DUBAI, United Arab Emirates— World Health Expo (WHX) 2026 opened Monday at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and federal and emirate-level health authorities participating under the unified Emirates Health platform.
Through the national platform, UAE health authorities are highlighting how policy, regulation and innovation are applied at scale, reinforcing healthcare as a national priority and underscoring the government’s commitment to building the health of the nation.
The Emirates Health platform brings together federal and local authorities to present a shared vision focused on prevention, preparedness and innovation to deliver longer, healthier lives and strengthen national resilience.
Throughout the exhibition, participating authorities are emphasizing healthcare as a national responsibility rather than a standalone sector. The unified presence demonstrates how policy leadership, regulation and service delivery work together to protect population health, improve outcomes and support long-term social and economic development in line with national priorities, including We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071.
Participating entities include the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Emirates Drug Establishment, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, the Sharjah Health Authority, and the Emirates Council for Integrative Medicine. Together, they reflect a model of coordinated national leadership, with each authority contributing within its mandate to shared health priorities.
The platform also highlights how coordination across authorities enables more effective planning, improved decision-making and stronger partnerships at local, regional and global levels. Innovation, digital transformation and data-driven insights are presented as tools supporting public health objectives and quality of life.
As part of the Emirates Health showcase, authorities are presenting national initiatives demonstrating how policy and innovation support population health and future readiness. These include the Enterprise Data Warehouse and Disease Registry (Bayan), which integrates public and private health data to support evidence-based planning and predictive analytics; the Health Policy and Legislation Smart Platform; and an AI-powered Behavioral Insights Platform supporting preventive health policies.
Clinical innovation is also being highlighted, including advanced organ perfusion technologies that extend organ viability and expand opportunities for transplantation. These efforts reflect the work of the National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue (Hayat), reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to saving lives and strengthening international cooperation.
Health and Prevention Minister Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh said building the health of nations is a core government responsibility. “The UAE continues to advance its focus on prevention, early action and protecting population health,” he said. “Through World Health Expo 2026, we are demonstrating how national vision is translated into real impact through policy, regulation, data and partnerships that put people first.”
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairperson of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, said the UAE is pioneering a new era of healthcare by integrating traditional practices with modern, evidence-based medicine. She said the council’s participation reaffirms its commitment to developing a balanced healthcare system and expanding access to diverse treatment options.
Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said Abu Dhabi’s health system is designed as a connected, intelligent infrastructure that brings data, care and prevention together to serve people. He said the UAE is presenting this approach as a unified national model at WHX 2026.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, director general of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said participation under the Emirates Health platform reflects the establishment’s commitment to supporting an integrated healthcare and pharmaceutical ecosystem and strengthening drug security as a pillar of sustainable healthcare.
She said the establishment is highlighting its role in regulating the pharmaceutical sector to international standards and strengthening integration with local and international authorities in line with national strategies.
Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, director general of the Dubai Health Authority, said WHX 2026 serves as a global platform bringing together health leaders, experts and innovators to shape the future of healthcare through advanced technologies and smart solutions.
Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, said the authority’s participation marks its first involvement in the forum and reflects its efforts to strengthen institutional presence and highlight healthcare services and community initiatives.
WHX 2026 also serves as a platform for engagement with international partners through policy dialogues, workshops and knowledge-exchange sessions on topics including genomics, behavioral insights, medical liability and health adaptation. Several agreements are being signed to advance collaboration and support healthcare development.
The event brings together more than 4,300 exhibitors from over 180 countries, along with hundreds of international experts and speakers, providing a global forum for dialogue on healthcare innovation, emerging technologies and policy collaboration.
Ptient-centric, AI-powered experience
Siemens Healthineers is showcasing a patient-centric, AI-powered experience at WHX Dubai 2026, highlighting integrated clinical pathways from early detection through treatment. The exhibit focuses on AI-powered radiology, future-ready imaging departments and connected cancer care.
Vivek Kanade, managing director of Siemens Healthineers for the Middle East and Africa, said the company’s participation reflects its commitment to advancing sustainable healthcare systems and improving access to advanced medical technologies across the region.
