Abu Dhabi Honors Indian-Origin Doctor with Street Name

Abu Dhabi has honored Dr. George Matthew, an 84-year-old Indian-origin doctor, by naming a street after him.

Dr. Matthew, a UAE citizen, has been a key figure in the emirate’s healthcare sector since 1967, witnessing and contributing to its transformation over nearly six decades.

Dr. Matthew arrived in the UAE at 26, long before the country's unification, and became the first doctor to work in a government hospital in Al Ain.

His pioneering efforts in shaping Abu Dhabi's healthcare system have been recognized with the naming of George Matthew Street near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Al Mafraq. This is part of the ‘Honoring UAE’s Visionaries: Commemorative Streets’ project by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

Recalling his early days in the UAE, Dr. Matthew noted the lack of infrastructure and medical facilities. Inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's founding father, he dedicated himself to improving healthcare in the region. Initially planning to move to the US, Dr. Matthew was persuaded to stay by a friend who spoke of Al Ain’s beauty. He soon became Al Ain’s first government doctor, opening the first clinic with Sheikh Zayed’s blessing.

Throughout his career, Dr. Matthew, affectionately known as 'Matyous' by locals, held several prestigious positions, including medical director of the Al Ain region in 1972 and health authority consultant in 2001. Graduating from Trivandrum Medical College in Kerala, Dr. Matthew moved to the UAE with his wife, Valsa. Their daughter, Maryam (Priya), now works in the government sector.

Dr. Matthew’s journey is intertwined with the UAE’s history. He recalled a memorable incident from 1969 when he treated an injured local resident in a makeshift setup. The resident’s positive feedback to Sheikh Zayed was a significant moment in Dr. Matthew’s career.

With Sheikh Zayed’s support, Dr. Matthew furthered his education in England and Harvard, specializing in tropical diseases and hospital management. Known for his dedication, he played a crucial role in educating and training healthcare workers in Al Ain. He also served the royal family, including the late Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

In recognition of his service, Dr. Matthew and his family were granted UAE citizenship in 2004, and he received the Abu Dhabi Awards in 2018. Currently, he continues his work in the private health department under Presidential Affairs.

Dr. Matthew remains committed to serving the UAE, stating, “I am ready to do whatever I can for the country and its citizens as long as I live. I pray that God will give me more time to serve.” His advice for others in the UAE is simple: “Work with 100 percent sincerity, and you will succeed.”