SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) held a media briefing yesterday to preview the upcoming second edition Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) 2025, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Set to take place from April 15-17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event will bring together global researchers, policy makers, healthcare professionals, investors and entrepreneurs to address critical global health challenges.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, noted the significance of the inaugural event, saying: "Across the health ecosystem, we got policy experts, decision makers, investors, innovators, and healthcare professionals. We were pleased during that event to facilitate over 18 MOUs and agreements between departments of health and local, regional, and global organisations. We welcomed more than 11,600 participants, more than 1,600 delegates from 97 countries. who contributed actively to more than 80 sessions."
The theme for ADGHW 2025 is "Towards Longevity, Redefining Health and Wellbeing" as well as sustainability and digital health.
Dr. Rashid Alsuwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce at DoH, reviewed the highlights from 2024 edition of ADGHW.
He noted the significant partnerships and innovations, including the HealthX initiative, a collaboration between New York University Abu Dhabi and the DoH, which focuses on advancing and supporting innovation in life sciences and generative AI.
"By nurturing this partnership and building on its commitment during the event, we ensure that the insights and the initiatives generated during ADGHW led to meaningful advancement in terms of delivery, enhanced patient outcome and public health," Dr. Alsuwaidi said.
Dr. Al Ghaithi added: "In this edition, we will convene leaders, policy makers, researchers, innovators and investors from across the globe to address the pressing challenges and groundbreaking advancements that will redefine health and well-being."
The 2025 edition will place particular emphasis on precision medicine and precision health and longevity, the resilience and sustainability of health care systems, digital health and artificial intelligence, and the opportunity for investment in Abu Dhabi health and life sciences.
"Abu Dhabi Global Health Week expands the definition of health, focusing on longevity, wellness and overall quality of life -essential elements of health representing a shift toward individual and community well-being."
ADGHW will feature a forum with keynote speakers and discussions, a health leaders' roundtable for global collaboration, and an exhibition floor for networking and showcasing innovations in health care.
On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Al Ghaithi told Aletihad that the vision for ADGHW 2025 is on shifting from health care to the overall health and well-being of every person, community and even nation.
She stressed the importance of convening global stakeholders to discuss pressing health challenges and technological advancements.
"For the first time, we are announcing the 2025 Innovation Awards to recognise best practices and innovation. Also, we are dedicating an innovation zone for startups to network and get the best investors to support a successful execution of their projects."
On the key health care challenges that will be discussed, she said: "In general, public health issues related to chronic diseases and obesity are always at the top of our priorities. However, with our growing understanding of genomics and new therapies, we are personalising care in a new way, where we will open a debate among scientists to discuss the best health solutions for a healthier population."
Dr. Al Ghaithi highlighted the growth in collaboration, noting that last year over 18 MOUs were signed, and this year's number is expected to double, driven by rising global interest in partnerships across the pharmaceutical and scientific sectors.
There will be a special innovation zone for startups this year.
"DoH today is focusing on the startups, supporting them with different stakeholders like Hub71 and Abu Dhabi Investment Office. So, we are dedicating an innovation zone for them, where they can come and present their ideas, network and discuss the possibility of executing these projects to benefit communities," added Dr. Al Ghaithi.