This article was originally published in Chinese by Zhejiang University Medical School, following their student delegation’s exchange visit to the American Wellness Center (AWC) in Dubai Healthcare City. Below is the full English translation, published here with attribution to the original source.
On the morning of August 5, 2025, Zhejiang University’s “Zhiyuan Program” overseas social practice team visited the American Wellness Center (AWC) located in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). Under the warm reception of Dr. Muhammad S. Tahir, the team embarked on a cross-border journey of medical and cultural exchange.
AWC Overview: A Comprehensive Medical Center Originating from Mental Health
AWC was established in 2013, initially focusing on mental health. It was founded by a team of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists trained in the United States, and quickly earned a professional reputation across the Middle East.
After years of growth, AWC has developed into a private clinic integrating mental health and comprehensive medical services. It now has over 45 clinicians from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, covering more than 17 medical specialties, and provides personalized healthcare services for patients of all ages.
Clinic Tour: Warmth and Professionalism Side by Side
Led by Dr. Tahir, we toured the patient waiting area, individual consultation rooms, therapy areas, laboratory space, staff lounges, and other functional zones.
The clinic adheres to the principle of “patients first,” creating a warm, safe, and private environment while maintaining a holistic focus on both mental and physical health.
In addition, each doctor’s consultation room can be arranged according to personal preference, reflecting respect for individuality while conveying AWC’s enduring philosophy: “Warmth and professionalism go hand in hand; care and innovation coexist.”
During the exchange, team member Wei Xiaobao experienced the dynamic gait analysis system.
This system converts abstract biomechanical signals into real-time visualized plantar pressure dynamic maps, accurately displaying the force characteristics of the arch and the pressure transfer trajectory throughout the gait cycle.
Compared with traditional experience-based subjective evaluations, this type of digital analysis can clearly reveal potential risks of motor function impairment and directly generate personalized intervention plans. It creates a closed-loop of “assessment–improvement,” turning the concept of preventive rehabilitation into practical reality.
Clash of Ideas: The Boundaries of AI and Mental Health
During the Q&A session after the visit, student Wang Jialei asked: “Can artificial intelligence be integrated into mental health treatment?”
Dr. Tahir explained that AWC has always paid close attention to AI development, even demonstrating the use of mobile AI on-site to introduce the clinic.
He pointed out that AI’s vast knowledge base can serve as a powerful tool to assist doctors. However, the core of psychotherapy lies in emotional connection and the establishment of trust between people, something AI cannot currently replace.
Therefore, while supported by advanced technology, AWC remains committed to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual patient.
Friendship and Expectations: From Dubai to an Invitation to China
At the conclusion of the exchange, AWC thoughtfully prepared small gifts for each member of the Zhejiang University team. In return, the students presented AWC with a school emblem of Zhejiang University’s Department of Mental Health, extending a sincere invitation for them to one day visit China and Zhejiang University for further exchanges.
After the event, AWC also published news and photos of the visit on its official platforms, giving high praise to the process and outcomes of the exchange. This not only reflected AWC’s support for the cause of medical education, but also conveyed the sincerity and friendship between both sides in cross-cultural medical exchanges.
Consensus and Inspiration
This visit not only allowed us to truly experience the differences between domestic public healthcare and overseas private healthcare in terms of service philosophy and priorities, but also deepened our understanding of the following: only by seeking common ground while respecting differences, and by learning from and complementing each other, can we join hands in advancing global health endeavors.
The stories and philosophy of AWC have brought us fresh inspiration for future international cooperation in the fields of mental health and integrated healthcare. In this cross-cultural dialogue, we witnessed the warmth of medicine, the power of technology, and the enduring value of human connection and compassion.
Team Name | Zhejiang University “Zhiyuan” Program – School of Medicine Overseas Social Practice Team to the UAE
Writers | Ni Jili, Sun Kang
Photos | Sun Kang, Zeng Yifan
Review | Chen Huarui, Su Tinan, Xie Jiaojiao