Arab Health returns for record show

zoom

This year’s show will feature more than 2200 exhibitors from around 65 countries.

The figures for the Middle East's leading healthcare event speak for themselves. Breaking all records for past years, the 2008 edition of Arab Health Exhibition will showcase more than 2200 exhibitors representing over 65 countries and is expected to attract more than 50,000 healthcare professionals from all over the world.

The event's steady annual growth, between 25 to 30% each year, means it has now outgrown the biggest exhibition venue Dubai has to offer. With an estimated 250 companies jostling for room on the waiting list, it is a nice problem to have, admits Simon Page, project director of Arab Health.

Nevertheless, visitors can expect to see some new faces among the usual suspects. First time exhibitors for 2008 include Emaar Healthcare, the recently formed medical branch of the leading firm Emaar Properties. The group has announced plans to invest US$5 billion over the next decade in the healthcare sector, and market talk suggests plans for the first of these facilities will be unveiled at the show.

Other big brand names keen to capitalise on the event include regulars Siemens Medical, set to have a strong showing with new product lines, and Dubai Healthcare City. The free zone is expected to boast an ambitious line-up of its global tenants, with appearances from Mayo Clinic and Harvard. Some large pharmaceutical names will not be appearing. GlaxoSmithKline, however, is expected to kickstart its campaign for the regional cervical cancer vaccine market, by plugging Cervarix in educational events.

The size and number of country pavilions at this year's exhibition has also peaked. Visitors can walk the world, with 30 separate country pavilions, including representation from the UK, Australia, the US, Germany, China, India and Canada. The four dedicated show verticals, Medlab, Pharma, International Health Services and Rehab will also showcase products and services in their dedicated halls.

The Arab Health congress has become the leading light on an otherwise sparse regional educational calendar, and is the main attraction for clinicians. Free continuing medical education hours were introduced for the first time in 2007, and will return this year, enabling eligible visitors to receive five hours accreditation for attendance.

The 2008 track is the most comprehensive yet, boasting more than 16 internationally accredited conferences. New additions to the topic line-up, which is on course to host more than 6,000 delegates, include musculoskeletal updates, paediatrics, interventional cardiology and urology. Also new is the Global Healthcare Marketing Conference, designed to appeal to both the business and clinically minded.

Delegates can expect tips on maximising the profiles of their facilities and boosting patient figures, alongside advice on cashing in on the current medical tourism trend.

Arab Health has retained established favourites such as the imaging, orthopaedic and hospital design conferences. The ever-popular Leaders in Healthcare also returns this year, featuring charismatic regular Dr Delos Cosgrove of the Cleveland Clinic. The theme this year is ‘investment in healthcare', and delegates will hear from top CEOs, senior executives and government officials on to raise the bar in their institutions and companies.

Sharing the view from the boardroom will be Brian De Francesca of John Hopkins International and chief operating operator of Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City, and Guy Ellena, director of the health and education department, World Bank, among others.

Commenting on the factors behind the show's success, Page said "Arab Health leads the way in delivering the best educational opportunities to the show's participants. The congresses facilitate interactive discussion forums and create networking platforms for medical professionals. We are certain that these sessions at the event will equip the healthcare professionals to embrace the challenges within the industry."

Arab Health 2008 takes place on January 28 - 31 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

USER COMMENTS (0 COMMENTS)

POST A COMMENT

CLICK HERE TO POST A COMMENT

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.