Launching the coming Monday: Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week convening global leaders to accelerate the future of healthcare

11 May, 2024:

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) launches the coming Monday in the UAE capital under the theme “accelerating the future of global healthcare.” Taking place between May 13 - 15 2024, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the global event is set to convene a distinguished assembly of healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs across the global healthcare and life sciences ecosystem.

Hosted by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, the always-on platform will witness a true gathering of pioneering minds and a powerful network of 5,000 attendees, 1,000 delegates, 200 speakers, and 100 exhibitors.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said: “Focused on driving collaboration on priority topics, ADGHW aims to explore the shift from healthcare to health providing experts with a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences on crucial topics such as, aging populations, non-communicable diseases, mental health and other common challenges as well as driving a bold conversation on proactive healthcare delivery. Centralised around driving impact, we aim through ADGHW to co-design tangible outcomes and transformative initiatives with global players to foster responsible innovation and pave the way for a healthier tomorrow for all.”

H.E. Dr. Noura added: “Abu Dhabi has a track record of excellence and fast-growing, future-forward, data-enabled healthcare services. A platform such ADGHW spearheads global effort to accelerate innovation and the development of novel approaches while making proactive health based on predication, prevention and early intervention a global priority.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, said, “At M42 we are revolutionising global health. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as genomics and AI, we’re delivering personalised, precise, and preventive health solutions that are reshaping health and empowering individuals to manage their own health and well-being. At M42, we prioritise people, not just patients; health, not just healthcare; and prevention, not just treatment. We’re honoured to serve as the Foundation Partner for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, supporting the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi in advancing global health innovation and driving adoption for a healthier world.”

Sameh ElFangary, AstraZeneca Cluster President, GCC and Pakistan, said: “It is a pleasure to join ADGHW as the Sustainable Healthcare Partner and support Abu Dhabi’s vision to place prevention at the forefront of global healthcare. At AstraZeneca, we want to emphasise at this crucial moment that the conversation around proactive healthcare cannot be separated from conversations around sustainability.”

Mr. ElFangary added: “As a company, we are committed to do everything possible for the health of people, society, and the planet. That’s why we believe that the key drivers to creating a sustainable future for healthcare are addressing Health Equity barriers, health system resilience, and tackling climate action. By driving action in each of these interconnectedly, we will play our part in ensuring communities and societies thrive, innovation prospers, and the planet recovers. I look forward to our conversations at ADGHW.”

Held with and for the world, ADGHW will facilitate conversations to find solutions to the most pressing global healthcare challenges, and to foster actionable strategies to address critical issues through cross-sector collaboration. In addition to sparking innovation, the curated sessions encourage the participation of those who positively influence humanitarian relief and promote or support philanthropic efforts.”

Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer at PureHealth, said: “Under the government’s vision, Abu Dhabi has set new global benchmarks for healthcare excellence, built upon a robust ecosystem comprising some of the world’s most advanced facilities, technologies and companies. The Emirate is the ideal platform to convene global healthcare leaders to address its future, and PureHealth is proud to be the National Healthcare & Longevity Champion for Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week. Under our participation, we will champion the transition from traditional healthcare models to a proactive, holistic system that promotes preventative care to enable longer, healthier and happier lives. We will engage with public and private sector leaders as we strive to elevate global health standards in line with Abu Dhabi’s efforts to foster lasting, positive change beyond its borders.”

Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Gulf said: “As the premium immunisation partner at Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, GSK is fully committed to getting ahead of disease through prevention and earlier intervention. We believe that investing in health as an asset is not just beneficial for patients and societies but also for health systems and economies. Together, we have an opportunity to reimagine health, transition from spending on sickness to investing in health, and drive shared growth and prosperity. Our focus on innovation in preventative healthcare and life course immunisation efforts reflects our dedication to saving lives and building a healthier future for all.”

Naim Yazbeck, Microsoft UAE General Manager, said: “Microsoft is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through technology: by leveraging cloud computing, AI, and machine learning, Microsoft is empowering healthcare professionals with tools that streamline workflows, foster collaboration, and unlock the value of clinical data, ultimately leading to a more efficient and personalised healthcare experience. Together with the visionary UAE government, which very early identified digital transformation as being key to accelerating the growth of the healthcare sector, we are enhancing the quality of healthcare services for patients in the region. ADGHW is the perfect platform to bring together enlightened leaders from the government and healthcare sectors to find solutions to pressing societal challenges, and we are excited to be part of this vibrant event and discuss the many ways in which AI will be able to help deliver better patient care.”

During the first day of ADGHW, the programme will witness the Health Leaders Forum which will welcome around 200 VIPs including ministers and public officials, CEOs, international investors, innovators, heads of multilateral organisations, leading experts across science, health, and medicine to focus on how to tackle the changes and challenges of global health. Insights gained here will be used as a foundation for strategies and a comprehensive plan, outlining the key takeaways and policy recommendations from the Forum. The 2024 theme ‘Transforming the Global Health Ecosystem: From Healthcare to Health’ marks a significant paradigm shift in how societies approach the concept of well-being and reflects a broader understanding of what constitutes true health – a departure from the traditional reactive model of treating illnesses to a proactive focus on promoting holistic health and wellness.

Furthermore, throughout the three-day event, the Future Health Summit will host keynote speeches, panel sessions, and discussions around themes central to the healthcare industry, focusing on creating impact on an individual, community and global level. Themes range from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to microbiomes, regenerative medicine, longevity, and covering genomics to a fast-growing centre for preventative and precision medicine.

ADGHW is a major government initiative hosted by DoH, which seeks to accelerate collaboration, innovation, and investment, and brings together researchers, policymakers, healthcare specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs across the global healthcare and life-science ecosystem.

The Department is collaborating with key strategic partners within the healthcare ecosystem, including the event’s Foundation Partner M42 and other leading healthcare ecosystem sponsors, PureHealth, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Burjeel Holdings, GSK, Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD), Novartis, Viatris, AstraZeneca, Sanofi and many more to bring the vision of better health to life.