Certain traits are ingrained in one's genetic makeup. For Emirati Dr. Fatheya Al Khaja, based in Dubai, entrepreneurship was one such trait. "My mother has been my inspiration for everything I've accomplished. Before marriage, she ran a home-based tailoring business serving the women in her community. She instilled the spirit of entrepreneurship in me," Dr. Fatheya, the Founder and Medical Director of Healthy Nation Medical Center, recounted.
Dr. Fatheya's entrepreneurial journey began with a small cafeteria in her hometown, followed by an online trading business, and then a Pizza and Pasta shop in Mirdif. "I later established a mobile phlebotomy home care service. My late father always envisioned me owning a clinic, and as a physician, he believed I should have my own facility," she explained. Born in the UAE, Dr. Fatheya pursued her medical education in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons and later earned a Master's degree in Medical Genetics and Immunology from Brunel University in the UK before returning to the UAE.
Dr. Fatheya is married to fellow Emirati Ali Darwish, with whom she has four children. With his support, she realized another dream in 2020 by founding the Healthy Nation Medical Centre. "Recalling my father's wish for me to have my own clinic, with my husband's backing, I established the Healthy Nation Medical Centre in 2020. It was a long-held dream that materialized," Dr. Fatheya shared. Ali, 51, who works at the Dubai Electricity Water Authority, holds degrees from UAE University and Derby University in the UK. He explained the rationale behind launching the mobile phlebotomy service, which offers blood collection and related procedures at the patient's convenience.
"Instead of patients visiting a clinic or hospital for blood tests, a trained phlebotomist goes to them. This service is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or difficulty visiting a medical facility. It aims to make blood collection more comfortable and accessible," Ali described. The idea for the service stemmed from observing patients during blood collection. "I've seen them queueing for this unpleasant experience, taking time off work or school. I've witnessed parents struggling to bring their children, and children throwing tantrums. I've also seen caregivers finding it hard to bring the elderly or People of Determination. After seeing all this, I was determined to make their experience less painful and more pleasant by offering sample collection at their chosen location and time," said Dr. Fatheya, who also works for the Dubai Health Authority.
Healthy Nation Medical Centre collaborates with prestigious diagnostic centers, offering clients the best affordable rates. "Our facility, licensed by Dubai Health Authority, is a home care medical service located in Dubai's Port Saeed area, serving clients wherever they need us," Dr. Fatheya stated. She credits her success to mentors from various academic and professional backgrounds who taught her resilience, determination, and ambition. "The UAE has been my supportive home, providing assistance through Sheikh Mohammad Rashed Establishment and Small Medium Businesses (SME)," she noted. Ali supports Dr. Fatheya's ambitions and currently manages the financial aspects of the medical facility. "Ali has been crucial in guiding me through the administrative processes of setting up a business in Dubai and handling all necessary paperwork," Dr. Fatheya said.
She emphasizes the importance of open communication and mutual support for couples starting a business together. "It's vital to always communicate and offer unwavering support. Setting clear boundaries between business and family life ensures personal and professional success. This balance requires dedication and understanding but can lead to a fulfilling partnership in both marriage and business," Dr. Fatheya concluded.
