Abu Dhabi Global Health Week aims to redefine the future of healthcare and well-being
Industry leaders gather in the Emirati capital to discuss technology’s impact on longevity and personalised medicine
02:43
Experts discuss future of healthcare at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week
Investment in cutting-edge health and life sciences is helping Abu Dhabi create a vibrant healthcare ecosystem while positioning the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a global hub for medical innovation and forward-looking initiatives in the field.
At Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, which culminates tomorrow at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, world-leading experts, policymakers, investors and innovators have gathered to explore the future of healthcare.
The forum is focused on ensuring that innovation moves beyond research labs and into the lives of people worldwide through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), genomics – the study of the structure, function and development of the complete set of genes in a cell – personalised medicine and digital transformation.
The event, which has the theme of “Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being”, challenges traditional definitions of healthcare by shifting the focus from treatment to transformation. It also aims to promote global partnerships that accelerate progress from research to results by showcasing high-impact case studies, expert discussions and collaborative initiatives.
“Rising global health pressures, from ageing populations and chronic diseases to pandemics and demographic shifts, are putting unprecedented strain on systems around the world,” says Dr Asma Al Mannaei, executive director of the health life sciences sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
“At the same time, breakthroughs in genomics, AI and digital health are revolutionising what’s possible. Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is where these ideas turn into action.”
Abu Dhabi outlines its vision for the future of healthcare
Abu Dhabi is actively building its vision for the future of health through a combination of strategic investments, pioneering initiatives and a system-wide transformation.
In addition to being a regional vaccine distribution hub, the UAE capital has one of the world’s most comprehensive genomic sequencing initiatives, which enables precision medicine and AI-driven drug discovery, and a rapidly growing AI-powered healthcare infrastructure that can enhance its abilities in diagnostics and treatment delivery.
Looking into the future, the city’s AI and genomics trained workforce development programmes will help prepare medical professionals for the future of digital healthcare.
All of this is enabling numerous initiatives, including the Unified Medical Operations Command Centre ecosystem, a first-of-its-kind global initiative designed to enhance crisis readiness and response with real-time data sharing and the ability to streamline coordination across healthcare systems.
“Genomics and AI-powered drug innovations are already enabling hyper-personalised treatments,” Al Mannaei says. “By integrating these innovations into everyday healthcare systems, we’re enhancing patient outcomes and redefining what it means to live longer, healthier lives.”
Event acts as a platform for shared progress across the globe
Beyond technology, Abu Dhabi Global Health Week provides a platform for influential voices in the healthcare industry to unite behind a shared mission: building smarter, more sustainable healthcare systems.
With its strategic focus on collaboration, innovation and real-world impact, the event’s goal is to help shape the global health agenda and set new benchmarks for how nations can build a healthier future for all.
“Events like Abu Dhabi Global Health Week serve as powerful catalysts,” Al Mannaei says. “They bring diverse stakeholders together to drive meaningful investment and action, from concept to implementation.”