Abu Dhabi: This capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will have a new spine centre, the first such in the region, for treating patients with low-acuity spine injuries.

Mubadala Healthcare, a subsidiary of the investment vehicle of the Abu Dhabi government Mubadala, has signed an agreement with Wooridul Spine Hospital of South Korea to set up the Abu Dhabi Spine Centre, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The new centre, which is likely to open by the end of 2010, will cover spine disease prevention, diagnosis, testing, treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation for inpatients and outpatients throughout the region.

"I am delighted to announce our partnership with Wooridul to create the region's first dedicated spine centre," said Mark Erhart, executive director of Mubadala Healthcare.

"Their vast experience and award-winning expertise demonstrates our commitment to working with the very best international medical institutions to provide world-class treatment for patients in Abu Dhabi and the region," he added.

The centre will be the first of its kind to address the prevalence of spine and lower back injuries in the region.

Patients from the region, who currently have to travel abroad, will soon benefit from the highest international standards of care in Abu Dhabi, according to the report.

Wooridul will be the clinical operator of the new spine centre, bringing with them over 26 years of experience in spine care. Its chairman Ho Lee expressed hope that the new centre would significantly enhance the medical facilities in the region.

The new centre will be located in Arzanah, an upcoming mixed-used development here.

It will be part of a larger medical facility that will include a knee and sports medicine centre and a medical and diagnostic centre.

"The proximity of these other facilities will allow for bilateral referral opportunities and shared diagnostic imaging facilities, providing patients with an integrated and seamless service to suit their needs," the report said.

Mubadala Healthcare was set up to invest in facilities and services that will help create an integrated healthcare delivery network in the UAE.

This includes providing patient care and ancillary services, biotechnology, medical equipment and device manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. IANS