The Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) 2025 concluded yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, leaving behind a powerful impression on global healthcare leaders, innovators, and professionals. With its second edition, the event has not only expanded in scale and substance but also strengthened its place as an important platform for shaping the future of healthcare in the Middle East and beyond.
Ahmed Fayed, General Manager for East Gulf and Levant at Takeda, summed it up aptly: “What I feel is that this is the bio of the Middle East. With global attendance from not only healthcare providers but also AI and digital companies, this event lays the foundation for the future of healthcare evolution across the region, not just in Abu Dhabi. In its second year, it has proven even more successful than the first. I believe many partnerships and collaboration deals will emerge from these interactions.”
ADGHW 2025 brought together stakeholders from across the globe, encouraging dynamic conversations around policy, technology, innovation, and patient-centric solutions. Organon’s META Lead, Ramy Koussa, emphasised the company’s focus on women’s health: “Our involvement underscores our dedication to supporting innovative healthcare initiatives. As part of our commitment to being here for her, Organon conducted a policy workshop on fertility planning and maternal health, addressing their impact on longevity and community well-being in the UAE.”
For many, it was a first-time experience at ADGHW, and a memorable one. Milly Valverde, representing The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, was impressed by the level of specialisation and ambition she encountered: “This is our first time attending the conference, and we found valuable opportunities to network with other like-minded health systems here in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi. I have been impressed by the quality and expertise in the healthcare specialisations here and across the UAE. In discussing the next phase, which appears to be the ambition of transforming into a research-centred powerhouse, I believe that’s the next level the UAE aims to achieve. We would like to be part of that journey and contribute as a valued partner. I also believe we can learn from the UAE’s approach to patient care and the unique disease patterns more common here, which differ from those in our region. This presents a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and hopefully, co-publishing efforts to improve patient outcomes.”
Innovation and technology also took centre stage. Vectramind Health showcased its AI-driven patient experience platform, FirstPass, drawing significant attention at ADGHW. Cherry Koshy, Director of Marketing Communications, shared his enthusiasm: “ADGHW 2025 has been a fantastic springboard for all of us at Vectramind Health. We’ve seen an influx of visitors to our stand, reinforcing Vectramind’s strong presence in the region. Our immersive activation this year has proven to be an enormously successful piece of interactive storytelling in narrating and highlighting FirstPass our AI-powered platform. That alone speaks volumes. When clients come forward and embrace a disruptive technology like FirstPass, which redefines the patient experience journey, it’s incredibly encouraging. Moving forward, I hope to see the same enthusiasm as we look to expand our vision for FirstPass, and we look forward to returning next year with MedEdge MEA, who have been a fantastic partner to us.’’
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The event also served as an important platform for new entrants to introduce their work and build connections. John Roxas, Admin Assistant at the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM), noted: “I would say my experience here, being my first time representing IFEM (International Federation for Emergency Medicine) at ADGHW, has been quite remarkable. It’s impressive to see how diverse the participating institutions and organizations are, and how many people are genuinely eager to learn about what’s new and upcoming. IFEM is still relatively new to the UAE, so this has been a great platform for us to introduce our organization and share our advocacy.“
Returning participants noted a marked improvement in structure and focus. Influencer Philippe Gerwill observed: “I was here last year as well, and while the first event was already amazing, this year is even better. We always aim to improve, and this edition feels more crisp and specific. That’s what I really appreciate about Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. Compared to larger events, where you might just encounter tourists or passersby, this one stands out because of the quality of attendees. The sessions are excellent, the speakers are top-tier, and the networking is truly valuable. You’re meeting the right people, not just collecting followers. In just three days, I’ve met many new contacts, explored business opportunities, and even had young professionals approach me for mentorship. The list keeps growing.“
Women’s representation in healthtech and biotech was a strong theme. Clinical scientist Fatemeh Daneshimehr from InGeneron highlighted her experience: “I’m here this year, so I can’t compare it with last year, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this incredible. It was truly amazing. I explored various areas, especially regenerative medicine. One standout for me was the focus on women in biotechnology. It created a space where women could openly share their feelings, challenges, and how to stay engaged and lead in the field. As a woman, that was empowering. Another highlight was meeting officials from the Department of Health, it was an amazing opportunity. I got to speak with some of the directors, who were very welcoming. I also visited a few of the startups; two of them stood out. I appreciated how they presented their ideas and created an environment where we could engage with the details. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and hope to return next year. It was perfect.“
Local voices added a personal dimension. Dr. Ihab Fouad, an intern at Mediclinic, shared his pride in being part of the country’s healthcare journey: “As a doctor who graduated from the UAE, I felt truly proud to be part of this exhibition. I had the opportunity to meet many successful doctors, investors, and innovators. It’s a great platform to help Abu Dhabi advance in the healthcare sector. Communication among doctors is essential, as it forms the foundation of the medical field — without it, healthcare cannot thrive. I was proud to be one of the participating doctors and to connect with so many professionals. I also appreciate the Department of Health for making this event possible, as it allows us to network, explore new technologies, and collaborate in tackling diseases and driving innovation.”
Alina, who was part of the organizing team last year, also attended this year and saw the growth firsthand, noting a significant increase in academic participation: ‘‘This year, the main thing I noticed was the presence of many female doctors and students, even from my university. I also saw that this year, many universities were participating, like Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi University, and several others. Many students visited, explored, and discovered new things. I think that was the main highlight for me this year.“
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 proved to be more than just an exhibition and conference, it was a true convergence of minds, missions, and momentum. With renewed energy, stronger partnerships, and ambitious goals, the event has set a new benchmark for the future of healthcare dialogue in the region. Given the enthusiasm shared across sectors and borders, next year’s event is one you won’t want to miss. It promises to be just as engaging and results-driven, right here in Abu Dhabi.
