His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has inaugurated the first edition of Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi under the theme ‘Accelerating the Future of Global Healthcare’, and taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until 15 May.

During a tour of the exhibition, His Highness was briefed on the latest innovations in healthcare technologies and developments in medical sciences being showcased by healthcare institutions and companies. The event is expected to attract 5,000 participants, including 1,000 delegates from participating countries, 100 exhibitors, and more than 250 expert speakers from around the world, who have gathered to exchange insights and discuss the latest scientific trends and technological initiatives in healthcare, including disease diagnostic systems, pharmaceutical manufacturing projects, and the development of genomics and hereditary disease research, among other areas.

His Highness highlighted that the UAE’s efforts in the healthcare sector, including launching several initiatives, innovative projects and programmes, reflect the leadership’s vision to provide advanced healthcare by accelerating research in medical and therapeutic fields, and by investing in strengthening healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, healthcare facilities and specialised laboratories, to help further enhance the community’s health and quality of life.

His Highness emphasised that organising this global event reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting and encouraging investment in research and development in healthcare and life sciences by reinforcing cooperation and strategic partnerships between the public and private sector to accelerate the transition to a preventive healthcare ecosystem that uses the most advanced innovations, while further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global healthcare hub that attracts innovation and global talent.

Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange about future healthcare needs and the transition to a proactive and preventive healthcare approach. The event aims to enhance collaborative action to develop results-oriented healthcare ecosystems that rely on sustainable and innovative infrastructure, designed to adapt to changing needs.

His Highness was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO), His Excellency Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Her Excellency Sara Awadh Musallam, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; His Excellency Ahmed Jasem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement; and His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

During its first day, the event is hosting the Healthcare Leaders Forum, which will welcome around 200 VIPs including ministers and public officials, CEOs, international investors, heads of multilateral organisations, and leading health and medicine experts, to discuss ways of taking action to address current challenges in global healthcare. The results and recommendations of the forum will serve as a foundation for developing future strategic healthcare plans.

The three-day Future Health Summit will host a wide variety of panel sessions and live discussions around themes central to healthcare, including the use of AI in medical research, human longevity research, genomics, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, among other themes.