Trio of Abu Dhabi entities team up to promote emirate as a base for medical events

The emirate's exhibition centre and its convention bureau will provide direct support to the Emirates Medical Association to bid to host more events

Abu Dhabi tops the global rankings for liveability in the Middle East, followed by Dubai. Courtesy: DCT Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), a part of the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism, is partnering with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and Emirates Medical Association to establish Abu Dhabi as global medical meetings and exhibitions hub.

The partners aims to establish Abu Dhabi as an international hub of medical meetings by supporting and encouraging medical societies to bid for more events in Abu Dhabi. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic strategy to increase the meeting, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector’s contribution to the emirate’s gross domestic product, ADCEB said in a statement on Sunday.

“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,” Saood Al Hosani, undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said.

“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.”

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

“Adnec's facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are ready to host conferences and events in line with leading international standards,” Humaid Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive of Adnec Group, said. “This agreement will lead to reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s continued status as the Middle East’s business and tourism capital.”

Adnec Group is owned by state holding company ADQ.

The agreement is also expected to offer more educational opportunities for the local medical community.

“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,” Dr Mouza Al Sharhan, EMA's president, said.