PURPOSE:
The UAE faces a critical shortage of midwives, with current workforce levels below international recommendations. In response, Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) launched the country’s first direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. This abstract presents how a context-specific, evidence-informed educational strategy is contributing to a sustainable increase in the UAE’s midwifery workforce and advancing maternal and newborn health priorities through national academic leadership and system-wide collaboration.

DISCUSSION:
Since 2022, FCHS has led a national initiative to professionalise midwifery through education, aligned with ICM Global Standards. Key developments include: Design and implementation of a direct-entry BSc Midwifery program Vertical integration of physiological birth and woman-centred care across all academic years Recruitment of Emirati women to support nationalisation and cultural continuity Interprofessional collaboration in teaching and clinical simulation Strong partnerships with maternity hospitals for meaningful student placements These innovations are reinforced by broader regulatory reforms led by the UAE Midwifery Taskforce, chaired by the lead author. The Taskforce has published a national Scope of Practice, with Standards and a UAE-specific Competency Framework currently in development to ensure quality and consistency in midwifery care and education.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The first cohort of students is set to graduate in July 2025, marking a national milestone for midwifery education in the UAE. Since the program’s launch, annual enrollment has increased by over 50%. Midwifery has now gained formal recognition as a distinct academic and clinical profession within the UAE health and education systems. Graduates have already secured employment within la eading maternity hospital, in Abu Dhabi. The program is expanding to the Al Ain campus. National visibility of midwifery continues to grow through active engagement in media, health policy development, and academic forums.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwifery education is key to sustainable workforce growth. The UAE model demonstrates how tailored education can advance midwifery and strengthen midwifery models of care. Poster session 3 (Group B)