The inaugural WHX Tech, a new platform for digital health innovation, officially got underway on 8 September 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre with more than 200 expert speakers, 300 exhibitors, and an expected 5,000 global healthcare leaders to attend over the three-day event.
Running until September 10, the event was officially opened by Dr Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, who highlighted that 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.
He stressed the cutting-edge solutions presented at the three-day event will enhance healthcare services and improve patient outcomes, 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 the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to cement Dubai’s position as a global hub for health innovation.
With only standing room remaining within a packed-out conference hall, Dr Amin Al Ameeri, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Regulations Sector of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, took to the World X stage to ask whether humans or AI will dictate the direction of future healthcare. He closed his speech by answering his own query before driving attendees to embrace the opportunity WHX Tech is providing.
On the opening morning, Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General at the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), spoke about the ecosystem in place to fast track the number of UAE-made products reaching the market. Dr Al Kaabi revealed the fast track process of the EDE – which was founded less than two years ago – has already led to 23 innovative medicines being approved in 2025 alone.
“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 to ensure more reliable and diverse access to medicines and active ingredients,” she said, citing key achievements that the EDE has been working on, and highlighting the vision moving forward where digitisation will play a role in enhancing regulatory activities and streamlining processes.
“We’re not only expanding local manufacturing, but also actively attracting global companies to establish advanced facilities here. And with upgraded GMP standards and world-class infrastructure, the UAE is fast becoming a regional hub for high-value pharmaceutical production and export”, she said.
In a following 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, discussed how digital tools and platforms are improving healthcare delivery, insurance processes, and patient access in the Arab region.
Commenting on the alignment between the WHX Tech and Dubai’s healthcare journey, Peter Hall, President, IMEA, Informa Markets said “There is no better place to host the inaugural edition of this event than Dubai because of its unique position at the crossroads of East and West. It is a city that embodies innovation, ambition and progress -- values perfectly aligned with the mission of WHX Tech. Focusing on thought leadership, connections, networking, and overall event experience, 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.”
WHX Tech is held in strategic partnership with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), reinforcing its credibility and ensuring that its content aligns with the sector’s most pressing priorities.
