The UAE’s first Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Conference concluded in Dubai after three days of discussions focused on strengthening prevention, early detection and integrated healthcare.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the conference brought together more than 600 healthcare professionals, government officials, researchers and academics to discuss strategies for tackling cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, kidney and respiratory diseases, and mental health.

The conference concluded with recommendations covering prevention and early detection, integrated care, health data and technology, health economics, and scientific research. Experts called for stronger prevention programmes within primary healthcare to identify health risks earlier and reduce complications, along with better coordination between primary and specialised healthcare services.

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In remarks on the occasion of the conference, H.E. Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry and President of the Conference, said: “The conference highlighted the importance of unifying national efforts to address non-communicable diseases and strengthening the role of the Ministry of Health and Prevention in developing frameworks and policies that support prevention and early detection.“

The recommendations also highlighted the use of health and real-world data to identify risks, guide interventions and measure outcomes. Responsible use of artificial intelligence for early detection and clinical decision support was encouraged, alongside appropriate governance and data protection measures.

Discussions emphasised a life-course approach to health, with prevention beginning in childhood and continuing through healthy ageing. Nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and behavioural and environmental factors were highlighted as important areas for reducing long-term health risks.

For her part, Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Department at the Ministry and Chair of the Conference Scientific Committee , said: “The scientific value of the conference lies in moving from presenting knowledge to applying it in prevention. She explained that data derive their value not from availability alone, but from their ability to help understand patterns, detect risks, identify gaps and guide interventions. She added that the scientific programme addressed key issues shaping the future of NCD prevention, from early detection and risk assessment to innovation and digital health.”

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The conference also called for stronger local research, clear health outcome measures and continued collaboration between government health authorities, healthcare providers and academic institutions to support evidence-based healthcare policies and improve population health across the UAE.