His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today opened World Health Expo Dubai 2026 (WHX), the world’s leading healthcare event, which will be held for the first time at the Dubai Exhibition Center at Expo City Dubai from 9 to 12 February 2026.
The event will be held under the theme “Where the Worlds of Healthcare Meet.”
On this occasion, His Royal Highness confirmed that the development of the health system is a national priority, with people and quality of life at the center. His Highness said the UAE continues to strengthen the readiness of the healthcare sector, support medical innovation and introduce advanced solutions that contribute to building a resilient and sustainable healthcare system that can respond to global change.
His Highness said: “The health sector is one of the core of inclusive development. Our investments in medical innovation, knowledge and professional training reflect our vision for a future where prevention forms the basis of health policy and technology acts as a key partner in improving the quality and outcomes of health services, promoting community health and strengthening the sustainability of health systems.”
His Royal Highness further stated, “Dubai’s hosting of this global healthcare exhibition serves as an international platform for shaping advanced healthcare solutions and brings together healthcare stakeholders around a unified vision focused on prevention, preparedness and quality of life.” This is in line with the UAE Centenary Vision 2071 and strengthens our role in shaping the future of healthcare regionally and globally.”
During his visit, His Highness was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Health Council. Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; Helal Saeed Almari, Director General of Dubai World Trade Center Authority and Dubai Economic and Tourism Authority; Dr. Alawi Al-Sheikh Ali, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority; Dr. Ameer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health. and Mishal Abdulkarim Julfar, CEO of Dubai Ambulance Service.
The event will feature more than 4,800 exhibitors showcasing the latest solutions across medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, healthcare infrastructure, biotechnology and life sciences, and is expected to attract more than 235,000 professional visitors from more than 180 countries. The scale of participation further strengthens Dubai’s position as a global center for advanced healthcare systems.
During his visit to the exhibition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid outlined advanced medical solutions and medical technologies that reflect developments in the sector, the role of innovation in strengthening the responsiveness of health systems, supporting digital transformation and improving the quality of services.
His Royal Highness visited the pavilions of some of the world’s leading companies, including Dräger, United Imaging, Samsung, and GE Healthcare, and heard about the latest solutions in critical care, medical imaging, digital health, and smart technology using AI, and their contribution to improving diagnostic accuracy, clinical efficiency, and medical outcomes.
He also toured the pavilions of national health institutions such as Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and reviewed key initiatives focused on digital transformation, preventive care and improving the quality of health services. His Royal Highness also inspected a field support unit vehicle displayed by Dubai Ambulance Services Authority. The vehicle is equipped with advanced medical technology to enhance emergency response and provide advanced on-site care.
World Health Expo represents the evolution of a pioneering healthcare platform with a 50-year heritage. Currently operating under the WHX brand, the exhibition will address the evolving needs of the world’s health systems through product display while also providing a comprehensive platform for clinical education, leadership dialogue, investment and system-wide transformation.
The 2026 edition is the largest in the event’s history and features new initiatives aimed at expanding exhibition space, enhancing the conference program, and strengthening collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.
As part of the continuing medical education program, several WHX-accredited conferences also launched today, providing internationally recognized education across major medical specialties including general surgery, diagnostic radiology, public health, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, and quality management and patient safety. The CME-accredited conference is led by more than 300 regional and international experts, and sessions provide practical clinical insights and the latest evidence-based approaches that contribute to advancements in patient care and healthcare service delivery.
Alongside its clinical programs, WHX has launched three new flagship platforms dedicated to comprehensively transforming global healthcare. Future X Stage will focus on disruptive technologies and scalable digital health solutions, with opening sessions such as “Leveling the Operating Room: Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence for Safe Surgery Anywhere” and “The Dirty Secret of Longevity: How an $8 Trillion Industry is Selling a Future Out of Our Reach.”
The Frontier Stage will explore the latest advances in biotechnology, life sciences, oncology, women’s health, wellness, and longevity through sessions covering cell therapy, the future of medicine, and the growing adoption of AI in healthcare and life sciences.
The Visionary Stage brings together senior leaders to consider healthcare investments, AI, environmental, social and governance considerations, and system-wide leadership. Sessions on the first day included “Governing Medical AI: Sovereign Strategy, Global Standards, and Clinical Responsibility” and “From Hype to Hospital Field: Operationalizing Agent and Physical AI.”
World Health Expo Dubai 2026 will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Prevention with strong support from government agencies and health authorities across the UAE. The event aligns with national priorities in innovation, preventive care, digital transformation, and developing sustainable health systems.
Held concurrently with WHX Lab, the region’s leading testing and diagnostics event being held at Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) from February 10 to 13, WHX forms part of a city-wide healthcare experience across two key venues, further strengthening collaboration across the global healthcare sector.
