Talks on the future of human health and how to harness the latest life sciences to improve care got under way on the opening day of Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) on Monday.
The three-day conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre opened with a look at health innovation and how artificial intelligence and emerging technology can vastly improve the way care is delivered.
Industry leaders, experts and government representatives will discuss a wide range of topics, from personalised healthcare to the impact of biotech and how this is beginning to shape a new approach towards more preventive measures.
As more is understood about DNA, genetics and generally why people respond differently to ailments and treatments – personalised care is also set to be discussed.
An evolving sector
More than 5,000 people are expected to attend across the three days, with about 200 speakers lined up to deliver the latest insights in health care.
“The landscape of health care is rapidly evolving, shaped by emerging diseases, societal shifts and breakthroughs in medical sciences,” said Mansoor Al Mansoori, a member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Department of Health, in his opening address.
“At the heart of this transformation is robust, swift and relentless innovation.
“Our mission here is clear: to foster an environment where researchers, clinicians and health professionals thrive, supported by agile and responsible regulations, state-of-the-art infrastructure and significant investments in medical science.
“In Abu Dhabi, we lead global health innovation and have established a pivotal hub for global medical advancements.”
Age-related disease
Key sessions on the opening day included how to combat age-related disease through the latest advances in cell reprogramming, to extend human lifespan.
Other discussions included how human longevity was set for a period of transformation, thanks to advancements in genomics, regenerative science and geroscience – the study of basic biological elements that contribute to ageing.
The power of stem cells and the role they play in reversing the effects of degenerative disease and the development of personalised drug treatments were also discussed on day one.
“This week is focused on driving collaboration on priority topics and aims to explore the shift from health care to health,” said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).
“It is providing experts with a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences on crucial topics such as ageing populations, non-communicable diseases, mental health and other common challenges, as well as driving a bold conversation on proactive healthcare delivery.
“Centralised around driving impact, through ADGHW we aim to co-design tangible outcomes and transformative initiatives with global players to foster responsible innovation and pave the way for a healthier tomorrow for all.”
Key talks
A Health Leaders Forum welcomed more than 200 ministers and public officials, chief executives, international investors, innovators, heads of multilateral organisations and leading experts across science, health and medicine to focus on how to tackle the changes and challenges of global health.
The insights gained will form a foundation for strategies and a comprehensive plan, outlining the key takeaways and policy recommendations.
The 2024 theme of 'Transforming the Global Health Ecosystem: From Healthcare to Health' illustrates a shift in how societies approach the concept of well-being, reflecting a broader understanding of what constitutes true health and a greater focus on illness prevention.
Abu Dhabi health-tech company M42 was recently established after a unification of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, and is playing a key role in the week’s discussions as foundation partner for the inaugural ADGHW.
“At M42 we are revolutionising global health,” said Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, managing director and group chief executive.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as genomics and AI, we’re delivering personalised, precise and preventive health solutions that are reshaping health and empowering individuals to manage their own health and well-being.”
MATCH INFO
Scotland 59 (Tries: Hastings (2), G Horne (3), Turner, Seymour, Barclay, Kinghorn, McInally; Cons: Hastings 8)
Russia 0
THE SPECS
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Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh535,000
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
SHAITTAN
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
