Abu Dhabi is leading the conversation on global healthcare innovation

A landmark event, hosted in the Emirate, is set to accelerate the future of healthcare around the world.

As Abu Dhabi invests in ground-breaking health initiatives that will benefit populations far beyond the UAE, the upcoming. Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) will unite global leaders to find the best solutions for a brighter future. 

A transition from healthcare to health

Progress in improving global population health has been slow according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), with the impact of Covid-19 only intensifying this trend. But long before a global pandemic shook the healthcare landscape, Abu Dhabi’s mission to revolutionize healthcare was well underway.

Building a world-leading, integrated ecosystem that harnesses the latest in technology and innovation, Abu Dhabi’s approach transcends traditional paradigms, advocating for a shift from reactive healthcare models to proactive measures that focus on holistic well-being. And by prioritizing prediction, prevention, and treatment in equal measure, the capital is looking to a future where individuals are empowered to lead healthier lives.

Recognizing that no single entity can solve the world’s healthcare challenges, the city is curating a global forum to facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing, and joint action.

A convergence of minds

The inaugural ADGHW is set to be a landmark event focused on the future of health. Taking place from 13th-15th May 2024, ADGHW is a platform for the borderless convergence of minds—a place where global leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and disruptors come together to solve tomorrow’s healthcare challenges, today.

The diversity of the event’s attendees is notable. As the WHO points out, interprofessional collaboration is one of the key drivers for unlocking change and improving patient outcomes.

“The global perspective enriches understanding of healthcare best practice worldwide,” says H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary at the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi. “Held with, and for, the world, ADGHW stems from our belief in the power of global cooperation to improve people’s lives.”

 

The first day of the event will see global leaders come together at the Health Leaders Forum to enhance efforts to tackle the changes and challenges of global health. Insights gained during these discussions will be used as a foundation for a comprehensive plan, outlining the key takeaways and policy recommendations from the Forum, and will serve as a blueprint for future collaboration and engagement.

  The global perspective enriches understanding of healthcare best practice worldwide.”
— H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi,
Undersecretary at the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi
  The global perspective enriches understanding of healthcare best practice worldwide.”
— H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi,
Undersecretary at the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi

The 2024 theme marks a paradigm shift in how societies approach the concept of well-being and reflects a broader understanding of what constitutes true health.

The event's wide-reaching summit agenda strengthens this belief, encompassing four pillars centered around diverse, inclusive, innovative, and disruptive healthcare. By focusing on the latest trends—genomics, digital health, and biotech—ADGHW will set the stage not just for transformative discourse, but also actionable outcomes.

A vision for a healthier world

As well as facilitating discussion, ADGHW’s exhibition will be an opportunity to showcase some of the world’s most significant achievements in healthcare, including those that have stemmed from the host city itself.

As part of its 10-year digital transformation strategy, Abu Dhabi has launched Malaffi, the region’s first Health Information Exchange platform that enables the meaningful exchange of patient health information between public and private healthcare providers.

The use of Malaffi’s data by predictive AI models now means the Department of Health can predict health and cost risks for patients who develop chronic conditions, complications, or need to visit the hospital.

“Substantial computing power enables us to harness the potential within data, transforming it into valuable information,” says H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi.

The Emirati Genome Program—which has collected and sequenced over 500,000 genome samples in the UAE—is another achievement that will be spotlighted. By unraveling the genetic factors that contribute to health conditions, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and aging, the program enables personalized approaches to disease management.

From conference sessions dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, to an exhibition that will showcase best practice from across the globe, ADGHW hopes to speed up the rollout of innovations that would not only transform patient outcomes, but accelerate the shared mission for a healthier, more sustainable world.

ADGHW will be held May 13th – 15th 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

  Substantial computing power enables us to harness the potential within data, transforming it into valuable information.”
— H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi,
Undersecretary at the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi
  Substantial computing power enables us to harness the potential within data, transforming it into valuable information.”
— H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi,
Undersecretary at the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi
thrive Logo