• Arab Health to support the next generation of healthcare specialists in the region with the launch of the Future Doctor Programme for undergraduates and postgraduates 

• Groundbreaking medical research by students from the UAE outlining healthcare issues in the region to be recognised during the event

• Arab Health returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 30 January – 2 February

As part of the new initiative, students from the region have developed research addressing key topics within the UAE healthcare industry, including radiology, surgery, emergency medicine, pain management, sustainability in healthcare and healthcare innovation, amongst others.

The top 15 research papers will be showcased in poster format at the show, where students will have the opportunity to discuss their findings and engage in scientific discussion with experts speaking at the Arab Health Congress. 

The research covers a broad spectrum of healthcare factors, including the growing prominence of telehealth, where healthcare is carried out virtually through information and telecommunication technology. According to research carried out by students from the American University in Dubai, there is a growing acceptance of this mode of healthcare, and it is becoming a fundamental feature of health plans in the UAE. According to data, 54% of expats are likely to use it, which is 14% higher than the global average. 

Research conducted by students from the College of Medicine – University of Sharjah has revealed a lack of knowledge and understanding among adults in the UAE surrounding kidney stones and their causes. The study revealed that Gulf countries showed an increased incidence of kidney stones due to socioeconomic, environmental and nutritional factors, underscoring the importance of measuring levels of awareness, prevention, early detection and management.  

Meanwhile, students from the Gulf Medical University Ajman have compiled research to assess the predictors of the understanding of complementary and alternative medicine among adults in Ajman, UAE. The research revealed that age, gender, nationality, marital and employment status were significant sociodemographic variables in determining complementary and alternative medicine literacy.  

Elsewhere, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University students addressed growing concerns around vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and the impact on the skeletal and extra-skeletal effects on the human body.

Other research investigated radiographers’ perceptions and attitudes toward AI implementation in radiology. 

Cynthia Makarutse, Conference Director for Informa Markets, said: “We want to establish Arab Health as the place to launch careers for the UAE’s next generation of medical professionals. The Future Doctors Program recognises and encourages young talent to showcase their latest research and inspires them to pursue their specialised education.

“This fits well with Arab Health’s mission to support industry transformation and sustainability objectives.”

A total of nine Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences will take place at Arab Health 2023, welcoming an anticipated 3,200 delegates and over 300 international speakers.

In addition, the exhibition will feature over 3,000 exhibitor companies from 70 countries and include nine product sectors, showcasing the latest technology and innovations in disposables, orthopaedics, healthcare and general services, imaging, medical devices, IT, wellness and prevention, and infrastructure and assets.

Rounding out the product sectors is the Transformation Zone, which will include start-ups and innovators introducing their latest products; leading healthcare experts giving keynote presentations as part of the Transformation Talks; the Product Showcase area; and the popular Innov8 Talks, which will provide start-ups and entrepreneurs from around the world with the opportunity to present their healthcare innovations to a panel of industry experts and potential investors.

Also included is a new feature for Arab Health 2023 – the Intelligent Health Pavilion, which will allow visitors to experience live demonstrations of the most innovative and sustainable healthcare technologies across collaborating vendors to improve the overall patient care environment.