Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Medical Association (EMA) and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in a landmark initiative that is set to further establish Abu Dhabi as a thriving international medical meetings hub.

The MoU aims to increase the number of international medical conferences hosted in Abu Dhabi, and foster a collaborative environment of lucrative and productive educational opportunities for medical practitioners throughout the region.

“This agreement is conducive to Abu Dhabi’s role as a primary destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions throughout the region,” said HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, TCA Abu Dhabi Director General.

“The partnership will allow us to continue to advance our strategic objective in promoting Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for high quality healthcare services, knowledge and events alongside our valued colleagues, enhancing our established reputation as a global knowledge hub,” he added.

The agreement will herald a new wave of opportunities for international events hosted within the emirate.

“In partnering with Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and the Emirates Medical Association, ADNEC seeks to increase the number of scientific and medical conferences to grow the direct and indirect impact from business tourism on the economy of Abu Dhabi. The benefits to Abu Dhabi extend beyond economic impact however, as there will be an increased exposure to global thought leaders thereby helping the emirate emerge as a knowledge hub in healthcare sector. In addition this initiative will enhance the opportunity to showcase the investment and advances in healthcare in Abu Dhabi,” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO, ADNEC.

“We also aim to leverage our state-of-the-art infrastructure and expansive facilities to bring knowledge and technology to Abu Dhabi and in doing so, we will continue to contribute to the long-term revenue growth of the Abu Dhabi Government through facilitating further expansion in the specialised conferences and congress sector,” he added.

The memorandum will ensure that medical experts in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE are well informed of the opportunities and support networks available for their industry.

Dr Mouza Al Sharhan, President of the Emirates Medical Association said: “This MOU is a winning proposition for the three parties and will also have a positive impact on UAE’s economy. We are delighted to have forged partnership with ADNEC and Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, and together we will play a part in growing the UAE’s role as a knowledge hub, developing Abu Dhabi as a destination in the world by attracting the international, regional and local medical conferences. The UAE is already a top destination in the Middle East for quality healthcare services. When high-profile international health-related congresses are hosted here local practitioners get unprecedented access to the top professionals and latest developments in their field.”

Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau drives the emirate's business events objectives. The bureau is a dedicated, one-stop entity which supports the growth of exhibitions, conferences, meetings and incentives within the emirate by forging closer links with the industry and providing administrative support to these partnerships.