From Humble Beginnings to Public‑Health Leadership
Badreyya Al Harmi grew up in a family that valued education and public service. Inspired by her parents especially her mother, a teacher she recognized early on that medicine was her calling. Yet her ambition was never limited to treating illness; she wanted to create a broader, lasting impact on society. Over the years, she progressed from medical student to a devoted public health consultant , grounded in strong academic credentials and guided by a deep sense of duty.
Her journey took a significant step forward when she completed the UAE Government Executive Leadership Program. The experience sharpened her vision and strengthened her capabilities beyond medicine particularly in leadership, policy insight, and strategic thinking.
The Mission: Elevating Public Health Across the UAE
From the very beginning of her career, Dr. Al Harmi refused to confine her role to clinics or hospitals. She dedicated herself to community medicine, occupational health, and healthcare management. Over time, her commitment and leadership led her to become the Director of Public Health at the Dubai Health Authority, advancing her mission to elevate public health as a top priority across both governmental and private institutions in the UAE.
She has often spoken about her dream of building safer environments where employees are protected from occupational hazards and where community health is respected and nurtured. Her efforts contributed to establishing one of the country’s early specialized occupational health clinics designed to protect both workers and healthcare staff alike.
A Voice of Trust on Social Media
Recognizing the power of digital platforms, Dr Badreyya used social media to share reliable medical information, raise awareness, and correct misconceptions. She believed that especially during times of crisis social media can be the fastest bridge between health experts and the public. In recognition of her impact, she was selected for the Fares Al-Muhtawa Program at the New Media Academy through a specialized track designed to refine professional content creation skills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr AlHarmi played an active role in public communication addressing misinformation, explaining preventive measures clearly, and offering practical advice to help protect families. Her transparency and compassion resonated with many and helped strengthen public trust.
Academic Excellence and Professional Credentials
Badreyya’s academic achievements reflect her dedication to excellence. She studied medicine and surgery and earned the Arab Board certification in Community Medicine. She was also awarded a WHO- fellowship in public health at Imperial College London, and obtained membership of the Faculty of Public Health (London, UK). In addition, she earned a Healthcare Management Diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and completed an Executive Diploma in Public Policy from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government.
Beyond qualifications, Badreyya has contributed to the development of health policies and community wellness initiatives helping translate public health goals into practical systems that support prevention and well being.
Leading During Crisis: Her Role in Tackling COVID-19
When the first COVID-19 cases emerged in the UAE, Dr Badreyya Al Harmi stepped forward as part of the public health response. She played a key role in organizing and overseeing screening and testing efforts to identify cases early. Her work included field follow up in high risk settings such as labor accommodations, as well as community follow up to monitor suspected and confirmed cases, ensuring the appropriate implementation of isolation for infected individuals and quarantine for close contacts.
Her contributions extended beyond field operations. In a leadership capacity, she helped develop and implement public health protocols and operational procedures. In parallel, she took on an important educational role ,communicating preventive measures, addressing misinformation, and reassuring the public through media engagements. By combining on the ground action with policy leadership and clear communication, she helped mobilize cooperation, ease public anxiety, and strengthen community resilience.
Beyond Medicine: Advocacy and Social Responsibility
For Badreyya, being a doctor is only part of the responsibility. She sees her work as part of a broader mission to uplift society and strengthen community well being. She frequently speaks about occupational health, everyday wellness, and the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles ,encouraging people to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases through informed, practical choices.
She also highlights the role of family, community, and health promotion in building healthier societies. In her view, lasting change happens when individuals, institutions, and governments work together combining compassion with structure, and commitment with accountability.
Today: What She’s Doing Now
As a public health consultant in Dubai, Dr. Badreyya remains actively engaged in community outreach, health promotion initiatives, and public-health advisory work across the UAE. Her voice continues to connect with the wider community as she highlights the importance of prevention and everyday wellness. Beyond her field work, she is also active across multiple media platforms through television and radio programs and she regularly writes in magazines and newspapers on public health and health education. Through social media, she focuses on purpose over visibility, sharing clear guidance, support, and practical health messages. Looking ahead, she hopes public health becomes a shared priority woven into daily life across workplaces, homes, schools, and communities throughout the region.
Her voice remains influential among both professionals and the general public, as she advocates for preventive care, occupational health standards, and accessible wellness services. She uses her social‑media presence not for fame, but to inform and support people.
She hopes to see public health become a central concern not just for hospitals, but for every workplace, home, and community in the region.
Why Her Story Matters
Badreyya Al Harmi’s journey shows how one person’s vision, discipline, and compassion can spark meaningful change. Her work connects clinical practice with public well being reminding us that health is not only about treating illness, but also about strengthening communities, protecting workers, and shaping a culture where wellness becomes part of everyday life.
Her dedication and achievements carry a clear message: when care is paired with purpose, one person can influence many. And sometimes a simple idea like turning good deeds into a vessel and letting it sail can inspire a wider movement. Badreyya brought this message to life by publishing her first book, “Build a Vessel of Kindness and Let It Sail,” sharing a personal and human story that encourages healthier, more hopeful futures.
Do follow her on Instagram.
