Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a growing public health concern in the Middle East, with the UAE experiencing a rapid rise in its incidence. Due to the predominance of private healthcare facilities, dedicated IBD services are exceedingly rare, and care is often fragmented. We outline the key initiatives undertaken to establish one of the few structured and comprehensive IBD services in the region. Methods Post-2023, our hospital initiated targeted changes to establish a tertiary care IBD service in the UAE. Through an analysis of service modifications and organizational strategies, we detail efforts to improve care delivery towards providing excellence in IBD care. Results The introduction of a structured care model has significantly improved IBD outcomes through a dedicated team of IBD-trained physicians, IBD clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and an administrator. Multidisciplinary meetings have standardized care, enabling early diagnosis, initiation and optimisation of advanced therapies (AT). The service has notably reduced corticosteroid use, indicating effective disease control. A growing comprehensive IBD registry now prospectively tracks over 320 patients on AT, providing valuable data for clinical and research needs. High-risk patient lists and virtual flare clinics have decreased hospital admissions by nearly 90%, facilitating proactive management. The service has early adoption of novel ATs and is supported by an active clinical trials program. Early initiation of AT, particularly for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, has reduced the median time to treatment from diagnosis to 1.54 months (IQR 2.23) in 2024. Holistic IBD clinics, with access to a specialist dietitian and psychologist, have improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. CNS-led initiatives, including educational sessions on medication use, disease management, preconception and pregnancy care have significantly boosted patient engagement and health outcomes. Patient support and advocacy groups have been established, providing a platform for education and shared experiences. Additionally, Arabic versions of disease and AT patient information leaflets have been developed to enhance accessibility and understanding. Advanced IBD endoscopy, including chromoendoscopy, is now offered as standard care. Conclusion The establishment of a structured, multidisciplinary IBD service has transformed care delivery, addressing critical gaps in the regional healthcare landscape. Key initiatives have led to improved clinical outcomes, reduced hospital admissions, and enhanced patient satisfaction. This model serves as a benchmark for comprehensive IBD care in the region, demonstrating the impact of specialized, patient-centred services.
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