Dubai goes digital: WHX Tech sets stage for health innovation in AI, policy

The first edition of WHX Tech, a pioneering platform dedicated to digital health innovation, officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, launching a three-day event set to redefine the global healthcare landscape. Backed by an impressive lineup of more than 200 expert speakers, 300 exhibitors, and a projected 5,000 international healthcare leaders, WHX Tech is positioning itself as the premier destination for exploring the convergence of technology and healthcare.

The event, running through September 10, marks a major milestone in the UAE’s strategic efforts to become a global hub for health innovation, aligning closely with national directives to embrace next-generation healthcare technologies.

Read more-UAE’s AI healthcare leap: The future of medicine is already here

The event was formally inaugurated by Dr Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, director general of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). In his opening remarks, Dr AlSheikh-Ali underscored the significance of WHX Tech in reflecting the accelerated evolution of digital health technologies and the expanding role they play in shaping the future of patient care.

“The first edition of WHX Tech reflects the rapid advancement of digital health technologies and their growing importance in shaping the future of the healthcare sector,” said Dr AlSheikh-Ali.

“The solutions being presented over the next three days will enhance healthcare services and improve patient outcomes.”

He also emphasised that this progress is firmly in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Their combined leadership, Dr AlSheikh-Ali noted, is instrumental in cementing Dubai’s position on the global map as a center for innovation and excellence in health technologies.

AI and humanity: Defining the future of healthcare

A standout moment from the opening session came from Dr Amin Al Ameeri, assistant undersecretary of the Health Regulations Sector at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. Addressing a standing-room-only audience, Dr Al Ameeri posed a powerful question from the World X stage:

“Will humans or AI dictate the direction of future healthcare?”

After a brief pause, he provided a decisive answer that set the tone for the rest of the event:

“We say it’s the human being – the human being is the one to lead AI.”

His comments reflected a deeply human-centric approach to innovation, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to fostering an environment where technology serves people, not the other way around.

“In Dubai, we value human beings, their brains, their ideas, and innovations. What we need from you then is to bring all your beautiful ideas, all your innovations, all your technologies, to us. Our DNA is to adopt and host these new technologies together for the future of health and humanity.”

Regulatory reform and pharma innovation take the stage

In another keynote session, Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, director general at the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), highlighted the remarkable strides made by the UAE’s regulatory landscape. Established less than two years ago, the EDE has already played a transformative role in accelerating access to innovative medicines.

Dr Al Kaabi shared that 23 innovative medicines have already been approved in 2025 alone, thanks to the fast-track mechanisms introduced by the EDE.

“In just two years, we’ve made major progress. We launched the National List of Essential Medicines, signed mutual recognition agreements for GMP certifications, and deepened partnerships with global regulators,” she said.

These efforts, she added, are enabling more reliable and diverse access to critical medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The EDE is not only supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing but is also actively attracting global companies to establish advanced production facilities within the UAE.

“With upgraded GMP standards and world-class infrastructure, the UAE is fast becoming a regional hub for high-value pharmaceutical production and export.”

Digitisation, she emphasised, will continue to enhance regulatory agility, enabling faster approvals, more transparent processes, and a stronger ecosystem for biotech and life sciences innovation.

HIMSS: Tackling chronic disease and aging with tech

The evolving healthcare landscape was also explored by Harold ‘Hal’ Wolf, president and CEO of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a strategic partner of WHX Tech.

Wolf focused on the global burden of chronic disease, particularly in regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where demographic shifts and improving diagnostics are leading to higher reported incidences.

“There’s nothing unique about the challenges here in the Middle East and in North Africa. The numbers are high for two reasons,” he said. “First, we have an aging population, that’s a good thing, but the longer people live, the higher the propensity for chronic disease. Second, our ability on a prevention level to understand and diagnose chronic disease continues to improve.”

Wolf pointed out that while these statistics may seem daunting, the growing use of AI and digital technologies presents a path forward.

“AI and other technology tools [can help] give us the knowledge and operational leads we need to be successful.”

World Economic Forum: MENA leads in digital health growth

In a dedicated session titled “Transforming Healthcare Access and Efficiency through Digital Innovation,” Shyam Bishen, Head of the Centre for Health and Healthcare at the World Economic Forum, identified the MENA region as the world’s fastest-growing digital health market.

Bishen cited several key factors driving this growth, including strong government backing, robust public investment, and a strategic focus on AI, data infrastructure, and digital architecture.

“The MENA region is the world’s fastest-growing digital health market, with many unique strengths across various sectors, especially in digital health,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of a collaborative ecosystem mindset to ensure lasting impact.

“Achieving real progress in digital, data, and AI-driven healthcare to improve outcomes requires an ecosystem mindset. No single entity can drive the digital health renaissance alone.”

“A strong ecosystem can tackle deeply rooted problems and scale solutions more effectively than individual digital initiatives.”

WHX Tech: A strategic launch for Dubai

Peter Hall, president for IMEA at Informa Markets, reflected on Dubai’s unique value as the host city for WHX Tech’s inaugural edition.

“There is no better place to host this event than Dubai,” said Hall. “It is a city that embodies innovation, ambition, and progress, values perfectly aligned with the mission of WHX Tech.”

He noted that the event’s focus on thought leadership, networking, and global collaboration would serve as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action.

“This event is a call to action, providing a space where global stakeholders can come together to discuss, debate, and solve complex issues in healthcare and technology.”

The strategic partnership with HIMSS further reinforces WHX Tech’s role as a credible platform aligned with the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

WHX Tech continues through September 10 at Dubai World Trade Centre. To learn more or to register interest, visit the link here.