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.”
Sunday:
GP3 race: 12:10pm
Formula 2 race: 1:35pm
Formula 1 race: 5:10pm
Performance: Guns N' Roses
In numbers
- Number of children under five will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401m in 2100
- Over-80s will rise from 141m in 2017 to 866m in 2100
- Nigeria will become the world’s second most populous country with 791m by 2100, behind India
- China will fall dramatically from a peak of 2.4 billion in 2024 to 732 million by 2100
- an average of 2.1 children per woman is required to sustain population growth
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
The specs: Volvo XC40
Price: base / as tested: Dh185,000
Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 250hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.4L / 100km
The specs: 2018 Peugeot 5008
Price, base / as tested: Dh99,900 / Dh134,900
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1,400rpm
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Business Insights
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Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
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