Strategic integration marks major step toward scalable, prevention-driven mental healthcare ecosystem in MENA
Abu Dhabi, June 20, 2025 – Burjeel Holdings PLC, a leading super-specialty healthcare group listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (SYMBOL: BURJEEL), has officially launched a regional mental health and wellbeing platform, Alkalma, in partnership with global value-based care leader Keralty. As part of this initiative, four premier mental health centers—formerly Aspris Healthcare facilities—have been integrated under the Alkalma umbrella, strategically located in Dubai’s City Walk and Healthcare City, Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen, and Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District.
The launch addresses a pressing regional need: while mental health conditions affect nearly 1 in 5 people annually, they receive less than 5% of total health spending across MENA. Alkalma’s prevention-first model, grounded in clinical excellence and compassionate care, is designed to fill this critical gap with a robust annual capacity of 90,000 consultations.
Offering individual, group, and family therapy sessions, the centers reflect Alkalma’s mission to deliver personalized, accessible, and evidence-based care. This is the first phase of a multi-year expansion strategy, aiming to build a regionally scaled platform based on Keralty’s globally validated, value-driven frameworks.
“Integrating these centers into our ecosystem marks a pivotal step in realizing our vision for a regional mental health platform. It allows us to expand access to high-quality care and accelerate the delivery of outcomes that truly matter,”
— John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings
Founded as a joint venture between Burjeel Holdings and Keralty, Alkalma benefits from Keralty’s 50 years of international experience across nine countries, including the U.S., where it supports over 500,000 individuals in behavioral health.
“There is no health without mental health. Alkalma reflects our commitment to supporting national healthcare priorities and advancing access to world-class mental health services across the region,”
— Dr. Emilio Herrera, CEO, Alkalma
Looking Ahead:
Alkalma will soon unify the four centers under a single brand, enhance clinical capacity, and launch a digital mental health platform aimed at underserved communities. Further expansion into new cities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is also underway, positioning Alkalma to play a defining role in shaping the future of mental health in MENA.
