Three Major Local Entities Renew Agreement to Promote UAE Capital as Medical Meetings Hub

23 May, 2021

The Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and the Emirates Medical Association (EMA) have announced the renewal of their MoU to support the development of Abu Dhabi as a leading medical meetings hub.

The MoU, which aligns with the Emirate’s wider 2030 economic strategy to expand the sector in order to attract more medical conventions to Abu Dhabi to contribute to the growth of the emirate’s economy, aims to foster the growth of the medical meetings hub through direct support provided by ADCEB and ADNEC to EMA, encouraging its societies to bid for more events in Abu Dhabi. There will also be assistance for the organisation with hosting more recognised international and regional conferences in the capital of the UAE.

“At DCT Abu Dhabi, we believe that through our partnerships and collaborations with key public and private entities, we will be able to create a positive impact in our community and realise Abu Dhabi’s full potential,” said HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi. “This strategic agreement will play a key role in enabling the emirate’s development as a global medical tourism hub, as well as bolster Abu Dhabi’s position as the preferred destination for hosting prominent events. We are delighted to work alongside ADNEC and EMA to achieve these goals and look forward to the profound opportunities that will arise from this agreement.”

The MoU will see ADCEB support with assistance throughout the bidding process and event delivery while EMA societies will receive direct promotional support through DCT Abu Dhabi’s representatives across the globe.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “Signing this strategic agreement will contribute to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness through supporting the joint bids to host and organise major international, specialised healthcare events. This agreement will lead to reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s continued status as the Middle East’s business tourism capital.

“ADNEC’s facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are ready to host conferences and events in line with leading international standards. We have implemented preventative and precautionary measures that safeguard the health and safety of all participants and visitors, further enabling these events’ success, in a manner in line with the UAE’s regional and international reputation.”

Dr. Mouza Al Sharhan, EMA President, said: “Over the past decade, the medical industry in Abu Dhabi has made significant strides towards standardising the sector to offer world-class treatments, education and solutions. With so much more to offer in this field, the emirate is rapidly growing to become the region’s knowledge hub within the medical sector. This agreement paves the way for more opportunities in the future, and we are honoured to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi and ADNEC, both of whom play a significant role in the success of the meetings and events sector in Abu Dhabi. By leveraging their expertise and offerings, we have no doubt that we will be able to transform the emirate into an esteemed medical meetings hub.”

The agreement is expected to result in an increase in educational opportunities for the local medical community, as well as the number of medical meetings hosted in Abu Dhabi, leading to positive economic and societal impacts that align with the destination’s strategies for the future.