Doctor comforting a lupus patient in a clinic

Lupus Care. Simplified.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs throughout the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. Because symptoms vary significantly from one person to another, diagnosis can be challenging and often requires assessment from multiple specialists.

At Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), our dedicated, one-stop Lupus Clinic simplifies this journey through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. As the first hospital in the UAE to offer a fully coordinated multidisciplinary lupus clinic, SSMC enables patients to consult all relevant specialists simultaneously during a single visit.

Lupus patient experiencing symptoms including hair loss, brain fog, skin flares, and joint pain

Patients benefit from comprehensive assessment, personalised treatment planning, and ongoing disease management delivered through one streamlined care pathway.

Healthcare professional holding the hands of an elderly lupus patient

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) most commonly affects women between the ages of 15 and 45, although it can occur in men and children. Early diagnosis and intervention are important in helping manage symptoms, reduce complications, and improve long-term outcomes.

Doctor at SSMC lupus clinic

Lupus is also particularly relevant in the UAE.

A large global study estimated a prevalence of approximately 167 cases per 100,000 people in the UAE, representing more than 16,000 individuals living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study also identified the UAE among the countries with the highest reported prevalence of SLE worldwide.

Schedule an Appointment

The SSMC Lupus Clinic Difference

Managing lupus often requires care from multiple specialists. Traditionally, this can mean attending several separate appointments across different clinics before a diagnosis is confirmed and a treatment plan is established.

Through SSMC’s one-stop lupus clinic, patients can access coordinated specialist input during a single visit, helping reduce fragmented appointments and support faster, more aligned clinical decision-making.

Patients benefit from:

  • Coordinated treatment planning
  • Collaborative clinical decision-making
  • Ongoing disease management and support services
  • Fewer separate appointments and a more streamlined care journey

This integrated approach helps improve care coordination, enhance the patient experience, and support better long-term disease management.

Signs and Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus can affect each person differently. Symptoms may develop gradually and can vary in severity over time.

Common symptoms include:

Persistent rash

Severe or unexplained fatigue

Muscle and joint pain

Hair loss beyond normal shedding

Unexplained weight loss

In some cases, lupus can also affect major organs and body systems, leading to:

Kidney disease or kidney failure

Heart complications

Neurological involvement

Blood disorders

Blood clots

Stroke

Early assessment may help support earlier diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disease management.

Refer a Patient

How Is Lupus Diagnosed?

Diagnosing lupus often requires a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, and specialist evaluation.

Depending on a patient’s symptoms and clinical presentation, investigations may include:

Blood tests

Skin biopsy

Kidney biopsy

Because lupus can affect multiple organs and body systems, multidisciplinary assessment can play an important role in establishing an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Call

For an Appointment

Why Choose SSMC?

SSMC offers a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to lupus care through one coordinated clinic.

Patients benefit from:

  • A dedicated multidisciplinary lupus clinic
  • Multiple specialists available during one visit
  • Collaborative treatment planning
  • Comprehensive long-term disease management
  • Access to clinical pharmacy and psychological support
  • Pregnancy planning and specialist monitoring
  • Personalised care tailored to individual needs

Our goal is to simplify the care journey and help patients manage lupus more effectively while improving quality of life.

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City building

Meet Our Team

Dr. Mumtaz Khan

Dr. Mumtaz Khan

Chair of the Rheumatology Division

View Profile
Dr. Nehad Ibrahim AbuTaha

Dr. Nehad Ibrahim AbuTaha

Consultant, Rheumatology

View Profile
Dr. Sehriban Diab

Dr. Sehriban Diab

Consultant, Rheumatology

View Profile
Dr. Ritu Aneja

Dr. Ritu Aneja

Specialist, Physician

View Profile
Dr. Josef Alawneh

Dr. Josef Alawneh

Consultant, Adult Neurology

View Profile
Dr. Hormaz Dara Dastoor

Dr. Hormaz Dara Dastoor

Head of Nephrology

View Profile
Dr. Mariam Al Suwaidi

Dr. Mariam Al Suwaidi

Chair, Division of Dermatology

View Profile

Take Control of Your Lupus Journey

Whether you are seeking a diagnosis, managing an existing condition, or planning a pregnancy, our multidisciplinary team is here to support you through every stage of care.

Message Us for an Appointment
Powered by Ajaxy