treatment outcome. Services, doctors, departments, timings, insurance networks, parking procedures and visitor rules can change. Always confirm directly with Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, your insurer, referring doctor or the appropriate emergency service before making important decisions.