The National at WEF Dubai: Counting the cost of underinvesting in health


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Dubai is the stage for a World Economic Forum meeting this week that serves as a precursor to Davos in January.

The National's Editor-in-Chief, Mina Al-Oraibi, hosted a discussion on Wednesday from the Madinat Jumeirah complex.

What is the cost of underinvesting in health?

Every $1 invested in health yields up to $4 in economic return, yet health systems remain chronically underfunded. From antimicrobial resistance to air pollution, aid cuts and digital health gaps, the cost of inaction is mounting. What are the societal and economic consequences of underinvesting in health, and how do we begin to address them?

Speakers

Maha Taysir Barakat, Assistant Minister for Health and Life Sciences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE; Alison Holmes, Professor of Infectious Diseases; Director, Fleming Initiative, Imperial College London; Amit Bouri, Chief Executive Officer, Global Impact Investing Network; Damiano de Felice, Chief, External Affairs, CARB-X.

Three ways to get a gratitude glow

By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

  • During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
  • As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
  • In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

The biog

Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

While you're here
Updated: October 15, 2025, 3:55 PM