Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period marked by fasting, prayer, and self-reflection for Muslims across the globe. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where a large portion of the population observes the fast from sunrise to sunset, daily routines shift significantly—including work schedules, meal times, and healthcare needs.
Fasting for extended hours can pose challenges for patients with chronic conditions, those seeking routine medical care, or individuals in need of specialized consultations. Recognizing the need for accessible, flexible, and culturally respectful healthcare, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced a forward-thinking initiative: Evening clinic hours from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
This article explores how this initiative enhances patient care during Ramadan, bridges the gap between faith and medical needs, and reflects the hospital’s commitment to putting patients first.
Healthcare Challenges During Ramadan
Ramadan affects more than just eating patterns—it influences the entire daily rhythm of life. Many people sleep later, eat meals before dawn (suhoor) and after sunset (iftar), and adjust work schedules to accommodate fasting and prayer. These changes can make it difficult to access traditional healthcare services that are typically available during daytime hours.
For Fasting Individuals
Fasting patients—especially those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or gastrointestinal disorders—face unique challenges. They may be reluctant to attend clinic appointments during fasting hours due to fatigue, dehydration, or the inability to take medications, undergo blood tests, or receive IV treatments. Additionally, scheduling tests or consultations that require fasting beforehand becomes complicated when patients are already abstaining from food and water during the day.
Postponing Care
In many cases, patients choose to delay appointments until after Ramadan, risking the progression of health conditions that require regular monitoring. This delay can lead to avoidable complications and hospital visits, placing unnecessary pressure on emergency services and increasing health risks for patients.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Solution: Evening Clinics
To address these concerns, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a facility under the Mubadala Health network, has introduced Ramadan evening clinic hours from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM, Sunday through Thursday. These extended hours are specifically designed to support the community during Ramadan, ensuring that patients have the opportunity to receive world-class care without compromising their religious practices.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
- Respecting Religious Commitments
The evening clinics enable patients to seek medical attention after breaking their fast, without interfering with religious obligations such as Taraweeh prayers or suhoor preparations. - Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience
Patients can now schedule appointments after work or family gatherings, in alignment with their Ramadan routine. - Promoting Continuity of Care
By remaining open during non-traditional hours, the clinic ensures that routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and specialist consultations continue without interruption. - Reducing Emergency Room Burden
Timely access to outpatient care can reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, especially for issues that can be addressed in an outpatient setting.
Specialties Available During Evening Hours
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi ensures that several key specialties are available during these evening hours, reflecting the most common and critical needs of the fasting population. These include:
- Primary Care: For general health concerns, wellness checks, and follow-up care.
- Endocrinology: Especially important for diabetic patients whose blood sugar levels may fluctuate due to fasting.
- Gastroenterology: Assisting patients with digestive issues that may be exacerbated by changes in meal timing or portion size.
- Pulmonology: Supporting those with respiratory conditions like asthma, which can be triggered by fasting or changes in daily routines.
- Allergy & Immunology: Helping patients manage allergic reactions and immune system disorders.
- Ophthalmology: Eye care services for chronic conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
By offering access to this diverse range of specialties, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi ensures that patients can continue to receive high-quality, comprehensive care even during late evening hours.
Patient Benefits and Community Impact
The introduction of evening clinics has wide-reaching benefits for both individuals and the broader healthcare system.
1. Patient Comfort and Compliance
Patients often feel more physically and mentally prepared for consultations after Iftar. They’re hydrated, nourished, and have taken necessary medications. This enhances patient-provider communication and helps ensure accurate assessments.
2. Support for Working Professionals
Many individuals in Abu Dhabi work demanding jobs that don’t allow for time off during the day. Evening clinic hours accommodate these professionals, offering medical care that fits around their schedules without impacting productivity or religious obligations.
3. Preventive Care Continuity
Delaying preventive care during Ramadan can have long-term consequences. With evening clinics in place, screenings, follow-ups, and routine health checks can proceed uninterrupted, ensuring early detection and timely treatment of health issues.
4. Respect for Cultural and Religious Values
This initiative reinforces Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing culturally sensitive care. By adapting its services to align with the community’s needs, the hospital fosters a more inclusive, respectful, and compassionate healthcare environment.
Booking an Appointment
Patients can easily book evening clinic appointments through several convenient channels:
- Online via the official Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi website
- Using the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi mobile app
- By calling the hospital’s contact center
Due to high demand, particularly during the last ten days of Ramadan, early booking is recommended to secure a preferred time slot.
Setting a New Standard for Flexible Healthcare
The introduction of extended clinic hours during Ramadan represents more than just a temporary adjustment—it reflects a growing movement toward flexible, patient-centered healthcare delivery.
A Model for the Future
This initiative can serve as a model for healthcare institutions across the region and beyond. While it is tailored for the month of Ramadan, the concept of adaptable scheduling has year-round relevance. Shift workers, caregivers, and patients with limited daytime availability would benefit from extended clinic hours throughout the year.
Beyond Ramadan
The success of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s evening clinic program highlights the importance of listening to patients and meeting them where they are. It’s a reminder that healthcare systems must evolve to reflect the lives, needs, and beliefs of the people they serve.
Conclusion
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s evening clinic hours during Ramadan stand as a shining example of responsive, culturally competent healthcare. By offering services from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM, the hospital ensures that no patient has to choose between faith and health. This initiative reflects a deep understanding of the community, a strong commitment to excellence, and a compassionate approach to care.
As healthcare continues to modernize and patient expectations evolve, initiatives like these will be critical in shaping the future of care delivery—where accessibility, empathy, and adaptability are just as important as medical expertise.