Abu Dhabi has been selected to host the IDF Congress, the biennial international health congress which provides a unique forum for sharing best practices and the latest achievements in diabetes research worldwide. The event will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the capital’s premier event venue, in December 2017.

Around 15,000 experts are expected at the IDF Congress which is set to deliver an anticipated economic impact to the emirate of AED150 million (US$40.8 million).

Abu Dhabi has been awarded IDF Congress 2017 host status by its organiser the Brussels-based International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an umbrella organisation of over 230 national diabetes associations from more than 160 countries, following stiff competition from a number of leading venues worldwide.

The IDF Congress will bring together a specialised medical community according to HE Professor Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, Director General of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

“Over the past few years, we have seen a disturbing rise in chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease around the world. With specific reference to diabetes, as part of our commitment to promoting a healthy community in Abu Dhabi, HAAD is working closely with its partners to raise awareness on disease prevention, and we draw on expertise from international best practice when it comes to treatment and overall management allowing us to share global data, risk mitigation measures and explore innovative solutions for prevention and treatment,” said HE Prof Barakat.

The IDF Congress invites global experts to converge on a platform to explore the latest developments and technologies in diabetes care.

 “This is a huge vote of confidence by the Federation in ADNEC’s capabilities to host major world conventions,” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO of ADNEC

“Winning the bid for IDF Congress 2017 once again reaffirms the confidence of international organisations in our unique capabilities to host events of such profound importance and magnitude. At ADNEC, we are committed to leveraging ADNEC’s status as a preferred international venue to bring more of the world’s best-attended exhibitions and events to Abu Dhabi,” he added.

 “The IDF Congress is set to be capital’s largest ever and IDF’s selection of Abu Dhabi follows a site visit of its members to the UAE capital and exhaustive meetings with representatives of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and the Health Authority Abu Dhabi,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

“Factors which supported Abu Dhabi’s contention were our variety of accommodation options, our ‘One City’ support structure, the commitment of TCA Abu Dhabi, ADNEC and HAAD, our extensive ground transportation facilities and the view of the UAE capital as a safe and affordable destination,” explained Al Shamisi.

“We believe the congress will not only deliver economic benefits to Abu Dhabi but also socio-economic benefits in raising awareness of diabetes and the lifestyle changes needed to control it in a country which has a high prevalence of diabetes among its population.”

Supported by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi prevailed over a number of well-known cities to host the IDF Congress 2017.

 “The biennial IDF Congress addresses issues facing what has become one of the most challenging health problems in the 21st century, namely the rapidly increasing number of people with diabetes worldwide, the number of adults with undiagnosed diabetes and the lack of optimal management leading to increase in morbidity and early mortality” according to Dr Shaukat Sadikot, IDF President.

Launched in 1952, the event is held in different locations around the world and features interactive sessions, seminars and workshops to examine international best practices, advanced diabetic care, prevention and treatment methods and technologies, as well as access to medicines, and education and awareness.

“IDF Congress is unique because of the complexity and scope of the diabetes topics that are covered. It is a truly international meeting that provides basis for interaction and learning, and comprises something for everyone who has any interest in diabetes” said Prof Nam Han Cho, Programme Committee Chair at IDF Congress 2017.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre comprises integrated venues offering a total of 133,000 sq m of inter-connected floor space. Its expansive facilities allow ADNEC to host indoor, outdoor and marine events simultaneously. Equipped with modern facilities and built to international standards, the venue attracted 1.8 million people across 369 events in 2015. In addition to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC also owns and operates ExCeL London, Al Ain Convention Centre (AACC), Capital Gate, and Capital Centre.  

The health industry is one of 12 sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic diversification plan targeted by the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, and this latest conference win is the culmination of targeted efforts to attract conferences, congress and association meetings from the medical sector following the previous successful staging of the World Ophthalmology Congress in 2012 and World Conference on Tobacco or Health in 2015.